JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Senior Finance & Budget Assistant will be responsible for the following duties: Budget: • Acts as Certifying Officer on behalf of and in the absence of programme managers at offices outside headquarters. • Reviews, analyses and assists in the finalization of cost estimates and budget proposals, in terms of staff and non-staff requirements, including programmatic aspects. • Assists managers in the elaboration of resource requirements for budget submissions. • Undertakes research and provides support to higher level Finance & Budget Officers with respect to budget reviews of relevant intergovernmental and expert bodies. • Provides input into the preparation/issuance of allotments, including redeployment of funds when necessary, ensuring appropriate expenditures • Monitors extra-budgetary resources, including review of agreements and cost plans, ensuring compliance with regulations and rules and established policies and procedures • Reviews interim and final financial statements for each trust fund contribution for certification by the Finance Division/DMPSC in compliance with the reporting requirements stipulated in the relevant contribution agreements. • Reviews and certifies requisitions for goods and services to ensure (a) correct objects of expenditure have been charged, and (b) availability of funds. • Assists in finalization of budget performance reports, analysing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures. • Monitors integrity of various financial databases. • Verifies accuracy of input data, ensuring consistency of data in previous allotments to new allotments issued. • Co-ordinates with other finance and budget staff on related issues during preparation of budget reports. Trust Fund Administration: • Provides a full range of assistance in trust fund management and implementation at all phases of the cycle, seeking guidance only in exceptional circumstances, for all trust fund projects. • Contributes to the analysis, summary and presentation of information/data, highlighting noteworthy issues/trends for consideration by appropriate parties (implementing parties, donors, and substantive offices). • Works closely with the substantive offices on the finalization of contribution agreements. • Monitors submission of substantive and financial reporting. • Coordinates with the Finance Division/DMSPC in connection with the receipt of donor contributions • Provides assistance to Programme Managers in the formulation of donor project proposals. • Prepares requests for project codes for each trust fund contribution. • Maintains database on trust fund contribution projects. General: • Keeps up-to-date on documents/reports/files relating to each trust fund contribution. • Drafts or prepares correspondence to respond to enquiries in respect to relevant financial and budget matters. • Provides guidance and training to junior staff in the team. • Provides assistance to the Administrative Officers on financial, budgetary and trust fund administration matters. • Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Competencies
• Professionalism: Knowledge of, and ability to apply financial rules, regulations and procedures in the UN environment. Knowledge, skills and ability to extract, interpret, analyse and format data across the full range of finance and budget functions, including programme development and database management, claims and treasury operations. Ability to identify and resolve data discrepancies and operational problems. Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Keeps abreast of available technology. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Able to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. • PLANNING & ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. • CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Education
High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job – Specific Qualification
Not available.

Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in finance, budget, accounting, administrative services or related area is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to eight for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Experience in the administration and management of extra-budgetary resources from voluntary contributions is required. Experience reviewing and certifying transactions in ERP based systems such as Umoja, SAP or other similar platforms is required. Experience in reviewing or formulating contributions agreements is desirable. At least one year or more of experience in data analytics or a related area is desirable. Experience working in the United Nations or similar international organization is desirable.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required; and knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements