Finance & Budget Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Finance & Budget Officer position is located within the Field Operations Finance Division (FOFD) of the Office of Programme Planning, Finance and Budget (OPPFB), which is part of the Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC) at the United Nations. The FOFD plays a crucial role in supporting the Controller in managing the financial resources allocated by Member States for peace operations, which currently has an annual budget exceeding US$6 billion. The division is dedicated to enhancing effectiveness and efficiency in budget preparation and presentation, particularly through the integration of results-based budgeting. The working environment is dynamic, reflecting the nature of peace operations, and the FOFD team is committed to meeting the demands of this challenging context. The division collaborates with various partners, including field operations, the Department of Peace Operations, the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, the Department of Operational Support, legislative bodies, and countries contributing troops and police.

Job Overview:
The Finance & Budget Officer is tasked with a range of responsibilities that encompass budget preparation, administration, and general financial management. The role requires a thorough review and analysis of data related to cost estimates and budget proposals, which includes both staff and non-staff requirements from various departments and offices at both Headquarters and in the field. The officer will also prepare budgets for medium-sized peacekeeping operations and backstopping activities, providing essential support to managers in developing resource requirements for budget submissions. Additionally, the officer will review and analyze program budget implications for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Council statements and assist in securing approval from the General Assembly. In terms of budget administration, the officer will issue allotments and appropriations, monitor budget implementation, and ensure expenditures remain within authorized levels. The role also involves preparing documentation related to budget performance submissions and making recommendations based on variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures. The Finance & Budget Officer will draft official correspondence, conduct research, and prepare communications to member states regarding financial issues, while also keeping abreast of relevant documents and guidelines that impact program and peacekeeping budgets. The position may require supervising staff and performing other related duties as assigned, emphasizing the need for a proactive and knowledgeable approach to financial management within the United Nations framework.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance & Budget Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Budget Preparation: - Review and analyze data for finalizing cost estimates and budget proposals, including staff and non-staff requirements from various departments. - Prepare budgets for peacekeeping operations and backstopping activities. - Support managers in developing resource requirements for budget submissions. - Analyze program budget implications for Security Council statements and assist in securing General Assembly approval.
• Budget Administration: - Issue allotments and appropriations, ensuring appropriate expenditures. - Monitor budget implementation and recommend fund reallocations as necessary. - Ensure expenditures remain within authorized levels and prepare documentation for budget performance submissions. - Review and recommend finalization of budget performance reports, analyzing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures.
• General Responsibilities: - Draft official correspondence and background papers, including briefings for senior management. - Conduct research and prepare communications to member states on financial issues. - Perform other related duties as assigned, including supporting the Director with financial aspects of trust funds and human resources issues. - Stay updated on relevant documents, financial regulations, and professional publications. - Supervise staff as required, particularly in field operations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of financial principles and practices, with the ability to conduct independent research and analysis. They should demonstrate professional competence and mastery of subject matter, showing pride in their work and achievements. The ideal candidate will be conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results. They should be motivated by professional concerns, showing persistence in the face of challenges and maintaining composure in stressful situations. Additionally, candidates should take responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, finance, or a related field is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) combined with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in finance, administration, budget, business administration, or a related area is required. Candidates should have experience with budgetary policies and practices, financial regulations, and rules. Proficiency in using information technology tools for financial analysis and budget monitoring is essential. Experience in preparing and drafting written reports is also required, while familiarity with results-based budgeting approaches and financial systems or enterprise resource planning (ERP) is desirable. Experience in peace operations and knowledge of intergovernmental and legislative processes will be advantageous.

Languages:
English is required 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 a valuable asset, although not mandatory for this role.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for 120 days, with the possibility of extension. If the selected candidate is a current staff member of the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be treated as a temporary assignment. The post is financed by the Support Account for Peacekeeping Operations, and the appointment or assignment is subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval, or extension of the mandate. This temporary job opening may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, but it does not guarantee future incumbency of the post. The eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station, and it may be restricted to 'internal candidates' who have been recruited through a competitive examination or selection process. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, encouraging female candidates to apply and ensuring compliance with the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in recruitment.