Budget & Finance Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development to its staff. UNICEF prides itself on fostering a diverse and passionate culture, providing an attractive compensation and benefits package to its employees.

Job Overview:
As a Budget & Finance Specialist at UNICEF Malawi, you will play a crucial role in ensuring sound financial management and budget oversight to support the effective implementation of the Country Programme. Your responsibilities will include providing technical leadership in various financial areas such as planning, budgeting, accounting, treasury and cash management, internal controls, compliance with donor conditions, and financial risk management. You will supervise finance and budget personnel, ensuring timely allocation and monitoring of funds, accurate financial reporting, and compliance with UNICEF regulations and standards. Your role will also involve managing financial transactions, monitoring grants and expenditures, and providing strategic financial advice to management and program teams. Additionally, you will promote capacity building by coaching staff and partners, sharing best practices, and fostering a culture of ethical resource management, all of which contribute to efficient program delivery and improved outcomes for children in Malawi.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide sound financial management and budget oversight for UNICEF Malawi’s Country Programme.
• Lead financial planning, budgeting, accounting, treasury and cash management, and internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with donor conditions and financial risk management.
• Supervise and provide leadership to finance and budget personnel.
• Allocate and monitor funds in a timely manner.
• Prepare accurate financial reports and ensure compliance with UNICEF regulations and IPSAS standards.
• Manage financial transactions and monitor grants and expenditures.
• Provide strategic financial advice to management and program teams.
• Promote capacity building by coaching staff and partners. 1
• Share best practices and foster a culture of ethical resource management. 1
• Contribute to efficient program delivery and strengthen internal controls. 1
• Enhance donor confidence and improve outcomes for children in Malawi.

Required Qualifications:

• Master or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Project Management, Financial Economics, Chartered Financial Analyst, Auditing, or related fields.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in Financial Management, Accounting, and Auditing.
• Demonstrated experience working with banks and/or insurance companies.
• Experience managing financial resources in volatile macroeconomic and foreign exchange environments.
• Experience operating in high fraud and corruption risk contexts.
• Experience supporting emergency preparedness and response.
• Knowledge of financial planning, budget management, grant management, donor reporting, treasury management, cash management, internal controls, financial compliance, accounting operations, and risk management.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or an equivalent advanced university degree in fields such as Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Project Management, Financial Economics, Chartered Financial Analyst, Auditing, or other related disciplines. This educational background is essential to ensure the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in Financial Management, Accounting, and Auditing. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in managing financial resources, particularly in challenging environments characterized by volatility and risk. Experience in the UN system or similar international organizations is highly desirable, as is experience in emergency preparedness and response.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a diverse work environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term role with UNICEF, and candidates are expected to comply with UNICEF's policies and standards, including those related to safeguarding and child protection. The organization promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. UNICEF offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates may be required to undergo background checks and medical clearance as part of the recruitment process. UNICEF does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct.