Senior Finance & Budget Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Budget and Finance Section of the Executive Office, which supports various departments within the United Nations, including the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), the Office of the Special Adviser for Africa (OSAA), and the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (OHRLLS). The Chief Executives Board (CEB) Secretariat is also part of this structure. The organization is committed to promoting international cooperation and sustainable development, with a focus on economic and social issues. The UN operates globally, with a presence in numerous countries, and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to various missions and objectives.

Job Overview:
The Senior Finance & Budget Assistant plays a crucial role in the financial management and budgeting processes within the UN framework. This position involves acting as a Certifying Officer for travel and other financial commitments, as well as undertaking comprehensive reviews and analyses of the annual program budget and its revisions. The incumbent is expected to assist in the finalization of cost estimates and budget proposals, ensuring compliance with legislative mandates and programmatic aspects. The role requires collaboration with managers to elaborate resource requirements for budget submissions and involves significant research and support for budget reviews of intergovernmental and expert bodies. The assistant will also monitor budget implementation and expenditures, recommend reallocations of funds, and ensure the integrity of financial data. This position demands a proactive approach to financial management, with a strong emphasis on compliance with UN policies and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Finance & Budget Assistant include: acting as Certifying Officer for travel and other commitments; reviewing, analyzing, and preparing the annual program budget and its revisions; assisting in the finalization of cost estimates and budget proposals; providing input into the preparation of allotments; monitoring budget implementation and expenditures; reviewing and processing requisitions for goods and services; monitoring extrabudgetary resources; assisting in the preparation of budget performance submissions and reports; verifying the accuracy of financial data; drafting correspondence related to financial matters; providing guidance and training to other staff; assisting with data collection and analysis; reviewing Host Country Agreements and Contribution Agreements; supporting management during audits; and performing other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A minimum of ten years of experience in finance, budget, accounting, or administrative services is required. Experience with financial functions in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, such as Umoja, is essential. Additionally, candidates should have experience working in an Executive Office within the UN system and managing trust funds. Experience in reviewing and certifying travel requests is desirable. Candidates must demonstrate a strong understanding of financial rules and regulations in the UN environment and possess the ability to analyze and interpret financial data effectively.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. There are no specific job-related qualifications mentioned beyond this educational requirement, indicating that practical experience in the relevant fields is highly valued.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of relevant experience in finance, budget, accounting, or administrative services. Candidates should have substantial experience using financial functions in ERP systems, particularly Umoja, and should have a proven track record of working within the UN system, particularly in an Executive Office setting. Experience in managing trust funds and reviewing travel requests is also beneficial.

Languages:
English is the mandatory working language for this position, with a requirement of UN Level II proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also recognized as a working language of the United Nations, but proficiency in French is not mandatory for this position. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in English, as it is essential for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available starting as soon as possible until June 30, 2026, with the possibility of extension. It is important to note that this temporary assignment does not guarantee future employment in the same position. The role is financed by extrabudgetary resources, meaning that the appointment and renewal are subject to the availability of funds. The position is subject to local recruitment, and applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations in New York. Staff members recruited locally are not eligible for international allowances or benefits. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its recruitment process, and candidates with a history of violations of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law or misconduct may be disqualified from consideration.