Budget & Finance Officer

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The Budget and Finance (BFU) unit is part of the Division of Administration and Finance (DAF). It provides support to the budget and finance operations of the regional office and 22 country/desk offices in EMR. BFU is entrusted with ensuring compliance with financial regulations and rules, policies and procedures and maintaining strong internal controls in order to effectively discharge WHO's accountability obligations to Member States and donors. BFU supports divisions and country offices in delivering WHO's programmes by providing guidance, review, and oversight on financial and administrative transactions, policies and procedures.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The incumbent will perform the following duties\:

1. Provide expert advice and guidance on financial and budgetary policies, procedures, rules and regulations. Facilitate budget management, funding and resource allocation decision-making for the region.

2. Analyze financial data, forecast trends, serve as the escalation point for issues and ensure corrective action is taken and lessons learned.

3. Coordinate financial reporting for internal management purposes and oversee the development of financial reports for the region to support decision-making.

4. Conduct studies on various financial and administrative issues, and develop/enhance policies and procedures by leveraging best practices to facilitate the smooth running of budget and finance operations.

5. Clear legal agreements between WHO and other organizations, entities and donors for signature by the Director of Administration and Finance.

6. Certify payments, and approve a variety of HR, position management and salary work plan actions in GSM.

7. Lead and manage the operations of the budget or finance sub-unit and the Staff Health Insurance unit. Optimize the performance of staff through motivation, continuous learning, and staff development.

8. As the SHI Officer, negotiate agreements with health care providers across the region, and approve, in consultation with HQ, exceptional arrangements for the provision of health care services to staff.

9. Design training programmes to develop the capacity of budget and finance staff in the regional and country offices.

10. Perform other duties relevant to the function as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential\: Master's degree in finance, accounting, or business administration/management with specialization in finance or accounting.
Desirable\: Possession of an internationally recognized professional accounting designation (CA, CPA, ACCA, CIMA, CPFA, etc.).

Experience

Essential\: At least 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in a financial reporting and accounting operation at the international level managing diverse teams. Experience in budget and/or programme management.
Desirable\: Experience working in the UN System. Field experience, particularly in emergency settings.

Skills

- Expert knowledge of financial and managerial accounting principles and practices, including IPSAS (or IFRS).

- Expert knowledge of internal controls, audit and compliance functions, and fraud detection and prevention practices.

- Expert knowledge of enterprise resource planning systems and reporting tools. - Demonstrated ability to synthesize issues and derive well-researched and defensible recommendations.

- Excellent drafting and presentation skills to produce policies, procedures, briefing notes, training materials and other communications.

- Skill in identifying and leading business process improvement and innovation projects.

- Ability to lead, manage and mentor teams effectively.

- Demonstrated commitment to ethics in maintaining the highest standards of personal and professional conduct.

WHO Competencies

- Teamwork
- Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
- Communication
- Setting an example
- Producing results
- Creating an empowering and motivating environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential\: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable\: Intermediate knowledge of French. Intermediate knowledge of Arabic.

REMUNERATION

WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 72,637 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station, and currently amounts to USD 1550 per month for the duty station indicated above. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

• A written test may be used as a form of screening.

• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link\: http\://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

• Staff members in other duty stations are encouraged to apply.

• For information on WHO's operations please visit\: http\://www.who.int.

• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• WHO has a mobility policy which can be found at the following link\: http\://www.who.int/employment/en/. Candidates appointed to an international post with WHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.