Senior Finance and Budget Assistant
Organizational Context
This Senior Finance and Budget Assistant position is within the Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC), specifically in the Office of Programme Planning, Finance and Budget (OPPFB). The role is situated within the Programme Planning and Budget Division (PPBD) and reports directly to the Head of the Unit or Section Chief.
Job Purpose
The Senior Finance and Budget Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting financial and budgetary operations within the UN Secretariat. This position involves assisting managers with budget preparation, including resource requirements and results-based budgeting. The role requires reviewing and analyzing cost estimates, budget proposals, and monitoring budget implementation to ensure compliance with legislative mandates and UN policies. The incumbent will also be responsible for managing financial databases, verifying data accuracy, and coordinating with finance and budget staff. Additionally, the position involves providing guidance and supervision to general service staff, contributing to data analysis and reporting, and preparing correspondence on financial matters.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include acting as a Certifying Officer in the absence of programme managers, reviewing and analyzing programme plans and their revisions, and assisting in the finalization of cost estimates and budget proposals for staff and non-staff requirements. The role involves supporting managers in elaborating resource needs for budget submissions and preparing results-based budgets. The incumbent will conduct research for budget reviews, provide input for allotments and fund redeployment, and monitor budget implementation, recommending reallocations as needed. Responsibilities also extend to reviewing requisitions for goods and services, monitoring extra-budgetary resources, and assisting in the preparation and finalization of budget performance reports, including variance analysis. The role includes monitoring financial databases, verifying data accuracy, and coordinating with other finance and budget staff. General duties involve staying updated on relevant guidelines, drafting correspondence, providing guidance and supervision to junior staff, and assisting with data collection, analysis, and reporting.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of experience in finance, budget, accounting, or administrative services is required. This is reduced to eight years for candidates with a first-level university degree. One year of experience in data analytics is required, along with experience in ERP system enhancements and at least three years assisting with results-based budgets in a large international setting. Experience in data analysis and presentation for diverse audiences, and direct support on budgetary issues to intergovernmental bodies, are desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, Teamwork, Planning and Organizing, data extraction, interpretation, analysis, and formatting, financial rules and regulations, budget management, database management, problem-solving, results-oriented, gender equality commitment.