Finance and Budget Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a part of the United Nations system, established to promote and protect human rights globally. The OHCHR works to ensure that the rights of individuals are respected and upheld, providing support to various intergovernmental bodies and member states in their efforts to implement human rights standards. The organization operates in numerous countries around the world, employing a diverse workforce dedicated to the mission of promoting human rights for all. The OHCHR is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that respects diversity and encourages the participation of all individuals, regardless of their background.

Job Overview:
The Finance and Budget Assistant position is situated within the Finance and Budget Section (FBS) of the Programme Support and Management Services (PSMS) at the OHCHR in Geneva. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Finance Officer, Head of the Unit. This role is crucial in supporting the financial operations of the OHCHR, particularly in the areas of budget preparation, monitoring, and reporting. The Finance and Budget Assistant will be responsible for ensuring that financial transactions are processed accurately and in compliance with UN regulations. The position requires a strong understanding of financial principles and practices, as well as the ability to analyze and interpret financial data to support decision-making processes. The incumbent will also assist in the preparation of budget proposals and performance reports, contributing to the overall financial management of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance and Budget Assistant will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: acting as a Certifying Officer for accounts under their portfolio, providing support in the review and preparation of the medium-term plan, preparing supporting documents for budget proposals, assisting managers in resource requirement elaboration, conducting research for budget reviews, monitoring expenditures against approved budgets, reviewing requisitions for goods and services, preparing budget performance submissions, ensuring the integrity of financial databases, verifying accuracy of input data, coordinating with finance staff on budget reports, performing account reconciliations, preparing financial reports for donors, monitoring fund commitments, reviewing and certifying grant applications, preparing and monitoring payments related to grants, and assisting with audit responses. The role also involves maintaining up-to-date files, providing guidance and training to other staff, and assisting with data analysis and presentations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A minimum of seven years of experience in finance, budget, accounting, or administrative services is required. Additionally, candidates should have at least four years of experience using budget and finance modules in an ERP system, preparing budget proposals, and monitoring budgets. Experience in analyzing financial reports and processing grants is also necessary. Candidates should demonstrate a strong ability to provide budgetary and financial support and sound advice to clients, as well as experience in responding to audit queries. Experience within the United Nations Common System or similar intergovernmental organizations is desirable, along with experience in data analytics.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. While no specific job-related qualifications are mentioned, candidates with further education in finance, accounting, or related fields may be preferred.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in finance, budget, accounting, or administrative services. Candidates should have substantial experience in using ERP systems for budget and finance functions, as well as experience in preparing budget proposals and monitoring budgets. Additionally, candidates should have experience in analyzing financial reports and processing grants, with a strong emphasis on providing financial support and advice to clients. Experience in the UN system or similar organizations is considered an asset.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English is mandatory, with a required level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Knowledge of French is also required at the same level. Additionally, candidates with proficiency in Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Russian, or Spanish at UN Level II are considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's profile for this role.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work in Switzerland. The appointment may be extended based on the availability of funds and the extension of the mandate. Candidates selected from outside the duty station will be responsible for their relocation expenses. Local recruits are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusive to international recruitment. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, particularly women, to achieve gender balance within its workforce. The recruitment process is free of charge, and the UN does not require any fees at any stage.