Budget Officer - Economic Commission for Africa

Closing date: Sunday, 24 May 2015

Posting Title: BUDGET OFFICER, P3

Job Code Title: PROGRAMME BUDGET OFFICER

Department/ Office: Economic Commission for Africa

Duty Station: ADDIS ABABA

Posting Period: 25 March 2015-24 May 2015

Job Opening number: 15-FIN-ECA-41920-R-ADDIS ABABA(G)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Special Notice

United Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) is committed to promoting geographical distribution and gender equality within its Secretariat. Women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

Organizational Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Strategic Planning and Operational Quality Division of the Economic Commission for Africa. The Budget Officer reports to the Chief of Programme Planning and Budget Section.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Budget Officer will be responsible for the following duties: PROGRAMME PLAN AND PRIORITIES: Review, analyze and finalize the preparation and/or revisions of the biennial programme plan (Strategic Framework), taking into account recommendations and decisions of specialized inter-governmental bodies; Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, etc; monitors and analyzes programme/project development implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions; Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies; Prepares various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc; provide substantive support to relevant inter-governmental and expert bodies in their review of the Strategic Framework and secure approval from the General Assembly. Ensure legislative mandates are accurately translated into programme priorities and ensure adequate resourcing.

BUDGET PREPARATION, IMPLEMENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION: Analyze cost estimates and budget proposals, including programmatic aspects. Ensure compliance with the Strategic Framework and other legislative mandates. Review, analyze and finalize financial implications arising from decision/statements of the Security Council and the General Assembly and its subsidiary bodies. Analyze and recommend spending authority (allotments) and monitor implementation to ensure that they remain within authorized levels. Administer and monitor extra-budgetary resources, including review of agreements and cost plans. Review and finalize budget performance reports, analyzing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures. Ensure compliance with the Financial Regulations and Rules and established policies and procedures. Provide substantive support to relevant inter-governmental and expert bodies in their budget review.

GENERAL: Provide advice and guidance, as required, to clients of the Division on programmatic, budgetary and financial policies and procedures, including results-based budgeting. Keep up-to-date on documents/reports/guidelines/issues that have a bearing on matters related to programme budgets, as appropriate, ensuring compliance with inter-governmental recommendations and decisions as well as with United Nations policies and procedures. Draft reports for inter-governmental bodies and for management on budgetary issues, and correspondence; undertake research and analysis of budgetary policies and procedures, make recommendations for changes and/or modifications. Provide substantive support at inter- and intra-departmental meetings and as appropriate before legislative and expert bodies, on matters related to resource requirements, programming and budgetary issues. Perform other related duties, as assigned. The incumbent will be required to provide stand-by services during the weekend, holidays and outside normal working hours, as necessary.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM - Proven conceptual, analytical and evaluative skills and ability to conduct independent research and analysis, identifying issues, formulating options and making conclusions and recommendations; in-depth grasp of programme planning, budgeting, financial principles and practices; proven ability to work under pressure and produce output that is accurate and of high quality; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Ability to review and draft comprehensive, clear and concise reports and correspondence on budgetary and programmatic matters. Keeps people informed of progress and setbacks. Solid computer skills, including proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets and complex computerized financial systems. Proficiency in Integrated Management Information System (IMIS), the UN Budget Information System (UNBIS), and finance modules of internationally recognized enterprise resource planning software (ERP) such as Oracle, SAP, PeopleSoft is desirable. 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.

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; builds consensus for task purpose and direction with team members; supports and acts in accordance with final group decisions, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, finance, or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in programme planning, budgeting, management and administration. Experience in applying results-based management and budgeting principles in a development context is highly desirable.

Languages

Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage

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