Finance and Budget Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office for Partnerships (UN Partnerships) serves as a vital link to the UN system, facilitating partnerships that aim to deliver solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Established to support the UN Secretary-General's priorities, UN Partnerships engages with various stakeholders to co-create initiatives that address global challenges. The organization oversees several key programs, including the UN Fund for International Partnerships (UNFIP) and the UN Democracy Fund (UNDEF), and plays a crucial role in promoting the Decade of Action to fulfill the SDGs. The office is committed to fostering collaboration and innovation to achieve its mission, which is reflected in its diverse team and global outreach.

Job Overview:
The Finance and Budget Assistant position is integral to the operations of the UN Partnerships, providing essential support in budget preparation, financial monitoring, and administrative functions. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Chief of Operations and will be responsible for preparing supporting documents for budget proposals, monitoring expenditures, and assisting in the preparation of budget performance reports. This role requires a keen understanding of financial regulations and the ability to analyze variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures. The Finance and Budget Assistant will also engage in trust fund management, ensuring compliance with UN policies and procedures, and will serve as a point of contact for inquiries related to financial and administrative processes. This position is designed for individuals who are detail-oriented, possess strong analytical skills, and are committed to supporting the UN's mission through effective financial management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance and Budget Assistant will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Preparing supporting documents for budget proposals, including narrative and tables related to staff and non-staff requirements.
• Assisting in the elaboration of resource requirements for budget submissions and monitoring expenditures against approved budgets.
• Preparing adjustments as necessary and assisting in the preparation of budget performance submissions and reports.
• Reviewing and processing special service agreements, travel requests, and requisitions for goods and services, ensuring adherence to UN rules and procedures.
• Providing quarterly status reports on funds to substantive officers and responding to queries regarding administrative procedures.
• Managing trust fund projects throughout their lifecycle, ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Keeping up-to-date with relevant documents and guidelines, assisting in the establishment and closure of trust funds and projects.
• Drafting correspondence to respond to inquiries related to financial and budget matters.
• Maintaining organized files and databases, and serving as the IT focal point for the work unit. 1
• Performing other related duties as assigned by the Chief of Operations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A first-level university degree or higher is preferred and may reduce the required work experience. The ideal candidate should have a minimum of seven years of experience in finance, budget, accounting, or administrative services. Experience in managing extra-budgetary resources from voluntary contributions is essential, along with familiarity with trust fund management and grant management modules in ERP systems such as SAP or Umoja. Candidates should also have experience in reviewing budget and finance components of project proposals and maintaining financial data quality in complex project databases.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. However, candidates with a first-level university degree or higher will be considered more favorably, as this may reduce the required years of relevant experience from seven to five years.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in finance, budget, accounting, or administrative services. For candidates with a first-level university degree or higher, the required experience is reduced to five years. Experience in the administration and management of extra-budgetary resources, trust fund management, and familiarity with ERP systems is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
English is the mandatory working language for this position, with a required proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. While French is also a working language of the United Nations, it is not specified as a requirement for this position, making English the primary language for communication and documentation.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for six months, with the possibility of extension. It is important to note that if the selected candidate is a current staff member of the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be treated as a temporary assignment. The position is subject to local recruitment, meaning applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Additionally, this temporary job opening may be limited to internal candidates who have been recruited through a competitive examination or selection process. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its recruitment process, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or other backgrounds. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process.