Finance/Budget Assistant

WHO; Genf; On-site; CHF 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The World Health Organization invites applications for the Finance/Budget Assistant role within the HRP Secretariat of the LHR division. You will support financial planning, budgeting, monitoring expenditures, and ensure compliance with WHO guidelines.

You will prepare financial reports, assist with work plans, advise on budget reprogramming, and help unit heads manage resources across HRP projects. The role requires strong numeracy, ERP experience, and a track record in international finance

Qualifications

• Completion of secondary or commercial school with a focus on administration and accountancy is essential.
• Desirable training or certification in UN accounting/finance systems.

Responsibilities

• 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 analyses based on cash flow and resource monitoring.
• Advise on budget reprogramming as needed and ensure expenditures align with work plans and budgets.
• Provide procedural guidance on financial guidelines and review 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.

Skills

Budget & Finance

Procurement

Data analysis

Advanced Excel

ERP systems experience

Numeracy

Deadline-driven

Education

Secondary/Commercial school in administration/accountancy

UN accounting/finance training or certification desirable

Tools

Oracle/SAP ERP

Job description

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.

Responsibilities

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.

Education

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.

Work experience

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 within WHO or another UN organization is desirable.

Skills

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.