Finance & Budget Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Coordination Office (UNDCO) was established to enhance the effectiveness of the UN's development system. It aims to support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensure that the UN is fit for purpose in delivering on these ambitious goals. The organization operates globally, with a focus on strengthening the Resident Coordinator (RC) system and Development Coordination Office (DCO) capacities. The DCO plays a crucial role in coordinating UN activities at the country level and across borders, ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently and effectively. The UN is committed to gender balance and diversity within its workforce, encouraging applications from all qualified individuals.

Job Overview:
The Finance & Budget Officer position is integral to the financial management and budgetary processes within the United Nations Development Coordination Office. The incumbent will be responsible for budget preparation and administration, ensuring compliance with legislative mandates and organizational policies. This role requires a deep understanding of financial principles and practices, as well as the ability to analyze data and provide insights for decision-making. The officer will support managers in resource allocation, monitor budget implementation, and ensure that expenditures remain within authorized levels. The position also involves liaising with accounting units and preparing financial reports for donors, making it essential for the officer to maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant guidelines and regulations. The role is designed for a professional who can work independently and collaboratively, contributing to the overall mission of the UN in promoting sustainable development and effective resource management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance & Budget Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Reviewing and analyzing data for budget proposals, ensuring compliance with the medium-term plan and legislative mandates.
• Supporting managers in the elaboration of resource requirements for budget submissions.
• Monitoring the integrity of financial databases and implementing necessary updates.
• Issuing allotments and monitoring budget implementation, recommending reallocations as necessary.
• Administering extra-budgetary resources and ensuring compliance with established policies.
• Preparing documentation for budget performance submissions and finalizing budget performance reports.
• Coordinating the preparation of financial reports for donors and liaising with accounting units for grant creation.
• Keeping abreast of documents and guidelines affecting program budgets and analyzing data to identify trends.
• Developing training materials to enhance client service delivery within the unit. 1
• Performing other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong foundation in financial principles and practices, with the ability to conduct independent research and analysis. Professionalism is key, as the officer will be expected to demonstrate competence and efficiency in meeting commitments and deadlines. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Additionally, candidates should have a commitment to gender perspectives and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Strong analytical skills and the ability to convey information effectively to management are essential for success in this position.

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. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable, indicating a strong foundation in analytical skills and financial management.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in finance, administration, budget, or business administration is required. Candidates should have experience using finance and budgeting modules in Umoja or similar Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERP). Additionally, two or more years of experience in data analytics or a related area is desirable, along with knowledge of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). This experience will enable the officer to effectively manage financial resources and contribute to the UN's mission.

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 also a working language of the United Nations Secretariat, and proficiency in French is considered an asset. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both languages, as this will enhance collaboration within the diverse UN environment.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term limited position with an initial appointment period of one year, subject to the availability of funds and budgetary approval. The position may be renewed based on the continued existence of the mandate and funding availability. The UN encourages applications from female candidates and is committed to achieving gender balance within its staff. Internal candidates will retain their current appointment status if selected for this position. The UN Secretariat is a non-smoking environment, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request. All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the job opening is posted.