WHO Talent Pool Hiring: Finance Assistant (Accounts) X3

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The World Health Organization (WHO), in partnership with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in Lyon, France, is actively building a talent pool to hire multiple individuals for the position of Finance Assistant (Accounts) at GS‑5 and GS‑4 levels Impactpool+1. This unique initiative offers an exceptional gateway into the functioning of international public finance systems in a dynamic, mission‑driven environment.

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Purpose and Scope

As part of WHO’s finance team, Finance Assistants play a pivotal role in the accurate recording, adjustment, and analysis of financial data. The talent pool mechanism means selected candidates may be deployed to various duty stations consistent with organizational needs.

Key Responsibilities

According to the official job description, candidates are expected to perform the following duties:

Revenue & Ledger Management

Enter revenue transactions into WHO’s accounting systems, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Reconcile discrepancies through adjustment entries, maintaining ledger integrity.
Produce financial reports that reflect revenue activity to support organizational decision‑making.

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Fixed Asset Accounting

Oversee the asset register, document transfers, retirements, and post changes appropriately.
Run monthly depreciation cycles, generate and validate reports, and resolve inconsistencies.

Bank Liaison & Interest Income

Serve as a liaison with banking partners, handling inquiries and managing bank portfolios.
Track and record interest income, perform year‑end accruals, monitor rate fluctuations, and maintain detailed documentation across periods

Business Systems Integration

Back‑up colleagues during ERP system testing phases, contributing to process improvement.
Assist in translation of IARC financial documents as needed—highlighting the importance of multilingual and cross‑functional collaboration

Plus, incumbents may be assigned ad hoc tasks by supervisors that reinforce operational agility and teamwork.

Required Qualifications and Competencies

Education & Experience

GS‑4 level: Minimum 3 years of relevant experience 
GS‑5 level: Minimum 5 years of experience in similar roles, especially with ledger maintenance and accounting procedures reddit.com+5Impactpool+5UNjobs+5
Required education: Secondary school diploma plus accounting training at BTS level or equivalent. Candidates with a university degree in accounting or credentials like DCG, DSCG, familiarity with IPSAS or IFRS accounting standards are considered strong assets Impactpool.

Languages

Proficiency in English and/or French is required, with working knowledge of the other language considered essential for effective communication in a bilingual/multicultural environment Impactpool.

Core Skills

Strong capabilities in Microsoft 365, particularly Excel and Word.
Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems is advantageous.
Well‑developed organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills, with a track record of accuracy and deadline management under pressure.
Effective communicator with demonstrated ability to collaborate in multicultural teams.
Commitment to WHO’s values, integrity standards, and policies on ethical conduct; WHO/IARC is a smoke‑free employer with zero tolerance for discrimination or abusive behavior Impactpool UNjobnet+1.

Remuneration & Benefits

Monthly net salary at GS‑5 level: approximately EUR 3,766, net of personal income tax but prior to standard UN pension and insurance contributions.
GS‑4 level: around EUR 3,396 net per month.
Additional perks include generous leave policies, family allowances, comprehensive health and disability coverage, and flexible working arrangements aimed at work–life balance UNjobs+1.

Selection & Equity Commitment

WHO/IARC adheres to the highest standards of competence, integrity, and fairness in hiring. Declarations of background and professional ethics are carefully evaluated.
Recruitment drives to enhance global diversity are prioritized; candidates from under‑represented countries, women, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups are especially encouraged to apply.
Applicants who are non‑smokers are favored in alignment with WHO’s commitment to public health and a smoke‑free workplace UNjobnet UNjobs.

Why This Role Matters

A position in the Finance Assistant (Accounts) talent pool sits at the intersection of global finance and public health. Through managing revenue flows, assisting in ERP implementation, and supporting multilingual financial documentation, incumbents contribute directly to WHO’s mission of improving global health. The experience gained is a strong professional foundation for careers in international financial systems, auditing, or public sector accounting.

Ideal Candidates

The ideal candidate combines accounting expertise, attention to detail, multilingual fluency, and interpersonal adaptability. Whether you’re in early or mid‑career, this role provides exposure to international standards (e.g., IPSAS/IFRS), enterprise resource planning systems, and culturally diverse work environments.