Finance and Budget Assistant

Job Advertisement

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

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Field Operations Finance Division (FOFD) in 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 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 maintaining high standards of effectiveness and efficiency in 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 necessary adjustments. The Assistant will also aid in the preparation of budget performance submissions and reports, analyzing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures. Furthermore, the role requires monitoring the integrity of various financial databases and ensuring the accuracy of input data. 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. The Finance and Budget Assistant will perform other related duties as assigned, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the finance and budget operations within the organization.

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 adjustments as necessary.
• Assisting in the preparation of budget performance submissions and reports.
• Monitoring the integrity of financial databases and verifying the accuracy of input data.
• Coordinating with other finance and budget staff on related issues.
• Reviewing monthly troop strength data and staffing complements. 1
• Processing fund distribution and inputting allotment/appropriation advice in the financial system. 1
• Keeping up-to-date on relevant documents and guidelines. 1
• Drafting correspondence in response to inquiries regarding financial and budget matters. 1
• Maintaining and organizing 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. For candidates with a first-level university degree or higher, the minimum experience requirement is reduced to five years. Experience in using enterprise resource planning systems, such as SAP, and proficiency in information technology programs related to spreadsheets, databases, and word processing are desirable. Additionally, experience working with the United Nations or large international organizations and familiarity with their financial regulations, rules, and procedures is advantageous.

Educational Background:
The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent as the minimum educational qualification. While specific job-related qualifications are not detailed, candidates with higher educational backgrounds, such as a first-level university degree, may have reduced experience requirements, indicating that further education is valued in this role.

Experience:
The role necessitates a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in finance, budget, accounting, administrative services, or a related area. However, this requirement is reduced to five years for candidates who hold a first-level university degree or higher. Experience with enterprise resource planning systems and familiarity with the operational procedures of the United Nations or similar large organizations is also desirable, highlighting the importance of both practical experience and knowledge of international financial regulations.

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, which may enhance communication and collaboration within the diverse international environment of the organization.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations in New York, where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station will be responsible for their relocation expenses. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits that are exclusive to international recruitment. The United Nations emphasizes the importance of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its recruitment process, ensuring a diverse and inclusive environment. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request.