Resource Planning Advisor, Operations

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization emphasizes the importance of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, and it plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges such as maternal health, family planning, and gender-based violence. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 outlines its commitment to achieving transformative results in these areas, particularly in the context of the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on vulnerable populations. The organization is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities it serves, and it actively encourages applications from underrepresented groups.

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). The incumbent will report directly to the Chief of SRPB and will be responsible for ensuring the transparent and efficient planning of UNFPA's financial resources. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of both core and non-core funding to maximize impact and safeguard the financial sustainability of the organization. The Resource Planning Advisor will manage a team of budget professionals and will act as the Deputy to the Chief of the Branch. The role involves overseeing integrated resource planning, budget formulation, and allocation, as well as providing capacity building and technical guidance to UNFPA offices. The advisor will play a critical role in supporting the organization's strategic priorities and decision-making processes, ensuring that financial resources are effectively utilized to achieve UNFPA's goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Resource Planning Advisor will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: leading the preparation and formulation of the Integrated Budget for Headquarters, Regional Offices, and Country Offices; providing input to the Strategic Plan process; overseeing the analysis of budget submissions and facilitating decision-making at senior management levels; conducting cost analysis and ensuring accuracy in budget estimates; supporting the Chief of Branch in budget formulation; managing the allocation of core and non-core funds; providing authoritative advice on budget-related policies; identifying operational bottlenecks and recommending solutions; developing and implementing budgetary control mechanisms; overseeing capacity building and training for UNFPA staff; and representing the Branch in internal and inter-agency groups. The advisor will also be responsible for preparing financial analysis and reports, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, and supporting the development of tools for resource planning.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in financial management, economics, business administration, business statistics, accounting, social science, or a related field. Additionally, 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, and familiarity with ERP systems, particularly budgeting systems, is highly desirable. Knowledge of results-based budgeting and activity-based costing techniques, as well as strong research and analytical skills, are essential. Familiarity with UN procedures and policies is also advantageous, along with proficiency in Microsoft applications and Google Suite products. Knowledge of IPSAS is considered a plus.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as financial management, economics, business administration, business statistics, accounting, or social sciences. This advanced degree is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to effectively manage and oversee the financial resources of UNFPA.

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 strategic decision-making processes. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing financial resources effectively and implementing innovative solutions to enhance budget management.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary working language of UNFPA. Additionally, a working knowledge of other official UN languages is considered an asset, as it can facilitate communication and collaboration within the diverse international environment of the organization.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, which includes a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits as applicable. UNFPA is committed to providing a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization actively encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates, regardless of personal characteristics. The selection and appointment process may be subject to background checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements. Importantly, UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.