Finance and Budget Officer
Organizational Context
This Finance and Budget Officer position is based in Libreville within the Office of the Chief of Mission Support for Central Africa and the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA). The role reports to the Chief of Mission Support, contributing to effective financial and resource management.
Job Purpose
The Finance and Budget Officer provides expert advice and management on finance and budget matters, including planning, Results-Based Budgeting (RBB), expenditure control, and performance management. The role ensures accurate translation of legislative mandates into program budgets. Key responsibilities include approving obligations and expenditures, guiding management on UN financial rules and policies, and coordinating audit responses. The officer manages accounts, verifies financial statements, scrutinizes transactions, and maintains internal controls. Additionally, the role oversees fund management, payment processing, cash flow forecasting, and budget preparation and administration, ensuring compliance with UN regulations and IPSAS standards. The position plays a crucial role in guiding the finance unit's functions within a small office setting.
Responsibilities
The Finance and Budget Officer provides strategic advice to management on finance, budget, and resource management, including RBB, expenditure control, and performance evaluation. Responsibilities include approving all obligations and expenditures in compliance with UN financial regulations, and advising management on financial policies. The role involves coordinating responses to audits and developing Standard Operating Procedures. In accounts management, duties include verifying monthly closings, financial statements, and transactions, scrutinizing source documents, maintaining internal controls, investigating discrepancies, and approving obligations. Fund management encompasses monitoring payments, cash flow forecasting, and managing receipts and deposits. Budget responsibilities include supporting budget preparation, analyzing cost estimates, and preparing budget performance reports. The officer also administers extra-budgetary resources, oversees IPSAS and Umoja implementation, leads training sessions, and supervises subordinate staff.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressive professional experience in finance, budget, administration, or related fields is required. Experience in leading a finance section within an international organization (e.g., UN peacekeeping, NGOs) and in budgetary/financial administration within the UN common system or a similar international environment is also required.
Skills
Professionalism, Communication, Planning & Organizing, Accountability, Client Orientation, Financial principles and practices, Research and analysis, Results-Based Budgeting (RBB), Financial regulations and rules, IPSAS, Umoja.