Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the UNODC Programme Office in Serbia (POSRB), Regional Office for South-Eastern Europe (ROSEE), Division for Operations (DO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), duty station Belgrade. The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the UNODC Representative for South-Eastern Europe and the direct supervision of the Officer leading POSRB.

Responsibilities

The Programme Assistant (Finance) will be responsible for backstopping day-to-day implementation of various UNODC programmes and projects in SEE with particular emphasis on the Regional Programme for South-Eastern Europe (RPSEE). The incumbent will undertake the following specific tasks: • Assist in the coordination of programme/project planning and implementation of activities of various UNODC programmes and projects in SEE, by providing administrative and financial guidance, assistance and support to UNODC project staff in the region of the SEE; monitor status of programme/project proposals and receipt of relevant documentation for review and approval. • Review, analyze and assist with project documents, especially with the finalization of cost estimates and budget proposals related to the activities under the RPSEE, for the programmes/projects and individual regional/country level budget segments, for completeness and compliance with relevant rules and procedures prior to submission for final approval and signature; provide guidance in the interpretation of budget instructions; verify availability of funds. • Assist the Representative and Head of Programme Offices in the region in day-to-day implementation of respective UNODC programmes/projects in the region. Draft correspondence on budget-related issues and prepare and update periodic reports, briefing notes, graphic and statistical summaries, accounting spreadsheets, etc. • Guide the work of Administrative and Project Assistants in the region related to programme/project administration and finance implementation. • Analyze specific accounting issues related to business development and execution. Support the Representative in the elaboration of programme/project budgets and support the utilization of the procedures and systems for appropriate financial control on programme implementation. • Prepare and support the implementation of work programme, ensuring that financial resources are utilized to implement activities in accordance with the Programme Budget and allotments. • Monitor project expenditures against approved work plans and keep track of project expenditure per activity and donor/pledge ID, status of implementation and ensure compliance with United Nations financial rules and regulations; initiate project and/or budget revisions as required. • Assist in the preparation and submission for approval of the financial reports as per donor requirements and in coordination with the Financial Resources Management Service in Vienna. Produce financial reports for programme managers and respond to internal/external audit observations on accounting functions. • Conduct financial operation and support obligations or expenditure for services, supplies and equipment expenses encompassing a variety of funding sources. • Coordinate actions related to the human resources management activities, e.g., recruitment, local staff selection and on-boarding, promotion, performance management, separation of staff members etc, which are closely in line with the UN regulations/rules, and relevant Administrative Instructions and procedures. • Provide budget estimates, and support the organization of conferences, meetings, seminars, workshops, training and study visits, by liaising with national counterparts as well as with the administrative and financial departments on the matters of hotel reservations, Daily Subsistence VG1402 & GJPG015 Allowance (DSA) payments and related conference material. • Organize procurement of equipment and services as well as coordinate event management related activities among Administrative and Project Assistants. • Serve as UNODC focal point for general administrative/financial coordination for the programmes/projects related activities, involving extensive liaison with various units to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions. • Monitor and timely complete/submit various periodical administrative tasks for SEE region, including monthly reconciliation of project expenditure per budget segment. • Support the Representative in liaising with UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services), IOM (International Organization for Migration), UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) Offices in SEE. • Assist with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making. • Assist with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures. • Perform other work-related duties, as assigned.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Ability to perform a broad range of administrative functions, e.g., budget/work programme, human resources, database management, etc. Ability to apply knowledge of various United Nations administrative, financial and human resources rules and regulations in work situations. Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures generally and in particular those related to programme/project administration, implementation and evaluation, technical cooperation, programming and budgeting. Understanding of the functions and organization of the work unit and of the organizational structure and respective roles of related units. Ability to work well with figures, undertake basic research and gather information from standard sources. Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. 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. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. Able to perform analysis, modelling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives, accessibility considerations and 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 & 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.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible work experience in public administration, finance, or programme support service is required. The minimum years of relevant experience are reduced to three (3) for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Experience using standard office software (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and web-based management systems (e.g., Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) systems) is required. Experience with SAP (Umoja) is desirable. Experience within the United Nations system or a similar international organization is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Serbian is desirable. 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

LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingEnglishUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level II

Desirable Languages

LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingSerbianUN Level IUN Level IUN Level IUN Level I

Assessment

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

Special Notice

THIS IS A FIXED TERM LIMITED POSITION. Appointment against this project post is for an initial period of one (1) year. The candidate selected for this position will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited (“FTA-limited”) in accordance with section 2.2 (c) of administrative instruction ST/AI/2025/3 on Administration of appointments. Renewal of appointment is contingent upon continued existence of mandate and availability of funding. If this position is discontinued, the incumbent will be separated from service. United Nations Secretariat staff members who meet the definition of “internal candidate” in staff rule 4.10 who are selected for this position will be reassigned or transferred to the position, without a lien to their parent position. This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. Applicants for positions in the General Service and related categories must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their career in accordance with established rules and procedures. 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. The movement of staff members from the General Service and related categories to the Professional category in the United Nations Secretariat is exclusively allowed through the Young Professionals Programme competitive examinations. Only few staff members pass the competitive examinations. Passing the competitive examinations does not guarantee movement to the Professional category. For further information, please visit https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=GP

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.