Finance and Budget Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Executive Office serving the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) and Peace Operations (DPO). The Executive Office is part of the Office for Coordination and Shared Services (OCSS), which enables, directs, and coordinates departmental efforts to ensure effective integration and management of both Departments. The Department of Peace Operations (DPO) serves as a center of excellence for peace operations, responsible for preventing, responding to, and managing conflict and sustaining peace in countries where peace operations are deployed. The Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) focuses on five action areas in international peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, ensuring sound analysis and early warning, preventing conflict, engaging in peacemaking, managing political crises and violent conflicts, sustaining peace, and enhancing partnerships. The Department's mandate is to prevent and resolve conflict through inclusive political solutions.

Job Overview:
The Finance and Budget Assistant will be responsible for various financial and budget-related tasks within the Executive Office. This role requires a strong understanding of financial rules and regulations, particularly within the UN environment. The assistant will work closely with the Finance & Budget Officer and other staff to ensure that budget proposals are finalized accurately and that expenditures are monitored against approved budgets. The position demands a proactive approach to research and support for higher-level finance officers, as well as the ability to draft correspondence and maintain up-to-date files. The assistant will also be expected to provide guidance and training to other staff members, ensuring compliance with UN policies and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance and Budget Assistant will undertake a variety of duties, including reviewing and analyzing cost estimates and budget proposals, assisting managers in resource requirement elaboration, and conducting research to support budget reviews. The assistant will monitor expenditures, prepare adjustments, and review requisitions for goods and services. Additionally, the role involves preparing budget performance submissions, monitoring extra-budgetary resources, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The assistant will also verify the accuracy of input data, coordinate with other finance staff, and keep abreast of relevant documents and guidelines. Other responsibilities include drafting correspondence, maintaining files, and providing guidance to general service staff.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. A first-level university degree or higher can reduce the required work experience from seven years to five years. Proven experience in finance, budget preparation, and performance reporting is essential. Familiarity with Trust Funds administration in an international organization is required, along with knowledge of UN Financial Rules and Regulations. Experience with ERP systems, particularly SAP/ERP and Excel reporting, is desirable, as is experience in an administrative office setting such as an Executive Office.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required for this position. Candidates with a first-level university degree or higher will have a reduced experience requirement, emphasizing the importance of educational qualifications in the selection process.

Experience:
The position requires seven years of experience in finance, budget, accounting, administrative services, or a related area. However, candidates with a first-level university degree or higher may qualify with only five years of relevant experience. Proven experience in budget preparation and performance reporting is crucial, as well as familiarity with Trust Funds administration in an international context.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official United Nations language, such as French, is considered an advantage, reflecting the multilingual environment of the UN.

Additional Notes:
This position is financed through extra-budgetary funds and is temporarily available for an initial period of one year. If the selected candidate is already a staff member of the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be treated as a temporary assignment. The position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Selected candidates from outside the duty station will be responsible for their relocation expenses. Staff members are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusive to international recruitment. The United Nations is committed to diversity and encourages female candidates to apply. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications and organizational needs, with a focus on achieving gender balance and geographical diversity.