Finance and Budget Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is a regional arm of the United Nations established to promote economic and social development in Africa. ECA's mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa, informed by the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 206

• The organization operates with a focus on advancing its position as a premier knowledge institution, developing macroeconomic and structural policy options, designing innovative financing models, contributing to regional challenges, and advocating Africa's position at the global level. ECA has a significant presence across various African countries, working collaboratively with member states and regional organizations to address the continent's challenges and opportunities. The organization is committed to gender equality and inclusivity in its workforce, striving for a balanced representation of women and men in all aspects of its work.

Job Overview:
The Finance and Budget Assistant position is located in the Chief’s Office within the Finance and Budget Section of the Administration & Conference Management Division at the Economic Commission for Africa. The role primarily involves providing support in budget preparation, analysis, and management, ensuring compliance with UN financial regulations. The assistant will work closely with the Chief and other finance staff to manage multiple clients, prepare budget documents, monitor expenditures, and assist in the preparation of budget performance reports. The position requires a proactive approach to financial management, with a focus on delivering quality services to clients and ensuring efficient resource utilization. The Finance and Budget Assistant will also be responsible for maintaining financial databases, conducting research, and providing technical support on budgetary matters, contributing to the overall financial health of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance and Budget Assistant will undertake a variety of duties, including but not limited to:

• Supporting the review, analysis, and preparation of the medium-term plan and Annual Business Plan, including their revisions.
• Preparing supporting documents for cost estimates and budget proposals, ensuring accuracy in staff and non-staff requirements.
• Assisting in the preparation of the annual programme budget for all sources of funds.
• Monitoring and reporting on the regular budget for the assigned portfolio, ensuring compliance with approved budgets.
• Providing technical support on Umoja funds management issues and other budgetary matters.
• Conducting research and supporting higher-level Finance & Budget Officers in budget reviews.
• Monitoring expenditures, preparing adjustments as necessary, and reviewing requisitions for goods and services.
• Assisting in the preparation of budget performance submissions and reports, analyzing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures.
• Ensuring the integrity of financial databases and verifying the accuracy of input data. 1
• Coordinating with other finance and budget staff on related issues during budget report preparation. 1
• Conducting periodic reconciliation of General Ledger accounts and preparing requests for fund redeployment. 1
• Liaising with DITMS on digitization and automation projects. 1
• Producing regular and ad-hoc budget reports using Business Intelligence tools. 1
• Drafting reports and memos for clients and committees, and analyzing data to identify budget trends. 1
• Keeping up-to-date with relevant documents and guidelines to ensure compliance with UN policies. 1
• Assisting with data collection, analysis, and preparation of presentations and reports for knowledge management and decision-making. 1
• Performing other budget and administrative duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A post-secondary certificate in finance or accounting is desirable, while a university degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related fields is considered an advantage. The role requires a strong understanding of financial rules and regulations within the UN environment, as well as the ability to analyze and interpret financial data effectively. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, client orientation, and technological awareness, with a commitment to gender equality in the workplace.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. A post-secondary certificate in a related functional area such as finance or accounting is desirable. A university degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related fields is advantageous and may reduce the required years of experience for candidates.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of seven years of experience in finance, budget, accounting, administrative services, or a related area. Experience with SAP-Umoja, BI reporting, and Umoja Analytics is required. For candidates with a first-level university degree or higher, the minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to five years. Experience in budgeting and analyzing financial reports is desirable, as is familiarity with UN Financial Rules and Regulations.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, proficiency in English is required, while knowledge of French is considered desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a minimum level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages according to the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for an initial period of six months, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability. The appointment is classified as General Temporary Assistance (GTA). The position is subject to local recruitment, and applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations at the duty station. Selected candidates from outside the duty station will be responsible for relocation expenses. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be assigned to various functions in accordance with established rules. The recruitment process is free of charge, and the United Nations does not request any fees from applicants.