Finance​/Budget Assistant

Organizational context:
The World Health Organization's (WHO) Division of Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Care (PPC) focuses on advancing global health. Within this division, the Department of Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Child, Adolescent and Ageing Health (LHR) works to ensure equitable health outcomes across the lifespan. The Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), housed within LHR, drives research and capacity building in sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Job purpose:

The Finance/Budget Assistant role supports the HRP Secretariat (SRT) in managing the financial aspects of HRP projects. This involves assisting with financial planning, budgeting, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring compliance with WHO financial guidelines. The position contributes to the effective operational delivery and accountability of HRP's agenda by providing crucial financial support to Programme Officers and Unit Heads. The role ensures that financial activities align with project work plans and budgets, facilitating the smooth implementation of research and development initiatives within the sexual and reproductive health domain.

Provide assistance in financial planning, management, and reporting for HRP projects, including budget development and work plan coordination. Manage HR/staff plans and costing, monitoring implementation in relevant systems. Prepare regular financial implementation reports and conduct individual analyses based on cash flow and resource monitoring. Advise on budget reprogramming as needed and ensure project expenditures comply with work plans and budgets. Provide procedural guidance on financial guidelines and review research project budgets for accuracy and value for money.

Review financial reports from TSA arrangements and follow up on compliance. Assist Unit Heads in forecasting financial requirements for new projects. Monitor transactions for inter-regional projects and compile financial reports. Support award management, including creation, distribution, and follow-up on donor payments. Assist in encumbrance management by providing reports and taking necessary actions. Review documents with financial implications for accuracy and adherence to WHO rules.

Respond to budget and finance queries and prepare financial information upon request. Analyze financial implementation, focusing on award end dates, reporting deadlines, and outstanding encumbrances. Liaise with staff for data collation for analyses, evaluations, and audits. Perform other related duties as requested.

Completion of secondary or commercial school with a focus on administration and accountancy is essential. Training in UN accounting/finance systems or formal certification in accounting/financial management is desirable.

A minimum of eight years of experience in relevant administrative and finance positions, including several years in budget and finance, is required. Experience working with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platforms like Oracle or SAP is essential. Experience with in WHO or another UN organization is desirable.

Demonstrated skills in budget, finance, and procurement; ability to analyze data and recommend actions. Mature judgment for identifying and rectifying financial anomalies. Proficiency in modern integrated ERP systems, strong numeracy, standard accounting practices, and advanced Excel skills. Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines. Sound judgment, integrity, and tact. Ability to maintain and learn new computer skills.