Finance and Budget Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Department of Operational Support (DOS) was established to provide comprehensive operational support, advisory services, and solutions to various operating entities across the United Nations Secretariat. The DOS aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the UN's operations by ensuring that all departments, offices away from headquarters, peace operations, and regional commissions receive the necessary administrative support. The Division of Administration, located in New York, plays a crucial role in this mission by offering a range of administrative functions, including human resources, budget management, finance, general administration, and facility management. The OneEO Client Desk 1, which is part of this division, specifically supports the DOS, the Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC), and the Office of Information and Communications Technology (OICT). It also provides administrative assistance to various liaison offices of the United Nations, including those focused on drug control, desertification, and training. The DOS operates globally, ensuring that financial operational services are accessible to all UN entities.

Job Overview:
The Finance and Budget Assistant position is integral to the operations of the OneEO Client Desk 1 within the DOS. The role involves a variety of financial and administrative tasks aimed at supporting the budgetary and financial processes of the United Nations. The Finance and Budget Assistant will be responsible for monitoring both assessed and extra-budgetary resources, ensuring compliance with established regulations and policies. This position requires the preparation of supporting documents for budget proposals, assisting managers in resource requirement elaboration, and conducting research to support higher-level finance officers during budget reviews. The assistant will also monitor budget utilization, propose necessary adjustments, and reconcile complex accounting transactions. The role demands a proactive approach to maintaining financial databases and preparing customized reports, as well as ensuring the integrity of financial data. The Finance and Budget Assistant will also be involved in training and supervising other general service staff, contributing to knowledge management and decision-making processes within the department.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance and Budget Assistant will undertake a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: monitoring assessed and extra-budgetary resources, reviewing agreements and cost plans, and ensuring compliance with UN regulations. The assistant will assist in preparing supporting documents for budget proposals, help managers in resource requirement elaboration, and conduct research to support budget reviews. Responsibilities also include monitoring budget utilization, proposing adjustments, reconciling complex accounting transactions, and reviewing requisitions for goods and services. The assistant will develop resource requirements for budget submissions, finalize budget performance reports, and analyze variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures. Additionally, the role involves maintaining financial databases, preparing customized reports, and ensuring data accuracy. The Finance and Budget Assistant will coordinate with other finance staff, conduct transactions in Umoja, and keep up-to-date with relevant documents and guidelines. The position may also require providing guidance and training to other staff members and assisting with data collection and analysis for presentations and reports.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A minimum of seven years of experience in finance, budget, accounting, or administrative services is required. This experience requirement is reduced to five years for candidates with a first-level university degree or higher. Additionally, at least one year of experience in data analytics or related areas is necessary. Proficiency in information technology programs related to spreadsheets, databases, and word processing is also required, along with experience in reviewing cost plans and budget formulation.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. However, candidates with a first-level university degree or higher will have a reduced experience requirement, highlighting the importance of formal education in finance or a related field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in finance, budget, accounting, or administrative services. For candidates with a first-level university degree or higher, this requirement is reduced to five years. Additionally, candidates must have at least one year of experience in data analytics or related fields, demonstrating the need for a solid background in financial analysis and reporting.

Languages:
English is the mandatory working language for this position, with a required proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is considered a desirable language, with a recommended proficiency level of UN Level I. This bilingual requirement reflects the working environment of the United Nations, where multiple languages are utilized.

Additional Notes:
This position is financed by the Support Account for Peace Operations for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of renewal subject to the availability of funds. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its recruitment process, encouraging applications from candidates of all backgrounds. The position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that candidates must be located within commuting distance of the office in New York. Staff members recruited locally are not eligible for international recruitment benefits. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. All applicants must adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, and any violations of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law or misconduct may disqualify candidates from consideration.