For every Child, a Future 

The Division of Finance & Administration (DFAM) at UNICEF HQ strives to provide relevant, accurate and timely information to the UNICEF executive leadership to facilitate robust decision-making and strategic direction recognizing the needs of children across the world.

DFAM strives to ensure that financial resources are fully attributed to the Strategic Plan results chain and are made available in a timely manner, and used effectively and efficiently. This is achieved through periodic measurement, transparent reporting of financial and administrative performance, and the development and application of risk-informed policy, improved procedures and innovative systems.

The Planning and Budget unit is part of the Strategic Resource Management Section which focuses on budget allocation; preparing quadrennial budgets, mid-term updates and monitoring of budget reports; issuing budgets to field offices and divisions; overseeing the development and issuance of budget policies and procedures; managing post authority tables and other budget tools; providing technical training and support to stakeholders at HQ and in the field; and carrying out analysis of resources that is critical to management decision-making.

How can you make a difference?

You will be responsible for responsible for the review and analysis of budget proposals and the management, monitoring and control of budgetary expenditure for the assigned regions and HQ Divisions.

Some of the key functions involve as follows:

1. Advise and support offices on budgetary process and the correct application and interpretation of policies and procedures; assist offices in the budget planning, preparation and management process. Conduct training courses on budget systems and procedures
2. Analyze budget submissions from the assigned offices, evaluate cost effectiveness of proposals and determine affordability based on overall organizational resources and priorities. Ensure proposals adhere to organizational policies, rules, regulations and procedures
3. Monitor budgetary expenditure, analyze expenditure forecasts and prepare variance analysis for the assigned offices to ensure appropriate and optimal use of approved budget allocations.
4. Ensure that allotments are issued in accordance with relevant budgetary authority and provide guidance and advice on the efficient and appropriate use of allocated resources.
5. Support office budget reviews providing guidance, advice and support on all budgetary questions impacting the office.
6. Draft budget narratives and submit consolidated tables for inclusion in budget estimates for the assigned regions.
7. Establish and monitor work plan and prepare performance evaluation for the staff member(s) being supervised.

To qualify as a champion for every child you should have…

– An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Business/Public Administration, or Finance/Accounting, and/or equivalent professional experience is required.

– A minimum of eight (8) years professional experience in budgeting, accounting, finance and analysis, is required.

– Experience in analyzing large data, use of complex spreadsheets for financial modeling with data  graphics packages, and ability to proactively improve the financial and analytical aspects of daily work is required.

– Strong communication skills and the ability to explain complex information in a simplified manner.

– Fluency in English (written & verbal) is required. Knowledge of an additional UN Language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is considered an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (3) Drive to achieve results for impact (4) Innovates and embraces change (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (6) Thinks and acts strategically (7) Works collaboratively with others, and (8) Nurtures, leads and Manages People.

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.

Remarks:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be cancelled.

All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.