Senior Budget Assistant
Organizational Context
The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) aims to deliver transformative ideas and actions for Africa, guided by the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063. The Administration and Conference Management Division (ACMD) manages the Commission's resources, facilities, and services. This Senior Budget Assistant role is within the Budget Unit of the Finance and Budget Section, reporting to the Head of the Unit and a Finance and Budget Officer.
Job Purpose
The Senior Budget Assistant supports the effective and efficient management of financial resources within the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). This role is crucial for budget formulation, including reviewing programme plans and cost estimates, and ensuring compliance with legislative mandates. The position also involves assisting managers in elaborating resource requirements. In budget monitoring, the assistant tracks implementation and expenditures, reviews requisitions, and monitors extra-budgetary resources. Furthermore, the role contributes to financial control and compliance by analysing transactions, reconciling accounts, auditing financial activities, and preparing financial statements. The position also involves providing guidance and training to staff on financial processes and systems, and supervising general service staff as needed.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include budget formulation, involving the review and analysis of programme plans and cost estimates, ensuring compliance with mandates, and assisting managers with resource requirements. Budget monitoring entails researching and supporting budget reviews, preparing allotments, monitoring expenditures, recommending fund reallocations, reviewing requisitions for accuracy and fund availability, and overseeing extra-budgetary resources. The role also involves assisting in the preparation and finalization of budget performance reports, analysing variances, and maintaining the integrity of financial databases. Financial control and compliance activities include analysing complex transactions, reconciling accounts, auditing financial activities like payroll and travel claims, and approving payment vouchers. Additionally, the Senior Budget Assistant provides guidance and training on financial processes and systems, supervises other general service staff, and responds to queries from auditors and staff.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in finance, accounting, or administrative services is required. Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems, proficiency in spreadsheet and database applications, and experience in results-based budgeting are desirable.
Skills
Professionalism in applying UN financial rules and regulations; ability to extract, interpret, and analyse financial data; problem-solving skills; commitment to gender equality. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. Technological awareness and ability to apply technology to tasks.