Senior Finance and Budget Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Trust Funds Management Section (TFMS) of the Finance Division (FD) at the Office of Programme Planning, Finance and Budget (OPPFB), which is part of the Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC) of the United Nations. The organization is dedicated to ensuring effective financial management of voluntary contributions and the utilization of these funds for global support of extra-budgetary entities. The TFMS is responsible for preparing various financial reports, including IPSAS-compliant financial statements and managerial reports related to trust funds and programme support funds. The section also monitors over 146 trust funds' revenue, expenditures, and cash flows, and supports inter-agency processes, including funding to Implementing Partners (IPs).

Job Overview:
The Senior Finance and Budget Assistant plays a crucial role in the financial management and budgetary processes of the United Nations. This position involves reporting to the Head of the unit or a Finance and Budget Officer and requires a deep understanding of financial regulations and procedures within the UN environment. The assistant will be responsible for reviewing and analyzing budget proposals, preparing financial reports, and ensuring compliance with legislative mandates. The role also includes monitoring budget implementation, analyzing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures, and providing support for various financial databases. The position demands a high level of professionalism, teamwork, and the ability to manage complex financial transactions and accounting processes. The assistant will also be involved in training staff and providing guidance on financial matters, making it essential to have strong communication and organizational skills.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Finance and Budget Assistant will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Budget Management: Reviewing and analyzing programme plans, assisting in the finalization of budget proposals, monitoring budget implementation, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
• analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Financial Analysis: Analyzing complex accounting transactions, reconciling investments, and preparing financial statements.
• Reporting: Assisting in the preparation of budget performance submissions and finalizing budget performance reports.
• Database Management: Monitoring the integrity of financial databases and ensuring accuracy in data input.
• Training and Guidance: Providing training to staff on financial processes and supervising general service staff as required.
• General Duties: Keeping up to date with financial regulations, drafting correspondence, and assisting with data analysis and presentations. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across various departments.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A first-level university degree or higher is preferred, which can reduce the required work experience from ten years to eight years. Candidates should have extensive knowledge of financial rules and regulations, particularly in the UN context, and demonstrate the ability to analyze and interpret financial data. Strong organizational skills and the ability to work under pressure are essential. Candidates should also have experience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems such as Oracle or SAP, and familiarity with financial and grant management modules is highly desirable.

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 be given preference, as this can reduce the required years of relevant experience. A background in finance, accounting, or a related field is advantageous and may enhance a candidate's application.

Experience:
Candidates are required to have a minimum of ten years of experience in finance, budget, accounting, or administrative services. This requirement is reduced to eight years for those with a first-level university degree or higher. Relevant experience must include reviewing complex financial transactions, preparing financial statements, and managing budget processes. Experience with financial and grant management modules of ERP systems is essential, and familiarity with data analytics is desirable. Candidates should also have experience in preparing interagency reconciliation reports and creating user guidance for finance and budget processes.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as French, is considered an advantage and may enhance a candidate's competitiveness for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is funded from extra-budgetary resources and is subject to the availability of funds and budgetary approval. The appointment is for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of extension based on the availability of the post. The United Nations is committed to diversity and encourages applications from women and candidates from diverse backgrounds. The recruitment process is conducted in accordance with the principles of equality and non-discrimination, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that candidates must be residing in the country or within commuting distance of the office. Staff members recruited locally are not eligible for international recruitment benefits.