Finance and Budget Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is a regional development arm of the United Nations Secretariat, established to promote sustainable and inclusive development and regional connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region. ESCAP supports its member states through policy-oriented research, analysis, and capacity-building assistance to address development priorities and changing needs. The organization provides a holistic range of financial and operational support services through its Financial Management & Operational Support Section (FMOSS), which includes strategic advisory services and daily financial operations.

Job Overview:
The Finance and Budget Officer position is located within the Cost Recovery and Administrative Budget Unit (CRABU) of FMOSS. The incumbent will report directly to the Chief of the Cost Recovery and Administrative Budget Unit and will be responsible for various financial management functions. This role involves preparing and managing budgets, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, and providing support for cost recovery activities. The officer will assist in the preparation of budget proposals, monitor expenditures, and prepare financial reports. The position requires a strong understanding of financial rules and regulations within the UN environment, as well as the ability to analyze and interpret financial data to support decision-making processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will perform a variety of functions under the supervision of the Chief of CRABU, including but not limited to: acting as Certifying Officer in the absence of programme managers, reviewing and preparing medium-term plans and budget proposals, monitoring expenditures against approved budgets, preparing budget performance reports, and ensuring the integrity of financial databases. Additionally, the officer will be responsible for preparing ESCAP’s service costing and pricing, maintaining the ESCAP Service Catalog, preparing billing documents, and generating financial performance reports. The role also includes providing guidance and training to other staff, coordinating training sessions, and assisting in data collection and analysis for reporting purposes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, with a first-level university degree being acceptable in lieu of two years of required experience. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in finance, budget, accounting, or administrative services is required, or five years if holding a first-level university degree. Experience in data analytics or related areas is also necessary, along with familiarity with dashboard reporting or financial modeling being desirable. Knowledge of UN financial rules and regulations is essential for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position includes a high school diploma or equivalent. A first-level university degree may be accepted in lieu of two years of required experience, indicating that higher education can compensate for a lack of extensive work experience in the field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in finance, budget, accounting, or administrative services. If the candidate holds a first-level university degree, a minimum of five years of experience is acceptable. Additionally, at least one year of experience in data analytics or a related area is required. Experience within the United Nations Common System or similar international organizations is desirable, as is experience with dashboard reporting or financial modeling.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another UN official language is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment. The required proficiency level in English is UN Level II for reading, writing, listening, and speaking, indicating a competent level of communication skills.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations in Thailand. The initial appointment is for a period of one year, with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds. Candidates selected from outside the duty station will be responsible for their relocation expenses. The United Nations is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or disability. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.