Programme Budget Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to advocate for the rights of children and to help them fulfill their potential. The organization focuses on reaching the most disadvantaged children in the world, providing them with the necessary support to survive and thrive. UNICEF Nigeria is one of the largest country offices globally, working in a complex humanitarian and development setting to protect children's rights in collaboration with the government, civil society, and families. The mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, ensuring that all children have equal opportunities to develop and reach their full potential, free from discrimination and bias. The organization emphasizes equity, aiming to address the needs of the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, thereby contributing to the overall growth and stability of countries.

Job Overview:
The Programme Budget Specialist will play a crucial role in UNICEF Nigeria by providing technical support to enhance the culture of results-based program budgeting. This position involves tracking, analyzing, and reporting on income and expenditures, including donor contributions. The specialist will be responsible for the preparation, management, and monitoring of contributions from various sources across programs and operations. This role requires collaboration with headquarters, regional offices, and country offices to align budget management and reporting strategies with the overall goals of UNICEF Nigeria. The specialist will also contribute to capacity building efforts within the organization, ensuring that budget management practices are effective and efficient. The position is vital for ensuring that UNICEF's financial resources are utilized effectively to achieve the organization's mission and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the formulation of strategies and concepts related to program budgeting and financial management.
• Conduct budget analysis with a focus on achieving results and ensuring alignment with UNICEF's goals.
• Manage contribution planning, allocation, and monitoring to ensure effective resource mobilization.
• Oversee the management of financial dashboard reports to provide insights into budget performance.
• Prepare and manage financial reports related to resource mobilization and donor reporting, ensuring accuracy and compliance with donor requirements.
• Collaborate with various stakeholders to enhance the understanding and implementation of results-based budgeting practices.
• Provide technical support and training to staff on budget management and financial reporting processes.
• Analyze financial data to identify trends and inform decision-making processes.
• Ensure compliance with UNICEF's financial policies and procedures in all budgeting activities.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Programme Budget Specialist position should possess an advanced university degree in Business Administration, Finance and Accounting, General Administration, Development Studies, Statistics, Social Sciences, or a related field. A minimum of five years of relevant professional work experience in program management and budgeting is required. Experience working in an international organization in a related area is considered an asset, particularly experience with EU financial reporting. Proficiency in using office software, particularly advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, is essential. Familiarity with SAP software is required, and fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Finance and Accounting, General Administration, Development Studies, Statistics, or Social Sciences. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of program budgeting and financial management within UNICEF's operational framework.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant professional work experience in program management and budgeting. Experience in an international organization is highly valued, particularly if it involves financial reporting for EU projects. Familiarity with the specific financial management practices and reporting requirements of international organizations will be beneficial for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Additionally, knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration within the diverse environment of UNICEF.

Additional Notes:
This position is a temporary assignment, and UNICEF staff members holding fixed-term, continuing, or permanent appointments who are on abolished post status may apply. Selected candidates with a start date before December 31, 2025, may take up this temporary assignment while retaining their fixed-term entitlements. The conditions of the temporary assignment, including relocation entitlements, will depend on the staff member's original appointment status and may be limited according to UNICEF policies. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization offers a range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and adherence to UNICEF's standards and principles is mandatory.