Finance and Budget Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Office of the Director, Field Operations Finance Division (FOFD), which is part of the Office of Programme Planning, Finance and Budget (OPPFB) under the Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC) of the United Nations. The DMSPC is responsible for providing policy leadership in management areas, ensuring a clear and integrated global management strategy and policy framework, and enhancing monitoring, evaluation, and accountability mechanisms. The OPPFB plays a crucial role in securing financing for the Organization's expenses and ensuring effective financial management and reporting on UN resources, supported by a robust internal control environment. The FOFD is dedicated to supporting the Controller in managing financial resources allocated by Member States for peace operations, and it is committed to continuous improvement in budget preparation and presentation, including the integration of results-based budgeting. The working environment is dynamic, and the FOFD team is focused on meeting the demands of peace operations, collaborating with various partners including field operations and legislative bodies.

Job Overview:
The Finance and Budget Assistant will play a vital role in supporting the financial operations of the United Nations, specifically within the context of peacekeeping missions. This position involves assisting in the preparation of budget documents, extracting and analyzing financial data, and supporting the Finance/Budget Officers in various financial tasks. The assistant will be responsible for compiling data, preparing budget performance reports, and ensuring compliance with UN financial regulations. The role requires a strong understanding of financial management principles and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. The Finance and Budget Assistant will also be involved in administrative tasks, such as drafting correspondence and coordinating meetings, which are essential for the smooth functioning of the finance division.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance and Budget Assistant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: assisting in the preparation of budget documents, supporting the Finance/Budget Officers in generating expenditure reports, developing resource requirements for budget submissions, and conducting preliminary analyses of financial data. The assistant will also be tasked with consolidating data for budget reviews, preparing budget performance reports, and ensuring the accuracy and consistency of financial documents. Additional responsibilities include reconciling accounting transactions, processing payments, drafting memoranda, responding to queries, and providing administrative support to the finance team. The role requires meticulous attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively while adhering to deadlines.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, with a minimum of seven years of experience in finance, budget, or administrative services. For those with a first-level university degree or higher, the required experience is reduced to five years. Proficiency in information technology programs related to spreadsheets, databases, and word processing is desirable, as is experience working with senior officials in the UN or similar organizations. Familiarity with enterprise resource planning systems, such as SAP, is also advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of financial rules and regulations within the UN context, as well as the ability to analyze and interpret financial data effectively.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. However, candidates with a first-level university degree or higher will have a reduced experience requirement, highlighting the importance of formal education in finance or a related field for this role.

Experience:
A minimum of seven years of relevant experience in finance, budget, or administrative services is required for this position. Candidates with a first-level university degree or higher may qualify with five years of experience. The role demands a strong background in financial management, including experience with data analysis and reporting, as well as familiarity with UN financial processes and systems. Experience in a front office setting within the UN or a similar international organization is highly desirable, as is proficiency in using enterprise resource planning systems.

Languages:
English is the mandatory working language for this position, with a required proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also recognized as a working language of the United Nations, and while it is not mandatory for this position, proficiency in French may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until 31 December 2026 and is financed by the Support Account for Peacekeeping Operations. If the selected candidate is a current staff member of the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. The appointment is subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval, or extension of the mandate. This position is subject to local recruitment, and applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations in New York. Those selected from outside the duty station will be responsible for relocation expenses. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusive to international recruitment. The United Nations is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.