Finance & Budget Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Capacity Development Programme Management Office (CDPMO) of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) of the United Nations. The CDPMO is responsible for providing comprehensive financial and administrative support for the management of DESA's capacity development programs and projects. This includes overseeing the Regular Programme of Technical Cooperation, the Development Account, and all extra-budgetary funding. The office also supports capacity development programs of the UN Secretariat, including the Junior Professional Officers Programme. The mission of DESA is to promote sustainable development and to support the work of the UN in addressing global challenges through capacity building and technical assistance.

Job Overview:
The Finance & Budget Officer will play a crucial role in the financial management and budgetary processes of the CDPMO. This position requires a deep understanding of financial principles and practices, as well as the ability to analyze and interpret complex financial data. The officer will be responsible for reviewing, analyzing, and finalizing the preparation of the medium-term plan and its revisions, ensuring that legislative mandates are accurately translated into program budgets. The role also involves providing substantive support to intergovernmental and expert bodies during their review of budget proposals and securing necessary approvals from the General Assembly. The officer will manage budget implementation, monitor expenditures, and ensure compliance with established policies and procedures. This position demands a proactive approach to financial management, with an emphasis on strategic planning and resource allocation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance & Budget Officer will undertake a variety of duties, including but not limited to: reviewing and finalizing cost estimates and budget proposals; providing detailed input for budget submissions; monitoring budget implementation and recommending reallocations of funds; administering extra-budgetary resources; preparing budget performance submissions and reports; providing advice and guidance on budgetary policies; participating in inter-departmental meetings; drafting reports and official documentation; conducting research and analysis of budgetary policies; and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. The officer will also act as a Certifying Officer under Financial Rule 110.4, ensuring that obligations and expenditures align with approved budgets. Frequent interaction with various stakeholders, including budget and finance officers, external auditors, and member state representatives, is expected.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of financial and budgetary principles and practices, as well as experience in budget development and financial administration. The ability to develop budgetary policies and procedures, formulate strategies, and analyze data is essential. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, efficiency, and a commitment to gender perspectives in their work. Strong planning and organizational skills are required, along with a client-oriented approach to service delivery. The ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities is also important.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, finance, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to perform the duties of the position effectively.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least seven years of progressively responsible experience in finance, administration, budget, or business administration. A minimum of five years of experience in financial analysis and reporting is required, along with at least three years of experience with finance and budget modules of ERP systems. Additionally, candidates should have experience coordinating budget-related activities and preparing related documents, as well as experience in administering extra-budgetary funded projects and drafting financial policies within the UN common system or other intergovernmental organizations.

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, and proficiency in French is considered desirable but not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
This position is financed by extra-budgetary funding and is initially for a period of one year, with the possibility of renewal subject to the availability of funds and budgetary approval. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization values diversity and inclusivity, and all employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations Secretariat operates in a non-smoking environment and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request.