Resource Planning Advisor, Operations

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on reproductive health and rights, aiming to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, employing approximately 4,000 staff members. The organization is dedicated to advancing the rights and health of women and girls, and it plays a crucial role in global efforts to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs). UNFPA's mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled, emphasizing the importance of gender equality and reproductive rights.

Job Overview:
The Resource Planning Advisor, Operations, is a pivotal role within the Division for Management Services, specifically in the Strategic Resource Planning Branch (SRPB). This position involves overseeing the planning and management of UNFPA's financial resources, ensuring that both core and non-core funding are utilized effectively to support the organization's strategic goals. The advisor will supervise a team of budget professionals and act as the Deputy to the Chief of the Branch. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of resource allocation, budget formulation, and financial oversight, as well as the ability to provide strategic guidance to senior management. The advisor will be responsible for ensuring that resource planning aligns with UNFPA's strategic priorities and contributes to the achievement of its transformative results, particularly in the context of the ongoing challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the preparation and formulation of the Integrated Budget for UNFPA's Headquarters, Regional Offices, and Country Offices, ensuring alignment with the UNFPA Strategic Plan.
• Provide substantive inputs for the formulation of programme and management budgets at various levels, overseeing the analysis of budget submissions and facilitating decision-making at senior management levels.
• Conduct thorough analyses of past and current financial operations to inform budget preparation and planning processes.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of the budget ledger and allotments, ensuring accuracy and compliance with financial regulations.
• Provide authoritative advice on budget-related policies and procedures, identifying and resolving operational bottlenecks in budget management.
• Support capacity building and training initiatives for UNFPA staff on resource planning and budget management.
• Develop tools and applications for resource planning and management, implementing new accounting mechanisms as necessary.
• Prepare periodic financial analysis and reporting on the management of the integrated budget, facilitating variance and trend analysis for senior management.
• Represent the Branch at internal and inter-agency groups, providing expertise on resource planning and management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in financial management, economics, business administration, accounting, or a related field. A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in budgeting and resource planning at both national and international levels is required. Candidates should demonstrate excellent written and spoken communication skills in English, with knowledge of ERP systems and budgeting techniques being highly desirable. Familiarity with UN procedures and policies is also an asset, along with strong research and analytical skills and proficiency in Microsoft applications and Google Suite products.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in financial management, economics, business administration, business statistics, accounting, social science, or a similar field is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively manage financial resources and contribute to strategic planning within the organization.

Experience:
The position requires at least 10 years of increasingly responsible professional experience in budgeting and resource planning. This experience should encompass both national and international contexts, demonstrating the candidate's ability to navigate complex financial environments and contribute to effective resource management. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing budgets, conducting financial analyses, and providing strategic guidance to senior management.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within UNFPA. Additionally, a working knowledge of other official UN languages is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the organization's global mission.

Additional Notes:
This position offers a competitive remuneration package, including a net salary and health insurance, along with other benefits as applicable. UNFPA is committed to promoting gender equality and diversity within its workforce, encouraging applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. The organization emphasizes a healthy work-life balance and values integrity, diversity, and inclusion in its work environment. Selection and appointment may be subject to background checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements.