PROGRAMME BUDGET OFFICER

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Development Pillar, Human Rights Service (DPHR) of the Programme Planning and Budget Division (PPBD) in the Office of Programme, Planning, Finance and Budget (OPPFB) of the Department of Management, Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC). The Finance and Budget Officer reports to the Chief of Service and the Director of the Division.

The Development Pillar, Human Rights Service (DPHR), supports PPBD's work related to Development and Human Rights. PPBD is committed to ensuring the highest standards in the preparation and presentation of programme budgets of the United Nations. These budgets are formulated in line with the agreed results-based budgeting methodology.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Programme Budget Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

PROGRAMME PLAN AND PRIORITIES:
• Review, analyze and finalize the preparation and/or revisions of the programme plan, taking into account recommendations and decisions of specialized inter-governmental bodies.
• Provide substantive support to relevant inter-governmental and expert bodies in their review of the programme plan and secure approval from the General Assembly.
• Ensure legislative mandates are accurately translated into programme budgets.

BUDGET PREPARATION, IMPLEMENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION:
• Analyze cost estimates and budget proposals, including programmatic aspects.
• Ensure compliance with the programme plan and other legislative mandates.
• Review, analyze and finalize financial implications arising from decision/statements of the Security Council, ECOSOC and the General Assembly and its subsidiary bodies.
• Analyze and recommend spending authority (allotments) and monitor implementation to ensure that they remain within authorized levels.
• Administer and monitor extra-budgetary resources, including review of agreements and cost plans.
• Review and finalize budget performance reports, analyzing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures using finance modules of enterprise resource planning (ERP).
• Ensure compliance with the UN Regulations and Rules and established policies and procedures.
• Provide substantive support to relevant inter-governmental and expert bodies in their budget review; assist in securing approval from the General Assembly.

GENERAL:
• Provide advice and guidance, as required, to clients of the Division on budgetary and financial policies and procedures, including results-based budgeting.
• Keep up-to-date on documents/reports/guidelines/issues that have a bearing on matters related to programme budgets, as appropriate, ensuring compliance with inter-governmental recommendations and decisions as well as with United Nations policies and procedures.
• Draft reports for inter-governmental bodies and for management on budgetary issues, and correspondence.
• Undertake research and analysis of budgetary policies and procedures, make recommendations for changes and/or modifications.
• Provide substantive support at inter- and intra-departmental meetings and as appropriate before legislative and expert bodies, on matters related to resource requirements, programming and budgetary issues.
• Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Perform other related duties, as assigned.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM - Proven conceptual, analytical and evaluative skills and ability to conduct independent research and analysis, identifying issues, formulating options and making conclusions and recommendations; a complete, in-depth grasp of financial principles and practices; proven ability to work under pressure and produce output that is accurate and of high quality. Ability to review and draft comprehensive, clear and concise reports and correspondence on budgetary and programmatic matters. Solid computer skills, including proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets and complex computerized financial systems. Proficiency in finance modules of internationally recognized enterprise resource planning software (ERP) such as Oracle, SAP, PeopleSoft. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

PLANNING AND 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.

TEAMWORK – Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, public administration, accounting, finance, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in combination with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage.

Job - Specific Qualification

Successful completion of the CPA, ACCA, CFA or similar examination is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in finance, administration, budget, business administration, accounting or related area is required.

At least three years of experience in programmatic issues, results-based budgeting, budgetary and statistical analysis in a commercial, public, or international organization is required.

At least two years of experience with financial systems/ finance modules of enterprise resource planning (ERP), such as Oracle, SAP or PeopleSoft or similar software, is required.

Two years of experience in providing support on budgetary issues to intergovernmental bodies is desirable.

2 years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

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

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity.¿ All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position.

For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or underrepresented in the UN Secretariat as of 30 September 2022, are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Comoros, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Malta, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Norway, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia Solomon Islands, South Sudan, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.