Finance and Budget Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Common Administrative Platform at United Nations Headquarters, known as the One Executive Office (One EO), under the Division of Administration in the Department of Operational Support (DOS). The One EO began its transition phase on January 1, 2026, as part of the UN80 reform initiative, which aims to consolidate common administrative functions across Secretariat entities into unified service platforms. The organization provides a comprehensive range of administrative and operational services required by New York-based Secretariat client entities to fulfill their mandates, including human resources management, financial administration, travel, and general administrative support. The incumbent will be working specifically in the desk that provides administrative and operational support to the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, reporting to the Senior Finance and Budget Assistant under the overall guidance of the Finance and Budget Officer.

Job Overview:
The Finance and Budget Assistant plays a crucial role in the financial and budgetary processes of the United Nations. This position involves reviewing, analyzing, and assisting in the finalization of cost estimates and budget proposals, focusing on both staff and non-staff requirements. The assistant will support managers in developing resource requirements for budget submissions and will conduct research to aid higher-level Finance & Budget Officers in budget reviews related to intergovernmental and expert bodies. The role requires monitoring expenditures against approved budgets, preparing necessary adjustments, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. The assistant will also be responsible for maintaining financial databases, verifying data accuracy, and coordinating with other finance and budget staff during budget report preparations. Additionally, the assistant will keep up-to-date with relevant documents and guidelines, draft correspondence related to financial matters, and may provide guidance and training to other staff members.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance and Budget Assistant will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: reviewing and analyzing budget proposals, assisting in the preparation of budget performance submissions, monitoring expenditures, preparing adjustments, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. The assistant will also review requisitions for goods and services, assist in the preparation of budget performance reports, monitor extra-budgetary resources, and verify the accuracy of input data. Furthermore, the assistant will maintain up-to-date files, draft correspondence in response to inquiries, and may provide guidance and training to other general service staff. The role may also involve performing other related duties as assigned by supervisors.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A minimum of seven years of experience in finance, budget, accounting, administrative services, or a related area is required. This experience requirement is reduced to five years for candidates with a first-level university degree or higher. Experience in preparing budget and performance reports, as well as Trust Funds administration, is essential. Familiarity with UN Financial Rules and Regulations or similar international organizations is desirable, along with experience using SAP/ERP systems, Business Intelligence (BI), Analytics, and Excel reporting.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. However, candidates with a first-level university degree or higher will have a reduced experience requirement, indicating that higher education is valued and may enhance a candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in finance, budget, accounting, or administrative services. Candidates with a first-level university degree or higher may qualify with only five years of experience. Specific experience in preparing budget and performance reports and Trust Funds administration is mandatory, while familiarity with UN Financial Rules and Regulations or similar international organizations is considered an asset. Experience with ERP systems and analytical tools is also desirable.

Languages:
English is the required working language for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations Secretariat, but it is not specified as a requirement for this position. Therefore, proficiency in English is essential, while knowledge of French may be beneficial but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is funded through Extra-budgetary funds, and the appointment is for an initial period of one year, subject to the availability of funds. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process emphasizes the importance of efficiency, competence, and integrity, with a focus on geographical diversity. The position is subject to local recruitment, meaning applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Candidates selected from outside the duty station will be responsible for their relocation expenses. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and maintains a non-smoking environment.