Programme Budget Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is a global organization dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of every child. Established in 1946, UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, working tirelessly to ensure that all children have access to essential services such as health care, education, and protection from violence and exploitation. The organization focuses on the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, advocating for their rights and striving to eliminate inequities in society. UNICEF's mission is guided by the principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which emphasizes the importance of equity and the need to address the disparities that affect children's lives. With a workforce of approximately 20,000 employees worldwide, UNICEF is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment that reflects the communities it serves.

Job Overview:
The Programme Budget Specialist (P3) position is a critical role within UNICEF, responsible for overseeing the financial aspects of program management. Reporting directly to the Chief of Planning, Monitoring, and Reporting (PMR), the specialist will track, analyze, and report on income and expenditures, including donor contributions. This position requires a strong focus on the governance of the office, ensuring that all financial activities align with UNICEF's mission and objectives. The specialist will collaborate with various stakeholders, including headquarters, regional offices, and country offices, to develop strategies related to contribution and budget management. Additionally, the role involves capacity building for UNICEF Nigeria Country Office, ensuring that staff are equipped with the necessary skills to manage contributions effectively. The position is a stretch assignment lasting three months, from January 2 to March 31, 2026, and aims to enhance the financial management capabilities of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Budget Specialist will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Coordinating the conduct of periodic country programme affordability analyses in collaboration with relevant sections and field offices to ensure financial sustainability.
• Building the capacity of staff on contribution management through training and development initiatives.
• Overseeing the monitoring of the country programme budget planning, ensuring that funds are allocated appropriately and utilized effectively.
• Monitoring cost distribution and payroll management to ensure compliance with donor conditions and organizational policies.
• Developing a methodology and mechanism for the periodic updating of the Country Programme, ensuring that it reflects current financial realities.
• Institutionalizing affordability analyses at both the Country Programme and Field Office levels to enhance financial decision-making.
• Creating a capacity-building plan on contribution management, including delivering at least two webinars during the assignment.
• Updating the Country Programme Budget Plan and ensuring that funds are allocated for monitoring in 202
• Establishing a payroll management structure for 2026, particularly focusing on the assignment of cost distribution with appropriate funding sources. 1
• Collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure that financial reporting is accurate and timely, contributing to the overall governance of the office.

Required Qualifications:
To be eligible for the Programme Budget Specialist position, candidates must meet the following qualifications:

• All Fixed-Term, Permanent, or continuing appointment UNICEF staff members are eligible to apply.
• Advanced University degree in Business Administration, Finance and Accounting, General Administration, Development Studies, Statistics, Social Sciences, or any other relevant field of discipline.
• A minimum of five years of relevant professional work experience in programme management and budgeting, with a strong understanding of financial processes and reporting.
• Work experience in an international organization in a relevant area is considered an asset.
• Familiarity with EU financial reporting is also an asset.
• Proficiency in the use of office software, particularly advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.
• Experience with SAP is required, as it is essential for managing financial data and reporting.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Finance and Accounting, General Administration, Development Studies, Statistics, Social Sciences, or any other discipline that provides a strong foundation for financial management and analysis. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of budget management and financial reporting within the context of UNICEF's operations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional work experience in programme management and budgeting. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing financial processes, analyzing budgets, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies and donor requirements. Experience working in international organizations, particularly in roles related to financial reporting and management, is highly valued. Familiarity with EU financial reporting standards is considered an asset, as it demonstrates the candidate's ability to navigate complex financial regulations. Additionally, candidates should have experience in using office software, particularly advanced spreadsheet and database management tools, as well as proficiency in SAP for financial data management.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both verbal and written, is mandatory for this position. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively in English, as it is the primary language of communication within UNICEF and is essential for reporting and collaboration with international stakeholders. While fluency in other languages may be beneficial, it is not explicitly required for this role.

Additional Notes:
This position is a temporary development opportunity, and there will be no changes to the staff member's status, including position number or level. The assignment is for a duration of three months, from January 2 to March 31, 202

• The Office will cover the cost of economy class travel and provide 100% of the UN Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) rate during the first two weeks of the assignment, followed by 50% DSA for the remaining time. Interested UNICEF staff members are encouraged to discuss this opportunity with their supervisors and seek management approval before applying. Candidates who are considered potentially well-matched for the stretch assignment will be contacted for an informal interview, and supervisors may also be contacted for references.