Finance and Budget Assistant

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Finance and Budget Assistant
Location: New York City
Country: United States
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Field Operations Finance Division (FOFD) within 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 FOFD plays a crucial role in supporting the Controller in managing the financial resources allocated by Member States for peace operations, which currently has an approved annual budget exceeding US$7 billion. The organization is dedicated to enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of budget preparation and presentation, including the integration of results-based budgeting. The working environment is dynamic, reflecting the nature of peace operations, and the FOFD team is committed to meeting the demands that arise from this context. The Division collaborates with various partners, including field operations, the Department of Peace Operations, the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, the Department of Operational Support, legislative bodies, and countries contributing troops and formed police units.

Job Overview:
The Finance and Budget Assistant is responsible for providing comprehensive support in the review, analysis, and preparation of the programme plan and its revisions. This role involves preparing supporting documents, including narrative and supporting tables, for the finalization of cost estimates and budget proposals, focusing on both staff and non-staff requirements. The Assistant will assist managers in developing resource requirements for budget submissions and will conduct research to support Finance & Budget Officers during budget reviews of relevant intergovernmental and expert bodies. Monitoring expenditures against the approved budget is a key responsibility, along with preparing adjustments as necessary. The Assistant will also aid in the preparation of budget performance submissions and reports, analyzing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures. Additionally, the role requires monitoring the integrity of various financial databases, verifying the accuracy of input data, and ensuring consistency across allotments and appropriations. The Assistant will coordinate with other finance and budget staff on related issues during the preparation of budget reports and will review monthly troop strength data and staffing complements. The position also entails maintaining up-to-date files and may involve providing guidance and training to other general service staff in the area of responsibility.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance and Budget Assistant will undertake a variety of duties, including:

• Supporting the review, analysis, and preparation of the programme plan and its revisions.
• Preparing supporting documents for cost estimates and budget proposals.
• Assisting managers in developing resource requirements for budget submissions.
• Conducting research to support Finance & Budget Officers during budget reviews.
• Monitoring expenditures and preparing necessary adjustments.
• Assisting in the preparation of budget performance submissions and reports.
• Monitoring the integrity of financial databases and verifying data accuracy.
• Coordinating with finance and budget staff on related issues.
• Reviewing monthly troop strength and staffing data. 1
• Processing fund distribution and inputting allotment/appropriation advice in the system. 1
• Keeping up-to-date with relevant documents and guidelines. 1
• Drafting correspondence in response to financial and budget inquiries. 1
• Maintaining organized files. 1
• Providing guidance and training to other staff as needed. 1
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A minimum of seven years of experience in finance, budget, accounting, administrative services, or a related area is required. This experience requirement is reduced to five years for candidates with a first-level university degree or higher. Familiarity with enterprise resource planning systems, such as SAP, and proficiency in information technology programs related to spreadsheets, databases, and word processing are desirable. Experience working with the United Nations or large international organizations, particularly regarding financial regulations and procedures, is also advantageous.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required for this position. While no specific job-related qualifications are mentioned, candidates with a first-level university degree or higher may have a reduced experience requirement, indicating that higher education is valued in this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in finance, budget, accounting, administrative services, or a related field. For candidates with a first-level university degree or higher, the required experience is reduced to five years. Experience with enterprise resource planning systems and familiarity with the operational procedures of the United Nations or similar organizations is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as English and French are 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 this role.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations in New York City. Those selected from outside the duty station will be responsible for their relocation expenses. Staff members recruited locally are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusive to international recruitment. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its recruitment process, ensuring a diverse and inclusive work environment. Candidates who have committed serious violations of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law or have a criminal record may not be considered for employment. The organization is committed to creating a non-smoking environment and may provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be assigned to various activities or offices as needed.