Finance and Budget Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Payroll and Accounts Payable Section of the Division of Administration (DA) in the Department of Operational Support (DOS) of the United Nations. The DOS was established to provide operational advisory services to various entities across the UN Secretariat, including departments, field missions, and regional commissions. The organization aims to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness across the UN's various functions, ensuring that all operational needs are met in a timely and effective manner. The DOS plays a crucial role in supporting the UN's mission by ensuring that financial and administrative processes are streamlined and effective, thereby allowing other departments to focus on their core functions. The organization employs a diverse workforce and operates in multiple countries, reflecting its commitment to global service and operational support.

Job Overview:
The Finance and Budget Assistant will play a vital role in supporting the financial operations of the United Nations by assisting in budget preparation, financial reporting, and claims processing. This position requires a strong understanding of financial regulations and procedures within the UN environment. The assistant will work closely with Finance/Budget Officers to ensure that all financial transactions are accurately recorded and reported. The role involves extracting and analyzing financial data, preparing budget performance reports, and assisting in the financial backstopping of trust funds. The Finance and Budget Assistant will also be responsible for ensuring compliance with UN policies and procedures, thereby contributing to the overall financial integrity of the organization. This position is essential for maintaining the financial health of the UN's operations and ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to meet the organization's goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance and Budget Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: assisting in the preparation of budget proposals and supporting documents; generating expenditure reports from computerized databases; conducting preliminary analyses of financial data; consolidating data for budget reviews; preparing pre-encumbrances and obligations in UMOJA; assisting in the drafting of financial reports for the security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Council; verifying and preparing payments to third parties; processing travel claims and expense reports; recording and reconciling accounting transactions; examining financial transactions for accuracy; and providing administrative support to the Finance/Budget Officers. The assistant will also be expected to keep up-to-date with relevant financial guidelines and maintain organized files for easy access and reference.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A first-level university degree or higher is preferred and may reduce the required work experience. Candidates should have a minimum of five years of experience in accounting, finance, budget, or administrative services. Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, such as Umoja or SAP, is required. Familiarity with processing payroll or vendor/travel claims in an international organization is also necessary. Knowledge of UN Staff Rules and Regulations, as well as financial regulations and procedures, is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills and attention to detail, as well as the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required for this position. However, candidates with a first-level university degree or higher will have a competitive advantage, as this may reduce the required years of relevant experience from five to three years. The educational background should ideally include coursework or training in finance, accounting, or a related field, which will provide the foundational knowledge necessary for the financial tasks associated with this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in accounting, finance, budget, or administrative services. However, this requirement can be reduced to three years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Candidates should have experience in using ERP systems, such as Umoja or SAP, and should be familiar with processing payroll or vendor/travel claims within an international organization. Experience with Customer Relationship Management tools, such as iNeed, is considered desirable, as is familiarity with UN Staff Rules and Regulations.

Languages:
English is the mandatory working language for this position, with a required proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations, and while it is not mandatory for this position, proficiency in French may be considered an asset. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in English, as this will be essential for collaboration with colleagues and stakeholders within the UN.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work in the country where the position is located. The appointment is for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of renewal based on the availability of the post or funds. Candidates should be aware that they will not be eligible for allowances or benefits applicable to international recruitment. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment, and all employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs. The organization does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.