Associate Finance and Budget Officer

Overview

Manage finance and budget processes effectively. Provide data-driven insights for decision-making.

You have:

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business and public administration, economics, international affairs, history, political science, statistics, computer science, data science, analytics or related field is required.
• A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in finance, budget, public administration, business administration, international affairs, political science, statistics, information management, applied analytics, business intelligence, or related area is required.
• Experience using data to inform decisions and strategies, including summarizing and presenting insights from large data sets in a clear, accessible, and visually effective manner, is required.
• One year or more of experience with self-service analytics and data visualization applications (MS Power BI, Qlik, Tableau or similar), or business intelligence tools (SAP Business Objects, etc.) is required.
• Experience in preparing results-based budgets in a large international setting is desirable.
• Experience in the design, development and enhancement of a financial or budgetary model or information systems is desirable.
• Experience in providing direct support on budgetary issues to intergovernmental bodies is desirable.
• English is required.

Contract

This is a P-2 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 2 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 101,253 USD and 137,526 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Policy and Coordination Unit of the Programme Planning and Budget Division (PPBD), Office of Programme Planning, Finance and Budget (OPPFB), Department of Management, Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC). The Associate Finance and Budget Officer reports to the Head of the Policy and Coordination Unit (PCU) and the Director of the Division. In line with the Financial Regulations and Rules of the United Nations, PPBD is responsible for formulating plans and forecasting the resource requirements in line with the legislative intent, and developing and implementing policies, procedures and methodologies related to the programme budget. This includes preparing and presenting plan outlines, budgets, performance reports and other reports containing cost-estimates to legislative bodies, and providing guidance on budgetary matters. PPBD facilitates decision-making on planning and budgetary issues by supporting the General Assembly and its subsidiary organs with substantive services. PPBD’s focus is on estimating in an accurate and timely manner the activities and related resources required to implement mandates, by providing support to a very diverse pool of clients and stakeholders, optimizing processes and leveraging technology for continuous improvement. PPBD strongly encourages staff to develop new skills and to join change initiatives.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Associate Programme Budget Officer will be responsible for the following duties: Budget preparation • Guides support staff in the compilation and review of the relevant decisions, recommendations and conclusions from competent expert and intergovernmental bodies with a view to provide inputs for the preparation of budgetary guidance. • Guides internal and external clients in the accurate translation of legislative mandates into programme budgets, including by validating the content of programme plans. • Supports internal and external clients in utilizing ERP systems and tools during the formulation of budget proposals. • Reviews and assists in the finalization and quality assurance of the programmatic of the programme budget and its revisions on the basis of departmental submissions, taking into account recommendations and decisions of relevant expert and intergovernmental bodies. • Supports senior management during the review and approval process of the programme budget and its revisions by researching and identifying relevant information to be provided to competent intergovernmental and expert bodies. • Reviews and analyses programme budget/financial implications resulting from decisions of competent intergovernmental bodies containing new or expanded mandates. Budget administration • Supports transformation, innovation, and data analytics initiatives within the Division by identifying, assessing, and facilitating the use of appropriate data and information sources to enhance evidence‑based programme planning and budgeting. • Conducts research and contributes to change initiatives by developing proposals to simplify, harmonize, and improve budgetary policies, methodologies, and procedures in support of effective and results‑based budgeting across the organization. • Provides client-oriented guidance and advisory support on the application and interpretation of policies related to the implementation of programme budgets. • Reviews and assists in the preparation and finalization of budget performance reports, including by identifying variances between approved budgets, planned and actual deliverables and planned and actual programmatic results achieved; consolidates and summarizes explanation of material variances based on information provided by budget officers and guidance from senior managers. General • Keeps up-to-date on documents/reports/guidelines/audit observations that have a bearing on matters related to programme budgets. Keeps abreast of intergovernmental recommendations and decisions as well as United Nations policies and procedures, including by providing comments, opinions and observations; Supports the formulation of any changes to budgetary policies. Supports the research required for the preparation of budgetary reports; supports the drafting of content of budgetary reports. • Transforms complex and large sets of data into clear accessible, and visually effective information products for use in presentations, talking points and briefing materials for senior management. • Researches and identifies information that is relevant for the consideration of eventual policy changes that respond to budgetary needs and are in line with legislative intent. • Identifies areas for improvement in the existing information systems and processes with a view to contribute to more efficient and effective budgetary processes; explores opportunities for automation and for reduction or risk of error. • Designs reports and tools that facilitate access to information and simplify processes and procedures. Analyses large data sets to identify trends and patterns. Audits information systems to identify inaccuracies. • Propose enhancements to the Umoja (SAP) budgetary modules and improved integration of data products in the suite of available corporate tools to better support the work of the Secretariat on programme planning and budgetary matters and the intergovernmental processes. • Applies quality and data management methodologies to structure, standardize, format, and visualize data for analytical use in decision making at both the Secretariat wide level and for specific budget areas. • Develop and implement databases, data collection systems, data analytics and other strategies that optimize statistical efficiency and quality • Collaborate with information system officers, data engineers and data scientists to improve data flows, data quality, etc. • Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of financial and budgetary principles and practices. Financial and mathematical skills that facilitate analysis of data. Ability to identify and resolve budgetary and procedural problems challenges in creative and innovative ways. Ability to and identify sources for data collection, and to organize, summarize and present information in a simple, accessible and attractive manner. Ability to identify inaccuracies and instances of non-compliance. Ability to formulate conclusions and recommendations that are supported by facts. 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. Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services. Offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs. Promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas. Takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks "outside the box." Takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things. Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business and public administration, economics, international affairs, history, political science, statistics, computer science, data science, analytics or related field is required. A first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in similar fields in combination with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in finance, budget, public administration, business administration, international affairs, political science, statistics, information management, applied analytics, business intelligence, or related area is required. No experience is needed for candidates who have passed the United Nations Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP) or the G to P Examination (G to P). Experience using data to inform decisions and strategies, including summarizing and presenting insights from large data sets in a clear, accessible, and visually effective manner, is required. One year or more of experience with self-service analytics and data visualization applications (MS Power BI, Qlik, Tableau or similar), or business intelligence tools (SAP Business Objects, etc.) is required. Experience in preparing results-based budgets in a large international setting is desirable. Experience in the design, development and enhancement of a financial or budgetary model or information systems is desirable. Experience in providing direct support on budgetary issues to intergovernmental bodies is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

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LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingEnglishUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level II

Assessment

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

Special Notice

The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. 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. 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.

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. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile 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. All external candidates recruited in accordance with section ‎2.2 (a) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment without limitation and all external candidates recruited in accordance with section 2.2. (c) of ST/AI/2025/3 for a fixed term appointment limited to the entity are subject to an initial probationary period of one year under a fixed-term appointment. 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.

Potential interview questions