Budget and Finance Officer (BFO)

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization operates in 194 member states, with a workforce of over 7,000 employees across various countries. WHO's primary objective is to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health, which includes addressing health emergencies, promoting universal health coverage, and advancing health equity.

Job Overview:
The Budget and Finance Officer (BFO) position is critical within the WHO's African Region, focusing on providing effective budget and finance support services to WHO programs and administration. The BFO will lead a team responsible for financial management, ensuring compliance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and WHO's financial policies. The role involves capacity building, enhancing internal communications, and supporting country offices in financial management processes. The BFO will also be responsible for operational planning, budgeting, monitoring, and reporting, ensuring that financial resources are allocated efficiently and effectively to meet the organization's goals. This position requires a strategic mindset to design innovative operational approaches that strengthen financial controls and systems across the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will perform a variety of duties, including but not limited to: leading capacity building initiatives for budget and finance staff, managing a diverse team to provide support to country offices, advising budget center managers on financial management, coordinating the preparation of the region-wide administrative budget, contributing to resource allocation proposals, and ensuring compliance with WHO policies. The BFO will also oversee Staff Health Insurance administration, monitor financial performance, and ensure effective communication of financial reports to non-financial managers. Additionally, the role requires keeping abreast of WHO financial management policies and ensuring their implementation across the region.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Accountancy, Business Administration, Financial Management, or a related field from a recognized institution. A Certified Professional Accountant or Chartered Accountant designation is desirable. The position requires strong leadership and managerial skills, excellent knowledge of financial planning and reporting processes, and the ability to manage high volumes of financial information. Candidates should also have experience in guiding and mentoring staff on financial management processes and be proficient in using Enterprise Resource Planning applications, particularly Oracle eBusiness suite and Workday.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree at the Master's level or equivalent in relevant fields such as Accountancy, Business Administration, Financial Management, or Public Administration/Budgeting and Finance. Candidates with additional certifications such as Certified Professional Accountant or Chartered Accountant will have an advantage.

Experience:
A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in international accounting systems and financial operations management is essential. This experience should include supervisory roles within an international organization and familiarity with IPSAS and ERP systems. Desirable experience includes working within the World Health Organization or the United Nations Common System, as well as knowledge of UN Financial Regulations and Rules.

Languages:
Essential language skills include expert knowledge of English and intermediate knowledge of French. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages is crucial for this role, as it involves collaboration with diverse teams across the region. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a competitive salary starting at USD 103,165, with additional benefits including a variable post adjustment based on the cost of living, 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependents, and an education grant for children. The role is subject to WHO's Staff Regulations and Rules, and candidates may be required to undergo a background verification process. WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented member states. The organization also emphasizes the importance of ethical standards and a smoke-free environment.