Chief of Section, Finance and Budget
Organizational Context
This position is within the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in Juba, a non-family duty station. The Chief of Section, Finance and Budget reports to the Chief of Operations and Resource Management. The role is central to the Mission's overall financial management, focusing on the effective implementation of budgetary resources and financial transactions to ensure optimal use of approved funds.
Job Purpose
The Chief of Section, Finance and Budget serves as the principal advisor to UNMISS senior leadership on financial resourcing, stewardship, and organizational performance, aligning with Mission priorities and recommending innovative approaches. This role leads the Finance and Budget Section, guiding efforts towards program objectives. Key responsibilities include leading the Mission's budget development, providing strategic guidance on resourcing, preparing budget submissions, and applying results-based budgeting principles. The position also involves monitoring budgetary execution and financial performance, identifying solutions, and enhancing cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, it ensures adherence to UN Financial Regulations and Rules, manages financial accounts, oversees accounting and internal control systems, and leads responses to audit findings, ensuring accurate financial reporting and resource management.
Responsibilities
The Chief of Section, Finance and Budget acts as the primary advisor to senior leadership on financial matters, guiding the Finance and Budget Section towards program objectives. Responsibilities include leading budget development, establishing resourcing priorities, preparing budget submissions, and applying results-based budgeting. The role involves guiding resource managers in monitoring budgetary execution and financial performance, identifying issues, and proposing solutions to enhance cost-effectiveness. The Chief ensures effective financial management, provides advice on UN Financial Regulations and Rules, prepares financial models, and supports legislative review processes. Key duties also include maintaining financial accounts, certifying annual statements, ensuring robust accounting and internal control systems, and managing responses to audit findings. Performance monitoring involves ensuring strong management reporting and business intelligence for effective budgetary and performance management. Additionally, the role involves directing section activities, managing staff, representing the Mission on resource management initiatives, and serving on oversight bodies.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of progressive experience in finance, budget, administration, or related fields is required. Essential experience includes managing large, multi-functional teams, cost management, budget formulation, financial monitoring, accounting, audit, and financial reporting. Experience translating strategies into financial plans and working with legislative bodies is also required. Experience supporting international operations or working within a UN field operation in a conflict setting is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism in financial management and resource planning; strong communication and advisory skills; effective planning and organizing abilities; proven performance management and staff development capabilities; sound judgment and decision-making.