Chief of Unit, Finance and Budget
Organizational Context
This position is within the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), based in Nicosia. The Chief of Unit, Finance and Budget reports directly to the Chief of Mission Support (CMS) or their designate, playing a key role in the mission's financial operations and administration.
Job Purpose
The Chief of Unit, Finance and Budget is responsible for ensuring the effective financial administration of the mission, adhering to UN Financial Regulations and Rules. This includes supporting annual budget development, preparing cost estimates, and managing budget performance reports. The role involves administering allotments, monitoring budgetary resources for efficient use, and managing extra-budgetary funds. The position also entails preparing financial reports for senior management and stakeholders, implementing robust management reporting, advising on organizational performance, and coordinating financial activities with service providers. Furthermore, the role ensures accurate accounting, reporting, and internal controls, manages responses to audits, and leads the finance and budget unit staff, fostering their development.
Responsibilities
Ensures effective financial administration and provides authoritative advice on UN Financial Regulations and Rules. Supports annual budget development, including cost estimates and proposals for staff and non-staff requirements, and finalizes budget proposals with Result Based Budgeting inputs. Plans and oversees budget performance reports, ensuring compliance and analyzing variances. Administers mission allotments, including redeployment and reallocation of funds. Monitors budget utilization for efficient resource use and provides guidance to managers. Manages and monitors extra-budgetary resources, ensuring compliance with regulations. Prepares financial reports for mission management, stakeholders, and UNHQ. Implements strong management reporting and business intelligence for budgetary and performance management. Advises on organizational performance and coordinates monitoring and reporting against targets. Ensures financial accounts are maintained, monitored, and certified, and that accounting, reporting, and internal control systems are functional. Manages responses to audit findings and recommendations. Acts as Secretary to the mission's resource stewardship executive group. Manages unit staff, including planning, assigning responsibilities, and fostering professional development.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressive experience in finance, administration, budget, or business administration is required. Essential experience includes applying budgetary policies and financial regulations in an international organization, using ERP financial systems (e.g., SAP), and managing budgets in a field-mission environment. Experience in preparing financial statements and managing operational resources, including personnel, is also required. Experience in developing administrative policies and procedures, and in preparing financial reports and presentations, is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism in budget development and financial administration; ability to formulate strategies; knowledge of RBB and IPSAS; familiarity with UN financial policies and ERP systems; strong communication, planning, organizing, and decision-making skills; ability to manage staff and foster development.