Finance and Budget Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) was established in 1997 with the mission to eliminate the threat posed by mines, explosive remnants of war, and improvised explosive devices. UNMAS coordinates United Nations mine action, leads operational responses at the country level, and supports the development of standards, policies, and norms. As a specialized service of the United Nations, UNMAS operates under legislative mandates from both the General Assembly and the security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Council, and responds to specific requests for support from the UN Secretary-General or designated officials. For more information, visit www.unmas.org.

Job Overview:
The Finance and Budget Officer will play a crucial role within the Budget and Finance Section (BFS) of UNMAS, located in New York. This position involves a variety of responsibilities related to the preparation, administration, and monitoring of budgets in accordance with the medium-term plan and legislative mandates. The officer will be expected to provide substantive support to intergovernmental and expert bodies, ensuring that budget proposals are compliant with UN policies and procedures. The role requires a strong understanding of financial systems and the ability to analyze and finalize budget proposals, as well as manage and monitor budget implementation effectively. The officer will also be responsible for providing guidance and training to staff on budgetary and financial policies, ensuring that all financial activities align with the organization's goals and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance and Budget Officer will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including: reviewing, analyzing, and finalizing the preparation of the medium-term plan and its revisions; providing substantive support to intergovernmental bodies in their review of the medium-term plan; ensuring legislative mandates are accurately translated into program budgets; reviewing and finalizing cost estimates and budget proposals; managing budget implementation and recommending reallocations of funds as necessary; monitoring expenditures to ensure compliance with authorized levels; administering extra-budgetary resources; preparing budget performance submissions and reports; providing advice and guidance to staff on budgetary policies; participating in inter-departmental meetings; drafting reports for management on budgetary issues; and ensuring the integrity of financial systems and controls. The officer may also be required to perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business administration, finance, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in finance, administration, budget, or business administration, with a strong background in budgetary procedures and policies within an international organization. Experience with financial systems, particularly ERP systems like SAP, is essential, along with experience in trust fund management and budget preparation.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business administration, finance, or a related field. In cases where candidates possess a first-level university degree, they must also have qualifying experience that compensates for the lack of an advanced degree. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of budget management and financial administration within the context of the United Nations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in finance, administration, budget, or business administration. Candidates should have substantial experience with budgetary procedures, policies, and practices in an international organization. Specific experience in trust fund management, budget preparation, resource planning, and monitoring and analysis of budget implementation is required. Familiarity with financial systems and financial modules of ERP systems, such as SAP, is also necessary. Experience in representing budget and finance issues with internal or external clients is desirable, indicating a need for strong communication and interpersonal skills.

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 while it is not mandatory for this position, proficiency in French may be considered an asset. Candidates should refer to the UN Language Framework for specific language skill requirements.

Additional Notes:
This position is funded for a finite period of one year, with the possibility of extension subject to the extension of the mandate and/or availability of funds. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be assigned to various functions in accordance with established rules and procedures. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its recruitment processes, and all employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs. The organization also provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request.