BUDGET AND FINANCE SPECIALIST

Organizational Setting

FAO’s work in West Bank and Gaza Strip is guided by the Country Programming Framework (CPF) for Palestine in 2023-2025. The CPF promotes to the well-being of Palestinian people contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. It focuses on sustainable management of natural resources and development of agrifood value chains, protection and inclusion of vulnerable groups and improved nutrition, quality and safety of food consumption. To this effect, the CPF adopts a resilience approach to bridge humanitarian and development interventions, recognizing the centrality of market led development and its dependence on the enabling environment put in place by the public sector to promote food security.

Reporting Lines

Under the direct supervision of the Operations Officer, the overall supervision of the Head of Office and in close collaboration with the Operations Specialist and Head of Programme and other relevant personnel as appropriate.

Technical Focus

• Ensure the smooth functioning of projects’ budgets, consistent service delivery and continuous evaluation and readjustment/improvement of the analytical environment to reflect the Office’s evolving needs. • Ensure effective and efficient delivery of the programme and project activities of the Office at country level.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Prepare cost estimates and budget proposals, in terms of office resource requirements such as staff and non-staff requirements, including programmatic aspects, reviews, analyses and revises data with respect to the finalization of the budget proposals. • Provide support to the operations unit with respect to the elaboration of resource requirements for budget submissions. • Monitor extra-budgetary resources, including review of agreements and cost plans, ensuring compliance with regulations and rules and established policies and procedures. • Monitor budget implementation and determine /recommend reallocation of funds when necessary. • Monitor expenditures to ensure that they remain within authorized/approved levels. • Prepare relevant documentation with respect to budget performance submissions. • Review and make appropriate recommendations with respect to the finalization of budget performance reports, analyzing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures. • Contribute to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provide draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Monitor income generated to ensure that funds are fully utilized within the authorized period. Financial management • Monitor the preparation of project documents and their subsequent revisions. • Ensure that proposals are in line with funding agreements and donor requirements. • Review draft agreements with donors or UN organizations before administration clearance. • Coordinate and check financial reports as well as progress reports. • Perform other duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master`s degree or equivalent) in business administration, finance, or related field is required. A first level university degree combined with an additional two (2) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. • Two (2) years of relevant experience in finance, administration, budget or related area is required. • Working knowledge (level C) of English and limited knowledge (level B) of one of the other FAO languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian) for consultants. Working knowledge of English for PSAs. Knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building Effective Relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Managing financial resources in accordance with rules and regulations of an international organization is desirable. • One year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is required. • Preparing financial reports to intergovernmental bodies or donors is desirable. • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills. • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing. • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel. • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office application (Excel, Word, among others), email, and internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment. • Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage. • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) qualification or equivalent is desirable.