Director of the Division of Budget Management

Job Posting Organization:
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established in 1945 with the mission to contribute to peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. The organization operates in over 190 countries and has a workforce of approximately 2,000 employees. UNESCO aims to build peace in the minds of men and women by fostering dialogue among civilizations, cultures, and peoples based on respect for shared values and dignity.

Job Overview:
The Director of the Division of Budget Management plays a crucial role in overseeing the corporate budget administration of UNESCO. This position involves ensuring robust budget controls, monitoring, and reporting, while providing strategic advice to senior management and stakeholders on all budget-related matters. The Director is responsible for the preparation of the Programme and Budget document (C/5) and must ensure compliance with Financial Regulations. The role requires a proactive approach to risk management and the establishment of effective budget management mechanisms to support the organization's financial health and operational effectiveness. The Director will also be responsible for fostering a culture of accountability and transparency in budget management across the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Management of the Division: Oversee the implementation of the approved work programme for the Division, ensuring efficient task distribution, coordination, and communication among team members. Foster a collaborative environment that promotes teamwork and effective information flow.
• Budget Administration, Monitoring & Reporting: Develop methodologies for budget forecasting, coordinate the preparation of the Programme and Budget document, and ensure effective monitoring and reporting on budget implementation. Provide analytical reports to senior management and the Governing Bodies to support informed decision-making.
• Financial Regulations: Ensure compliance with Financial Rules and Regulations, and initiate reviews of budgetary policies to enhance efficient budget management.
• Risk Management: Establish a risk management framework to identify potential risks in budget preparation and implementation, proposing mitigation strategies as necessary.
• Stakeholder Communication: Maintain effective communication with stakeholders regarding budget matters and oversee the development of training materials for Administrative Officers.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics, finance, business administration, or closely related disciplines. They should have at least fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, oversight, or related fields, with a preference for seven years at the international level. Extensive experience in results-based budgeting frameworks, strategic planning, and financial reporting practices is essential. Proven leadership skills in managing large, cross-functional teams in complex environments are also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics, finance, business administration, or closely related fields is mandatory for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of budget management and financial oversight within an international organization.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible professional experience in relevant fields such as accounting, finance, or oversight. A significant portion of this experience, ideally seven years, should be acquired at the international level, demonstrating the ability to navigate complex organizational structures and processes effectively.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge and drafting skills in one of the working languages of the Organization (English or French) are mandatory. A working knowledge of the second working language is desirable, along with knowledge of other official languages of UNESCO (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish).

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for a duration of two years, with the possibility of renewal. The role is open to both internal and external candidates. The approximate annual starting salary for this position is US$ 184,832, with additional benefits including 30 days of annual leave, family allowance, medical insurance, and a pension plan. UNESCO emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from candidates of various backgrounds, including those from under-represented Member States, minority groups, and individuals with disabilities. Geographical mobility is required for staff members appointed to international posts.