Posting Title: Chief of Section, Finance (Temporary Job Opening), P5 (Temporary Job Opening)

Job Code Title: CHIEF OF SECTION, FINANCE

Department/Office: Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance Office of Programme Planning, Finance and Budget

Duty Station: NEW YORK

Posting Period: 18 April 2023 – 24 April 2023

Job Opening Number: 23-Finance-DMSPC OPPFB-207011-J-New York (R)

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

Organisational Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Field Operations Finance Division in the Office of Programme Planning, Finance and Budget (OPPFB) in the Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC). The Chief of Section will report to a Chief of Service. FOFD supports the Controller in exercising accountability for the financial resources made available by Member States. The Division is committed to ensuring the highest effectiveness and efficiency standards in budget preparation and presentation, including results-based approach to budgeting. The main partners of the Division are the peacekeeping operations and special political missions under each Section’s purview, the Department of Peace Operations, the Department of Political and Peace-building Affairs and the legislative bodies. The working environment of field operations is dynamic and the FOFD team is committed to meet the corresponding demands.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Chief of Section will be responsible for the following duties: Budget preparation:

•  Provides policy guidance to the Director of the Division, on conceptual strategy and development and management of the implementation of overall strategies and intra- and interdivisional/departmental policies and procedures;
•  Plans and co-ordinates review of budget submissions.
•  Reviews, analyses and finalizes cost estimates and budget proposals, in terms of staff and non-staff requirements from (a) Departments/offices at Headquarters and in the field, including programmatic aspects; (b) field operations; ensures compliance with the legislative mandates.
•  Co-ordinates the preparation of budget submissions from managers.
•  Reviews, analyses and finalizes financial implications to the Security Council statements in light of additional mandates.
•  Provides substantive support and guidance to relevant intergovernmental and expert bodies in their budget review; secures approval from the General Assembly. Budget administration:
•  Manages/issues allotments/appropriations, including redeployment of funds when necessary, ensuring appropriate expenditures.
•  Monitors expenditures to ensure that they remain within authorized levels.
•  Administers and monitors extra-budgetary resources, including review of agreements and cost plans, ensuring compliance with regulations and rules and established policies and procedures.
•  Establishes and authorizes payments to Governments for troops and formed police units and for reimbursements for contingent-owned equipment and self-sustainment.
•  Oversees the review and finalization of budget and performance reports; monitors variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures.
•  Provides advice and support to relevant inter-governmental and expert bodies in review of budget and performance reports; secure approval from the General Assembly. Finance:
•  Monitors cash levels and operating reserves for special accounts.
•  Provides authoritative advice, financial interpretations, adaptations and corrective actions in response to audits and other queries to ensure adherence to UN Financial Regulations and Rules, Staff Regulations and Rules, Administrative Instructions, Bulletins and Circulars.
•  Manages staff, plans and discusses with staff individual work programmes and evaluates performance. General:
•  Provides advice and guidance, including training, to Headquarters and field staff on budgetary and financial policies and procedures, including results-based budgeting.
•  Participates in inter-departmental meetings on matters related to resource requirements, programming, financial and budgetary issues.
•  Keeps up-to-date on documents/reports/guidelines that have a bearing on matters related to the financing of field operations, ensuring compliance with inter-governmental recommendations and decisions as well as with United Nations policies and procedures.
•  Prepares/finalizes reports for intergovernmental bodies and for management on financial and budgetary issues, and correspondence, including guidelines, instructions.
•  Reviews and analyses financial and budgetary policies and procedures, makes recommendations for changes and/or modifications.
•  Represents the Secretary-General in meetings of legislative organs; represents OPPFB or the Division in inter and intra-departmental meetings.
•  Plans, organizes and manages staff and work programme; plans and discusses individual work programmes with staff and evaluates their performance.
•  Performs other related duties, as assigned.

CompetenciesProfessionalism: Knowledge of financial principles and practices. Ability to independently conduct research and analysis, formulate options and present conclusions and recommendations. 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. 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. Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. Empowers others to translate vision into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority. Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member. Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills. Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines. Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff. Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative. Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff. Appraises performance fairly.

EducationAdvanced 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. Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA) or equivalent is desirable.

Work ExperienceA minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, administration, budget, business administration or related area is required. Experience in report-writing on financial and budgetary matters is required. Experience with the administration of financial and budgetary policies and practices is required. Experience with financial systems/finance modules of enterprise resource systems, such as Oracle, SAP, or PeopleSoft, is desirable. Experience in drafting and finalizing formal reports with substantive and financial content, as well as overseeing the preparation of reports by others, including editorial review, is desirable.

LanguagesEnglish 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.

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

Special NoticeThis position is temporarily available for 3 months. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. While this temporary job opening may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15. Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as “retirement.” Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. 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.

United Nations ConsiderationsAccording 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. The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General. Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side 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. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No FeeTHE 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.