Associate Finance Officer

Responsibilities
The focus of the UNODC Container Control Programme (CCP) is to build capacity in countries seeking to improve risk management, supply chain security and trade facilitation in sea, land and airports in order to prevent the cross-border movement of illicit goods. The Associate Finance Officer will work in the Programme Management Team in Beirut to assist with the implementation and backstopping of the Container Control Programme for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), in accordance with UNODC rules and regulations. Within assigned authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following specific tasks: According to programme requirements and activities, monitor and review the programme budget and funding, ensuring compliance with approved donor funding agreements, agreements with implementing partners, UN policies and financial rules and regulations and costed work plans; identify bottlenecks, inconsistencies and take/propose corrective action in consultation with the regional programme coordinator. Prepare, coordinate, monitor and report on the programme budget for the Middle East and North Africa under the supervision of the PCBT regional coordinator; prepare financial statements, project budget reports and revisions, relevant documentation for donors according to donor requirements and other documentation with respect to budget performance submissions and financial overviews; analyse and present information and data. Provide financial advice to the team on existing resources, future challenges and long-term funding implications; provide guidance to programme staff in the development of budgets. Administer and monitor resources, including the review of agreements and cost plans, status of implementation, utilization of funds, validity of contributions/grant agreements and related issues, ensuring compliance with regulations and rules and established policies and procedures. Analyse and monitor budget implementation and determine/recommend reallocation of funds when necessary; make appropriate recommendations with respect to the finalization of budget performance reports, analysing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures; Monitor expenditures to ensure that they remain within authorized levels. Support the conceptualization and implementation of activities under the CCP MENA gender equality initiative. Participate in field missions, including provision of substantive and administrative support, data collection, etc. Keep up-to-date on documents/reports/guidelines that have a bearing on matters related to programme budgets, ensuring compliance with intergovernmental recommendations and decisions as well as with United Nations policies and procedures. Contribute to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provide draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Assist in planning, coordinating and implementing the project activities for the CCP regional segment of Middle East and North Africa and specifically for a regional project based in Cyprus. Perform other work-related duties as required.
Competencies
Professionalism: Has knowledge of budget and financial principles and practices in general, and in particular the United Nations Financial Regulations and Rules. Is able to independently conduct research and analysis, formulate options and present conclusions and recommendations. Has knowledge, skills and ability to extract, interpret, analyse and format data across the full range of finance and budget functions, including programme development and database management. Is able to identify and resolve data discrepancies and operational problems. 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. Committed to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. 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. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.
Education
An advanced university degree (Master s or Doctorate degree, or equivalent) in business administration, finance, budget, accounting, management, or related fields is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Specialization in financial engineering or financial mathematics is desirable.
Job - Specific Qualification
Not available.
Work Experience
A minimum of two years of professional work experience in finance, administration, budget, business administration, programme management or a related area, of which several years at the international level, is required. Experience in financial management analysis and budget monitoring is required. Experience financially supporting a technical assistance programme in an area relating to drug control, crime prevention, criminal justice or similar field is required. Experience with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is required. Experience with SAP based applications, such as Umoja, is desirable. Experience with the United Nations System or similar international organization is desirable. Experience with the private sector is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English and Arabic is required. Knowledge of other United Nations official languages is an advantage.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a competency based interview.

Desired Candidate Profile

Education:
Any Graduation
Gender:
nm
Nationality:
Any Nationality