Finance & Budget Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), which is one of the regional commissions of the United Nations. ECA was established in 1958 with the mission to promote the economic and social development of its member states, foster regional integration, and enhance cooperation among African countries. The organization operates in various sectors including economic policy, social development, and environmental sustainability, and has a workforce that includes a diverse group of professionals from various countries. ECA aims to provide a platform for dialogue and collaboration among African nations and partners, and it plays a crucial role in addressing the continent's challenges and opportunities.

Job Overview:
The Finance & Budget Assistant position is critical for supporting the Finance and Budget Section within the Division of Administration at the Economic Commission for Africa. The role involves working with minimal supervision to provide accurate reports and timely support to Finance & Budget Officers and the Chief of Unit. The assistant will be responsible for developing well-formulated medium-term plans and budget proposals, as well as managing all aspects of the approved budget, including claims administration and treasury remittances/payments. The position requires a proactive approach to monitoring expenditures, preparing budget performance submissions, and ensuring compliance with United Nations policies and procedures. The assistant will also engage in research and provide technical support on budgetary matters, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the budget unit.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance & Budget Assistant will undertake a variety of duties including: supporting the review and preparation of the medium-term plan and its revisions; preparing supporting documents for cost estimates and budget proposals; assisting in the preparation of the annual programme budget; monitoring and reporting on the regular budget; providing technical support on Umoja funds management; conducting research for budget reviews; monitoring expenditures against approved budgets; reviewing requisitions for goods and services; preparing budget performance submissions and reports; ensuring the integrity of financial databases; verifying accuracy of input data; coordinating with finance and budget staff; preparing requests for fund redeployment; recording inputs in the Umoja system; processing fund distributions; producing regular and ad-hoc budget reports; drafting correspondence; and collaborating with team members to cover for absences. The assistant may also be required to perform additional budget and administrative duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of seven years of experience in finance, budget, accounting, administrative services, or a related area. Experience with SAP-Umoja, BI reporting, and Umoja Analytics is desirable, as is experience in budgeting and analyzing financial reports. Familiarity with the UN Financial Rules and Regulations is also preferred. The role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while providing quality services to clients.

Educational Background:
While specific educational qualifications are not detailed in the job ad, it is generally expected that candidates hold a degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in finance or accounting may be advantageous and could enhance a candidate's profile for this position.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of seven years in relevant fields such as finance, budget management, accounting, or administrative services. Candidates with experience in international organizations or governmental financial systems will be particularly well-suited for this role. Experience with specific financial software such as SAP-Umoja and familiarity with UN financial regulations will also be beneficial.

Languages:
The job ad does not specify mandatory languages; however, proficiency in English is typically required for positions within the United Nations. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those commonly spoken in Africa, may be considered an asset but is not explicitly mentioned as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of five months. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization also emphasizes that it does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.