Director Of Administration

Join to apply for the Director Of Administration role at Union for the Mediterranean . Reports to: Deputy Secretary General – Administration. Divisions / Department: Administration Department – Finance, Corporate and Support Services (CSS), Contracts and Procurement, IT. Staff Category and Conditions: Contracted Staff as per Staff Regulations and Implementing Rules. Post Classification: CS1.2, Step 1. Gross Salary: 87,040 Euros. Deadline for Applications: 3 December **** (midnight, European time, GMT+1). Summary: The Director of Administration is responsible for the overall leadership and effective performance of the Administration Department, ensuring compliance with accounting systems, financial and procurement processes, and reporting mechanisms at the highest standards of accuracy and transparency. The role provides strategic leadership to the department's core functions – Finance, CSS, Contracts and Procurement, and Information Technology – and reports directly to the Deputy Secretary General of Administration. The Director is a member of the UfM Management Committee. Primary Responsibilities Lead the development, implementation and monitoring of comprehensive financial strategies, policies and procedures in line with organizational goals, EU financial regulations, international accounting standards (e.g., IPSAS) and donor requirements. Oversee all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, accounting, treasury management, payroll and procurement. Provide strategic financial analysis and advice to support informed decision-making and resource allocation. Define the department's work programme in collaboration with the various units, ensuring alignment with the UfM strategy. Ensure the department has the appropriate resources and people to implement its activities and achieve organizational goals. Oversee the organization's financial management, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and integrity in all accounting operations. Ensure the implementation of agile processes and digital tools within the department, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Drive continuous improvement of financial workflows, procedures, and systems to maintain operational excellence; act as the Accounting Officer. Ensure the IT infrastructure and up-to-date technology meet the organization's needs, managing ICT operations including system maintenance, infrastructure management, helpdesk coordination, and security. Ensure the CSS Unit provides agile support to all departments and divisions in logistics, event coordination, mission management, and facility operations, maintaining a functional and safe workplace. Report regularly to the Secretary General on the implementation status of ongoing projects. Actively participate in the Management Committee and provide all required information and input. Carry out any other duties assigned by the Deputy Secretary General, including representing them in meetings and conferences, preparing notes, talking points, or speeches. Ensure performance management of teams (Finance, CSS, Contracts and Procurement, IT), setting objectives for direct reports and evaluating their contributions to departmental goals. Motivate and support team development by promoting training and professional growth opportunities within the organization. Act as a driver of change within the organization. Academic Background Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics or any related fields. Professional Accounting Qualification ACCAs, CIMA, CPA, Certified Public Accountant or other relevant qualifications is highly desirable. Professional Requirements Minimum of 10 years of professional experience, of which at least 8 years in management roles relevant to the duties described above. Demonstrated experience in managing administrative services, including budget responsibility, with a strong grasp of institutional governance and internal control frameworks, in managing complex budgets and financial reporting for institutional donors. Experience with audit management and risk assessment. Proven in-depth technical knowledge of accounting principles and procedures (e.g., Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), including oversight of accounting systems, validation of financial processes, accounting policies and preparation of financial statements. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to represent the organization at senior levels and engage effectively with institutional stakeholders. Strong analytical and decision‐making skills, ability to assess complex financial data and support high‑quality financial reporting and decision‑making. Experience working in EU institutions or agencies, familiarity with EU financial systems, programme structures and financial management standards (highly desirable). Leadership and people‑management skills: ability to give directions, take decisions, manage and motivate people effectively. Planning and organisational skills. Service‑oriented and results‑driven attitude. High level of resilience and confidentiality. Additional Desirable Experience and Competencies Knowledge and/or work experience in Mediterranean countries is an advantage. Languages Skills Requirements Excellent knowledge of English (speaking and writing) and another UfM language (French, Spanish or Arabic) — minimum requirement. Desirable: other Euro‑Mediterranean languages. Application Process Submission of applications: Complete the online application form and include: Detailed curriculum vitae in English (PDF only). File name must include your name (e.g., 'Name Surname–CV'). Motivation letter in English (PDF only), including a clear mention of the applied profile and full postal address. File name must include your name (e.g., 'Name Surname–cover letter'). Do not send additional supporting documents at this stage. Submission deadline: 3 December **** (midnight, European time, GMT+1). Selection Process: Candidates will be assessed on experience, education and required skills. Eligible candidates will undergo a competency‑based interview and may also be requested to take technical tests. Conditions: The Secretariat reserves the right to appoint the selected candidate at a lower grade or step than advertised. Protection of personal data – Privacy notice: The UfM Secretariat processes personal data with confidentiality for the selection procedure. Candidates give explicit consent by submitting their applications. For queries, contact ******. Seniority level: Director Employment type: Full‑time Job function: Management and Manufacturing Industries: International Affairs Ref.: #J-*****-Ljbffr #J-18808-Ljbffr