Planning Specialist (Budget & Finance)
Organizational Context
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. We are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.
Job Purpose
The Planning Specialist (Budget & Finance) serves as the Office of Innovation's (OOI) focal point for integrated planning, budget, grant, and financial performance management within a complex HQ office that operates across multiple teams, funding streams, and partnerships. Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Specialist provides professional technical and operational support in planning, budgeting, grant management, and financial monitoring. This role is crucial for coordinating the preparation, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of office plans and resources, ensuring accurate financial data in corporate systems, and providing analytical insights and recommendations to management. The incumbent will also advise on planning, budget, and grant-related matters, identify emerging issues and risks, and ensure timely follow-up for effective implementation and reporting.
Responsibilities
Coordinate the preparation, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of office plans and resources, including monitoring budget and grant utilization. Ensure the accuracy and completeness of financial information in VISION and other corporate systems. Prepare analysis, recommendations, and reports for management on financial performance and planning matters. Provide advice and recommendations on planning, budget, and grant-related issues. Identify emerging issues and risks related to financial planning and budget execution. Coordinate timely follow-up actions to ensure effective implementation and reporting of financial activities. Support integrated planning processes across multiple teams, funding streams, and partnerships within the Office of Innovation. Assist in the development and management of budgets, including forecasting and variance analysis. Monitor grant utilization and ensure compliance with donor requirements and internal policies. Contribute to financial reporting to internal and external stakeholders. Collaborate with various teams and stakeholders to ensure alignment between programmatic goals and financial resources. Support the Operations Manager in financial oversight and decision-making processes. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of financial management best practices and UNICEF's financial policies and procedures.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in planning, budget management, financial management, programme monitoring, grant management, audit, or a closely related area is required. Experience in a UN system agency, international organization, or comparably complex organization is desirable. Experience with results-based management, annual planning, and performance-review processes is also desirable.
Skills
Budget Management, Financial Management, Grant Management, Financial Analysis, Data Analytics, Financial Reporting, Results-Based Management, Excel Proficiency, ERP Systems, Business Intelligence Platforms, Stakeholder Coordination, Financial Oversight