Programme Budget Officer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Programme Budget Officer
Location: New York City
Country: United States
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Programme Planning and Budget Division (PPBD) of the Office of Programme Planning, Finance and Budget (OPPFB), which is part of the Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC) of the United Nations. The PPBD is responsible for formulating plans and forecasting resource requirements in line with legislative intent, developing and implementing policies, procedures, and methodologies related to programme budgeting. The organization aims to facilitate decision-making on planning and budgetary issues by supporting the General Assembly and its subsidiary organs with substantive services. The PPBD encourages staff development and participation in change initiatives, focusing on optimizing processes and leveraging technology for continuous improvement.

Job Overview:
The Programme Budget Officer plays a crucial role in the preparation, analysis, and finalization of programme plans and budgets. This position involves reviewing departmental submissions, providing substantive support to intergovernmental bodies, and ensuring that legislative mandates are accurately translated into programme budgets. The officer will also support budget preparation by calculating necessary budgetary formulations, preparing guidance for departments, and analyzing data for budget proposals. Additionally, the officer will be involved in budget administration, including the issuance of allotments, performance report finalization, and providing advice and training on financial policies and procedures. The role requires a proactive approach to research and analysis of budgetary practices, with a focus on streamlining processes and enhancing information systems related to programme planning and budgeting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Budget Officer will be responsible for reviewing, analyzing, and finalizing the preparation of the programme plan and its revisions based on departmental submissions. This includes providing support to intergovernmental bodies in their review of the medium-term plan and assisting in securing approval from the General Assembly. The officer will support budget preparation by calculating the effects of changes in salary costs, vacancy rates, and standard costs, and will prepare budget guidance for departments. Responsibilities also include reviewing and analyzing data for budget proposals, providing substantive support during budget reviews, and making recommendations for performance report finalization. The officer will advise and train staff on programme planning and budgetary policies, keep up to date with relevant documents, and explore opportunities for enhancing information systems related to budgeting. Other duties may include preparing summarized information for senior managers and intergovernmental bodies and performing related tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of financial principles and practices, with the ability to apply financial rules, regulations, and procedures effectively. The role requires the ability to conduct independent research and analysis, formulate options, and present conclusions supported by factual data. Professional competence in budgetary and financial planning, monitoring budget execution, and reporting is essential. Candidates should demonstrate strong financial and mathematical skills, the ability to validate data, and the capacity to reconcile discrepancies in budgetary information. A commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work is also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, public administration, finance, economics, statistics, political science, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) combined with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in finance, budget, business or public administration, strategic planning, statistics, or information systems is required. Of these five years, at least two years must be in Results-Based budgeting. Candidates should also have at least one year of experience in designing, developing, and enhancing programme planning or budgeting processes. Experience in simplifying business processes through automation, providing training on programme planning, and calculating the effects of changes in budgetary assumptions is desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's profile for the role.

Additional Notes:
The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, encouraging applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented member states. The organization emphasizes the importance of gender balance and geographical diversity in its recruitment process. The position may involve periodic relocation to different duty stations, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and candidates are advised to follow all instructions carefully during the application process.