Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Global Service Centre (UNGSC) provides critical Supply Chain, Geospatial, Information and Telecommunications Technologies services and Training to all Secretariat Entities, Peacekeeping and Special Political Missions, Agencies, Funds and Programmes of the UN system worldwide. The position is located in the Finance and Budget Unit (FBU) within the Central Service (CS) at the United Nations Global Service Centre (UNGSC), Brindisi, Italy. The incumbent will report to the Chief FBU or designated officer.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Finance & Budget Officer will be responsible for the following duties: Budget preparation:

• Reviews and analyses data with respect to the finalization of cost estimates and budget proposals, in terms of staff and non-staff requirements.
• Provides support to managers with respect to the elaboration of resource requirements for budget submissions.
• Reviews, analyses, and provides input into the finalization of programme budget proposals and financial implications, ensuring alignment with mandates, donor requirements, and organizational financial policies.
• Provides substantive support and assistance during the budget review to relevant intergovernmental, expert and oversight bodies. Budget administration:
• Monitors budget implementation and determines/recommends reallocation and reprioritization of funds when necessary.
• Monitors expenditures to ensure that they remain within authorized levels while flagging deviations for financial performance reporting.
• Administers and monitors extra-budgetary resources, including review of agreements and cost plans, ensuring compliance with regulations and rules and established policies and procedures.
• Monitors the implementation of approved budgets, comparing actuals against planned allocations, and preparing variance analyses.
• Prepares relevant documentation with respect to budget performance submissions.
• Reviews and makes appropriate recommendations with respect to the finalization of budget performance reports, analysing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures.
• Provides substantive support to intergovernmental and legislative bodies. Finance:
• Analyses accounts and reviews/evaluates regular financial reports to assess accuracy, consistency and compliance with financial policies. Identifies problematic transactions and irregularities in related accounts and resolves them in a timely and effective manner.
• Reviews and reconciles various clearing accounts and complex General Ledger accounts to ensure accurate balances. Investigates erroneous/invalid entries and takes appropriate corrective accounting action.
• Approves/Confirms that proposed obligations or expenditures, are in accordance with the Financial Regulations and Rules of the UN, relevant appropriations, staffing tables and corresponding approved allotments/appropriations.
• Ensures that accurate, complete, and reliable accounting, reporting, and internal control systems are in place and that all relevant records are properly maintained.
• Assists in the preparation and consolidation of financial statements for inclusion in the UN Financial Statements to be audited and responds to internal and external audit observations.
• Provides training, advice, and other guidance concerning the United Nations’ Financial Regulations and Rules, finance processes, and Accounting Instructions.
• Provides interpretation of requirements for processing transactions and monitors, analyzes entries recorded in the accounting system.
• Collects, reviews, and interprets financial data to support monitoring, forecasting, and reporting.
• Provides timely and accurate information to support responses to audit findings and financial performance reviews. General:
• Keeps up-to-date on documents/reports/guidelines that have a bearing on matters related to programme and/or peacekeeping budgets, ensuring compliance with intergovernmental recommendations and decisions as well as with United Nations policies and procedures.
• Keeps up-to-date on current financial regulations/professional publications and accepted principles.
• Identifies opportunities for process improvement and recommend changes for increased effectiveness and efficiency.
• Monitors and supervises the work of staff as required.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned. Competencies Professionalism: Knowledge of accounting principles, procedures and standards. Ability to apply conceptual, analytical and evaluative skills in accounting operations. Ability to conduct independent research and analysis, identify issues, formulate options and make conclusions and recommendations. 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. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. Education Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, finance, accounting, or 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. Job – Specific Qualification Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable. Work Experience A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in accounting, finance, budget, financial analysis and reporting, business administration, or a related area is required. Experience in data analytics or a related area is required. Experience with budgetary procedures, policies, and practices in an international organization is required. Experience in cost management, budget formulation, financial monitoring, accounting, audit, financial reporting, or other related areas is required. Experience working with IPSAS (International Public Sector Accounting Standards) / IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) or similar international accounting standards is desirable. Experience working with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, such as SAP or similar, in financial management 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). Required Languages Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking English UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based…