Org. Setting and Reporting

The position is located in the Programme Planning and Budget Division (PPBD) of the Office of Programme, Planning, Finance and Budget (OPPFB) in the Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC). The Programme Budget Officer reports to the Chief of Service and to the Director of the Programme Planning and Budget Division. In line with the Financial Regulations and Rules of the United Nations, PPBD is responsible for developing and implementing policies, procedures and methodologies related to the programme budget. This includes preparing and presenting budget outlines, programme plans and budgets, performance reports and other budgetary reports to legislative bodies, and providing guidance on budgetary matters. We facilitate decision-making on planning and budgetary issues by supporting the General Assembly and its subsidiary organs with substantive services. Our focus is on providing support to a very diverse pool of clients and stakeholders, optimizing processes and leveraging technology for continuous improvement. We encourage staff to develop new skills and to join change initiatives.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Programme Budget Officer will be responsible for the following duties: Programme plan: • Reviews, analyses and finalizes the preparation and/or revisions of the programme plan, taking into account recommendations and decisions of specialized inter-governmental bodies. • Provides support to clients with respect to the elaboration of their proposed programme plan. • Provides substantive support to relevant intergovernmental and expert bodies in their review of the programme plan and its revisions; assists in securing approval from the General Assembly. • Ensures legislative mandates are accurately translated into programme plans. 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, including linkages to programmatic aspects. • Provides support to clients with respect to the elaboration of resource requirements for budget submissions. • Reviews, analyses and provides input into finalization of programme budget/financial implications arising from decisions/resolutions of the Security Council, ECOSOC and the General Assembly and its subsidiary bodies.

• Provides substantive support to relevant intergovernmental and expert bodies in their budget review; assists in securing approval from the General Assembly. Budget administration: • Reviews and analyses requests for allotments and redeployments of funds, issues allotments and redeployment of funds when necessary. • Monitors budget implementation. to ensure that they remain within authorized levels. • Reviews and makes appropriate recommendations with respect to the finalization of budget performance reports, analysing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures using finance module of enterprise resource planning (ERP). • Provides substantive support to intergovernmental and legislative bodies. General: • Keeps up-to-date on documents/reports/guidelines that have a bearing on matters related to programme budgets, ensuring compliance with intergovernmental recommendations and decisions as well as with United Nations policies and procedures; • Provides advice and guidance on budgetary and financial policies and procedures.

• Provides inputs to reports and correspondence for intergovernmental bodies and for management on budgetary issues. • Researches and analyses budgetary policies and procedures and recommends changes, as necessary. • Supports the review of budgetary practices and processes with a view to streamlining such practices and processes, including through automation. • Explores opportunities for the enhancement of information systems related to budgeting and proposes improvements, when applicable. • Supports the preparation and presentation of summarized information to senior managers and inter-governmental and expert bodies in an attractive and accessible manner. • Monitors and supervises the work of subordinate staff as required. • 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. • Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of financial principles and practices. Ability to independently conduct research and analysis, formulate options and present conclusions and recommendations that are supported by facts. Ability to validate data and its sources, and to review, summarize and present information in a simple, accessible and attractive manner. Ability to reconcile differences and instances of non-compliance in budgetary and financial data, and propose adequate corrective actions. Ability to apply budgetary regulations, rules, policies and procedures. 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. 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. 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. Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology. Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks. Shows willingness to learn new technology.

Education

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

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in finance, budgeting, business or public administration, financial management, accounting, or related area is required. Experience with financial systems / finance modules of enterprise resource planning (ERP) such as Oracle, SAP or PeopleSoft or similar software is required. At least one year of experience with results-based approaches to budgeting is required. Experience in providing direct 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.