Budget Assistant at the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF)

United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Budget Assistant

Job No: 566626
Location: Abuja
Level: G-5
Categories: Financial Management
Contract type: Fixed Term Appointment

Organizational Context and Purpose for the job

• The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action.
• For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated.
• There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries.
• This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

How can you make a difference?

• The Finance Assistant will be responsible for providing a variety of specialized tasks in finance functions, ensuring accurate and timely delivery that is in compliance with UNICEF financial rules and regulations, whilst demonstrating the capacity to research, adapt, and evaluate irregular cases, and also to recommend improvements to process delivery and design.

Summary of Key Functions / Accountabilities
At the G-5 level, the below tasks are expected to be carried out with a high level of independence:
Financial Data Management and Payment processing:

• Assist the Finance Section in reviewing the utilization report and liquidation documents related to Direct Cash Transfers, Reimbursements, and Direct payments, including OMNI.
• Address queries related to recorded pledges, funds received, and adjustments guaranteeing data accuracy and completeness for inclusion in the statement of accounts and budget adjustments.
• Identify discrepancies in unit records and provide support in resolving differences.
• Support the preparation, analysis, allocation, and monitoring of the NCO consolidated Operations budget for field offices and operations units in Abuja, including generating budget analysis reports, allocating funds, identifying appropriate funding sources for operations expenditures, and overseeing corrective actions for any inappropriate fund usage.
• Monitor the Support (IB) Budget preparation, allocations, and consumptions and prepare periodic budget reports and reconciliation of expenses.

Reporting and Bank relations:

• Generate recurring reports based on established schedules and specialized reports required for budget preparation, audits, and other purposes.
• Participate in year-end account closure and contribute to the preparation of year-end reports encompassing accounts receivable, accounts payable, prepayments, deposits and NEP.
• Prepare regular reports and perform bank reconciliations to ensure accuracy and alignment of financial data.
• Establish and maintain effective liaisons with local bank officials to acquire day-to-day information on exchange and interest rates, procedural changes, and regulatory updates

Cash Forecasting:

• Support the Finance Manager with efficient cash management and bank optimization by compiling comprehensive cash flow forecasts, analyzing cash requirements, and initiating timely cash replenishment based on competitive rates.
• Contribute to enhanced financial decision-making by preparing monthly Bank Optimization Reports.

Financial Records Maintenance:

• Support to the Finance Section in maintaining appropriate VISION and EZHACT workflow and payment processes.
• Support the maintenance of financial records and monitoring systems for day-to-day transactions, expenditures, balances, payments, and statements.

Financial Advisory:

• Provide advice and assistance to international staff, experts, and consultants on financial matters, including allowances, salary advances, and travel claims.
• Calculate and authorize payments for claims and services, maintaining accuracy and adherence to regulations.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Fulfill any other duties assigned by the management to contribute to the efficient financial operation of the organization.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have
Education:

• Completion of Secondary Education is required with professional / University level courses in Accounting and Finance / Business administration considered as an asset.

Experience:

•  A minimum of five (5) years of clerical experience in the area of finance and accounting is required.
• Understanding of principles and standards of accountability and sound application of financial rules and regulations

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required.  Knowledge of another official UN language or the local language of the duty station is considered an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate:

• UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA). 

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are:

• Builds and maintains partnerships (II)
• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (II)
• Drive to achieve results (II)
• Innovates and embraces change (II)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (II)
• Thinks and acts strategically (II)
• Works collaboratively with others (II)
• Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (II).

Application Closing Date
27th October, 2023 (West Central Africa Standard Time).