Finance & Budget Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Executive Office, Office of Legal Affairs of the United Nations. The United Nations was established in 1945 and has a mission to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations. It operates in multiple countries around the world, with a diverse workforce dedicated to various global issues. The organization employs thousands of staff members and has a presence in numerous countries, working on a wide range of initiatives including humanitarian aid, development, and human rights.

Job Overview:
The Finance & Budget Officer will play a crucial role in the financial management and budgetary processes of the Office of Legal Affairs. This position involves preparing and finalizing budget proposals, ensuring compliance with legislative mandates, and liaising with program managers to gather necessary data. The officer will provide substantive support during budget reviews and assist in securing approvals from the General Assembly. The role also includes monitoring budget implementation, managing expenditures, and administering extra-budgetary resources. The incumbent will be responsible for drafting reports and conducting research on budgetary policies, ensuring that all financial activities align with the United Nations' regulations and procedures. This position requires a strong understanding of financial principles and the ability to develop new strategies for budget management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance & Budget Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks including: reviewing and finalizing cost estimates and budget proposals; liaising with program managers for accurate data input; providing detailed input for budget submissions; issuing allotments and authorizing sub-allotments; managing and monitoring budget implementation; ensuring expenditures remain within authorized levels; administering extra-budgetary resources; preparing budget performance submissions; analyzing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures; providing guidance and training to staff on budgetary policies; participating in inter-departmental meetings; drafting reports for intergovernmental bodies; conducting research and analysis of budgetary policies; acting as Certifying Officer under Financial Rule 110.4; ensuring the integrity of financial systems; and potentially supervising the work of assigned units or sections.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of financial and budgetary principles and practices, as well as experience in budget development and financial administration. The ability to formulate new strategies and technical approaches to budgetary matters is essential. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, client orientation, and effective planning and organizing skills. They must be able to analyze and interpret data to support decision-making and convey information effectively to management. Additionally, candidates should show a commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, finance, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of financial management and budgetary processes within the United Nations framework.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of experience in finance, administration, budgeting, or business administration is required. Candidates should have experience working with ERP systems such as SAP and leading the preparation of annual budgets in collaboration with program managers. Demonstrated proficiency in grants, projects, and fund management applications is also necessary. Experience in conducting regular budget reviews and analysis to identify potential issues early is essential, along with experience managing Trust Fund accounts, which is desirable.

Languages:
English is the required working language for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations, and while it is not mandatory for this position, proficiency in French can be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until April 30, 202

• If the selected candidate is a current staff member of the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be treated as a temporary assignment. The position may be limited to internal candidates who have been recruited through a competitive examination or selection process. Candidates who reach the mandatory age of separation during the temporary need period are not eligible to apply. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is committed to maintaining a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.