Director Of Administration

Job Title
Director of the Administration Department

Reference Number
UfM/FT/*******

Reports To
Deputy Secretary General - Administration

Division / 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

Application Deadline
17 November **** (midnight, European time, GMT+1)

Summary
The Director of Administration is responsible for overall leadership and effective performance of the Administration Department, ensuring that accounting systems, financial and procurement processes, and reporting mechanisms meet the highest standards of accuracy, compliance, and transparency in line with institutional regulations and delegated authorities.

The Director provides strategic leadership to the department's core functions—Finance, Central Support Services (CSS), Contracts and Procurement, and Information Technology—ensuring that each team delivers professional, efficient, and mission-aligned support services across the UfM.

The Director reports directly to the Deputy Secretary General of Administration and 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 in accordance with applicable regulations and internal governance frameworks.

Ensure implementation of agile processes and digital tools within the department, fostering a culture of continuous improvement to effectively support the organization's activities.

Drive continuous improvement of financial workflows, procedures, and systems to maintain operational excellence; act as the Accounting Officer.

Ensure that the IT infrastructure and up-to-date technology meet the organization's needs, and that the ICT operations activities (maintenance of information systems, management of the infrastructure, helpdesk coordination, security coordination) are implemented.

Ensure that the CSS Unit provides agile support to all departments and divisions in logistics, event coordination, mission management, and facility operations, ensuring a functional and safe workplace.

Report regularly to the Secretary General, including 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, and any other tasks within the scope of your competencies.

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
QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics or any related fields.

Professional accounting qualification (e.g. ACCA, CIMA, CPA, Certified Public Accountant) 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.

Management: 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.

Accounting Expertise: 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, ensuring compliance with applicable accounting standards and institutional rules.

Communication & Institutional Representation: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to represent the organisation at senior levels, engage effectively with institutional stakeholders, and promote a culture of accountability and service excellence.

Analytical & Decision-Making Skills: Strong ability to assess complex financial data, exercise sound judgment, support high-quality financial reporting and decision-making.

Institutional & EU Financial Knowledge (Highly desirable): Experience working in EU institutions or Agencies, with familiarity in EU financial systems, programme structures, and financial management standards.

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 both resilience and confidentiality.

Additional Desirable Experience And Competencies
Knowledge and/or work experience in Mediterranean countries is an advantage.

Languages Skills Requirements
Minimum Requirements: Excellent knowledge of English (speaking and writing) and another UfM Language (French, Spanish or Arabic).

Desirable: Knowledge of other Euro-Mediterranean languages would be an asset.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Submission Of Applications
Complete the application form on the website and include:

A detailed curriculum vitae in English (PDF only) with a file name that includes your name (e.g., "Name Surname–CV").

A motivation letter in English (PDF only) with a file name that includes your name (e.g., "Name Surname–cover letter").

Submission Deadline
17 November **** (midnight, European time, GMT+1).

Selection Process
Eligible candidates will undergo a competency-based interview and may also involve technical tests.

Conditions
The Secretariat reserves the right to appoint the selected candidate at a lower grade and/or step than advertised based on qualifications and experiences.

PROTECTION OF PERSONAL DATA - PRIVACY NOTICE

The UfM Secretariat will ensure personal data are processed with great care and confidentiality.

Data are processed solely for the recruitment procedure and may be obtained voluntarily; failure to provide requested information excludes the candidate from the process.

By submitting a candidature, candidates consent to data processing under the applicable data protection regulations.

Queries about data processing should be directed to: ******.

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Management and Manufacturing

Industries

International Affairs