Posting Title: Senior Inter-Agency Adviser, Finance and Budget, P5
Job Code Title: SENIOR ADVISER
Department/Office: Chief Executives Board
Duty Station: GENEVA
Posting Period: 23 June 2023 – 10 September 2023
Job Opening Number: 23-Administration-CEB-210145-R-Geneva (R)
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Organisational Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the secretariat of the UN System Chief Executives Board for Coordination (CEB), the highest inter-agency body for coordination in the UN system. The CEB secretariat supports the work of the CEB and its High-level Committees on Management (HLCM) and on Programmes (HLCP). The Secretariat is co-located in Geneva and New York and is headed by a Director, who reports to the Secretary-General, who is the Chairman of CEB. Further information is available at http://www.unsceb.org.
Responsibilities
Under the overall authority of the Secretary of the High-level Committee on Management/Director of the CEB Secretariat Office in Geneva, and within delegated authority, the Senior Adviser, Finance and Budget (FB) Network, will be responsible for the following duties: – Organizes and serves as secretary of FB Network meetings including preparation of agenda, documentation and meeting reports. Plans and oversees the management of the activities undertaken by the FB Network Secretariat, coordinates with UN organizations’ Comptrollers/CFOs on their inputs to the FB Network meetings, provides guidance and monitors progress of the FB Network working groups and task forces. – Follows-up and provides substantive support to the budget and finance segment of the work of HLCM, including identifying and proposing cross cutting/inter-agency issues for discussions of HLCM; developing and planning inter-agency initiatives/projects; refining scope of projects; setting deliverables and timelines; supporting lead agencies on projects; following up and ensuring timely completion of all inputs. – Maintains active contacts with high-level representatives of CEB member organizations in the Finance and Budget Network, such as Comptrollers and Directors of Budget & Finance, and fosters coordination among them on strategic financial management initiatives and policies of system-wide relevance. Maintains active working relationship and promotes information exchange with other key contacts at operational and management levels in organizations of the UN System such as budget, finance, accounts and administrative officers in organizations of the UN system; representatives of the HLCM and CEB focal points. Provides guidance and support in the preparation, organization, and coordination of inputs from organizations of the UN system. – Leads and manages the CEB Financial Statistics project, including coordination of the activities related to the management of the database, the collection, validation and reporting of financial data from the UN system organizations. Coordinates and oversees the continuous development and update of a set of data standards for UN system-wide reporting of financial data. Coordinates and oversees the activities related to the maintenance and further development of the Data Management Platform in order to ensure the quality and completeness of the data collected, the development of new statistical reports and improvement of data visualization. Guides and oversees the production of analytical reports on financial and budgetary matters to Members States, UN system organizations and other stakeholders, ensuring quality check and risk assessments. Supports a coordinated and informed action by the FB Network to integrate technological and digital solutions in the financial management of the UN system organizations. – Plans, coordinates and manages the preparation of the Chief Executives Board (CEB) Secretariat’s annual budget submission, taking into account recommendations and decisions of specialized intergovernmental bodies. Ensures legislative mandates are accurately translated into the CEB Secretariat’s programme budget. Administers and monitors extra-budgetary resources originating from mandates of High-level Committee on Management and its Networks, including review of agreements and cost plans, ensuring compliance with regulations and rules and established policies and procedures. – Plans, coordinates, implements and reports on specific inter-agency budget and finance studies/projects as mandated by CEB, HLCM or the FB Network on subjects such as budgeting methods, accounting standards, audit-related matters, treasury, as well consolidated system-wide statistical reports on budgets, expenditures, regular and voluntary contributions, and other documentation on budget and finance matters. – Keeps abreast of developments in the field budget and finance and makes recommendations for reviews of existing policies and procedures or for the launch of new initiatives and studies. Contributes to the reporting to intergovernmental bodies on budget and programme performance, particularly those presented in biannual and/or annual reports. – Manages cost-sharing arrangements for inter-agency and jointly-financed activities (JFA); drafts the proposed apportionment of cost-shared budgets based on agreed cost-sharing criteria; supports period reviews of cost-sharing arrangements and make recommendations to the FB Network and to the High-level Committee on Management on the annual budget proposals for all jointly-financed activities. – Manages FB Network content on the CEB website reflecting the latest developments and accomplishments, and ensures relevant reference materials are made available to the FB Network community and to all relevant stakeholders. – Acts as Certifying Officer under Financial Rule 110.4 to ensure that proposed obligations and expenditures are in accordance with budgets and established regulations and rules. – Plans, organizes and manages staff and work programme; plans and discusses individual work programmes with staff and evaluates their performance. Recruits staff taking due account geographical and gender balance and other institutional values. Manages, guides, develops and trains staff under his/her supervision. Fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the Unit/Section and across organizational boundaries.
CompetenciesProfessionalism: Knowledge and understanding of the functioning of organizations of the UN system and of CEB and its high-level committees; good research, analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given, contribution to development of budgetary and finance policies, procedures and new programmes. Experience in operation of computerized financial systems and ERPs. Expert knowledge and command of budget development and financial administration of resources. Good understanding of the broader political, economic and social climate within which the organizations of the UN system operate; in-depth knowledge of finance and budget operations acquired through experience in an organization of the UN system. 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. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. 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. Judgement/Decision-making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly. Gathers relevant information before making a decision. Considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them. Takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization. Proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information. Checks assumptions against facts. Determines that the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision. Makes tough decisions when necessary. 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 improvements; 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.
EducationAn advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in business or public administration, finance, accounting, or related area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience may accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work ExperienceA minimum of ten years of experience in finance, administration, budget, business administration, or related field of which at least four years must be in the UN system is required. Experience in facilitating inter-agency consultations is required. Experience in drafting analytical reports and policy briefings is required. Experience in providing policy advice to senior officials is required. Experience in interacting with high-level officials 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 desirable.
AssessmentEvaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by a competency-based interview.
Special NoticeInitial appointment is for one year. Extension of this position is subject to the availability of funds and continuation of mandate. Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfil the lateral move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. Staff members are requested to indicate all qualifying lateral moves in their Candidate Profile (PHP) and Motivation Statement. 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. 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. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. 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.
