Associate Finance and Budget Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Policy and Coordination Unit of the Programme Planning and Budget Division (PPBD) of the United Nations. The PPBD is part of the Office of Programme Planning, Finance and Budget (OPPFB) within the Department of Management, Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC). The mission of the PPBD is to formulate plans and forecast resource requirements in alignment with legislative intent, while developing and implementing policies, procedures, and methodologies related to the programme budget. The organization emphasizes continuous improvement, skill development, and the optimization of processes through technology. The United Nations, as a whole, operates in multiple countries and is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce, aiming for a balanced representation of genders and geographical backgrounds.

Job Overview:
The Associate Finance and Budget Officer plays a crucial role in the preparation and administration of the programme budget. This position involves guiding support staff in compiling and reviewing decisions from expert and intergovernmental bodies to provide inputs for budgetary guidance. The officer will assist clients in accurately translating legislative mandates into programme budgets and will support the use of ERP systems during budget proposal formulation. The role also includes reviewing and finalizing budget performance reports, conducting research for budgetary reports, and transforming complex data into accessible information for senior management. The officer is expected to contribute to change initiatives and enhance evidence-based programme planning and budgeting through data analytics and innovative methodologies. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying areas for improvement in existing budgetary processes and systems, ensuring that the organization meets its financial and operational goals effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Finance and Budget Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks including: guiding support staff in the compilation and review of relevant decisions for budgetary guidance; assisting clients in translating legislative mandates into programme budgets; supporting the use of ERP systems for budget proposals; reviewing and finalizing the programme budget and its revisions; conducting research to support senior management during the budget review process; analyzing financial implications of decisions from intergovernmental bodies; contributing to data analytics initiatives; providing guidance on budgetary policies; preparing budget performance reports; keeping up-to-date with relevant documents and guidelines; transforming complex data into clear information products; identifying areas for improvement in budgetary processes; and collaborating with data professionals to enhance data quality and flows. The officer will also perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of financial and budgetary principles and practices, along with financial and mathematical skills that facilitate data analysis. The ability to identify and resolve budgetary challenges creatively is essential, as is the capacity to organize and present information effectively. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, efficiency, and a commitment to gender perspectives in their work. The role requires strong planning and organizational skills, with the ability to set clear goals and adjust priorities as needed. Creativity in problem-solving and a willingness to explore new ideas and approaches are also important.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business and public administration, economics, international affairs, history, political science, statistics, computer science, data science, analytics, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in similar fields combined with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in finance, budget, public administration, business administration, international affairs, political science, statistics, information management, applied analytics, or related areas is required. Candidates who have passed the United Nations Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP) or the G to P Examination are exempt from this experience requirement. Experience in using data for decision-making, including summarizing and presenting insights from large data sets, is essential. Additionally, at least one year of experience with self-service analytics and data visualization applications or business intelligence tools is required. Experience in preparing results-based budgets in a large international setting and in providing direct support on budgetary issues to intergovernmental bodies is desirable.

Languages:
English is the required working language for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations, but proficiency in French is not mandatory for this position. Candidates are encouraged to consult the UN Language Framework for detailed language requirements.

Additional Notes:
The appointment is subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval, or extension of the mandate. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its recruitment process, with a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The position may involve a probationary period of one year for new recruits. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.