Finance and Budget Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), which is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations. ECLAC was established in 1948 with the mission to contribute to the economic and social development of the Latin American and Caribbean region. The organization focuses on the design, monitoring, and evaluation of public policies, providing advisory services, expertise, and training to governments, and supporting regional and international cooperation and coordination activities. ECLAC operates in multiple countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, working towards sustainable development and addressing various socio-economic challenges faced by the region. For more information, you can visit their official website at www.eclac.org.

Job Overview:
The Finance and Budget Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the administrative unit of ECLAC, specifically in the context of cost recovery processes. This position requires a dedicated financial assistant who will assist in various budget-related tasks, including the preparation of supporting documents for budget proposals, extracting information from computerized databases, and conducting preliminary analyses of financial data. The assistant will also be involved in the development of resource requirements for budget submissions, consolidating data for budget reviews, and preparing budget performance reports. The role demands a proactive approach to financial management, ensuring compliance with UN policies and procedures while providing essential support to the SPP Officer and the Chief of Administration. The Finance and Budget Assistant will also be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, drafting correspondence, and assisting with data analysis and presentations, making this position integral to the financial operations of ECLAC.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance and Budget Assistant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: supporting the administrative unit of ECLAC in financial matters, assisting in the preparation of budget proposals and performance reports, extracting and analyzing financial data from computerized systems, consolidating information for budget reviews, preparing pre-encumbrances and obligations in the Umoja system, monitoring trust funds, verifying accuracy of financial data, drafting routine correspondence, maintaining up-to-date files, and providing administrative support to senior staff. The assistant will also be involved in treasury functions such as reviewing payment instructions, preparing billing documents, and managing incoming and outgoing funds. Additionally, the role requires keeping abreast of relevant financial guidelines and ensuring compliance with intergovernmental recommendations and UN policies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, supplemental technical courses in finance, budgeting, or accounting are required. The role demands a strong understanding of financial rules and regulations within the UN environment, as well as the ability to maintain accurate records and resolve discrepancies. Professionalism, accountability, and client orientation are essential competencies for this position, as the assistant will be expected to deliver high-quality outputs and maintain productive relationships with clients.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. Candidates must clearly indicate their completion of high school in their Applicant Profile. Furthermore, candidates with a first-level university degree or higher will have their minimum years of relevant experience reduced, making them eligible for the position with three years of experience instead of five.

Experience:
The Finance and Budget Assistant is required to have at least five years of experience in finance, budgeting, accounting, administrative services, or a related area. However, this requirement is reduced to three years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is mandatory, and familiarity with reporting applications and Microsoft 365 tools, including Excel, Power BI, and SharePoint, is desirable. Additionally, having one year or more of experience in data analytics or a related field is considered an asset.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English and Spanish is required, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates must meet the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, as outlined by the UN Language Framework. Knowledge of French is also beneficial but not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified under the General Service category, and candidates are expected to demonstrate relevant qualifications in their application. The role is full-time, and the organization is committed to gender equality, encouraging equal participation of women and men in all aspects of work. The Finance and Budget Assistant will be involved in various financial processes and will have the opportunity to contribute to the mission of ECLAC in supporting economic and social development in the region.