The Ugandan Jobline

Job Title:   Programme Budget Specialist 

Organisation: United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)

Duty Station:  Kampala, Uganda

Grade: NO-3

About US:

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is mandated by the UN general assembly to advocate for the protection of children’s rights, to help meet their basic needs and expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.

Job Summary: This position is in the Planning & Monitoring Section of the Uganda Country Office and supports the Chief P&M to ensure that the Country Office budget is managed in line with results-based budgeting principles and standards, and that grants are reported on and used in line with donor commitments.

Purpose for the job: Under the supervision of Chief Planning & Monitoring, the Budget Specialist will:

• Ensure appropriate development planning and monitoring of CO of budgets
• Ensure compliance to donor conditions during implementation
• Reduce loss of funds due to grants expiring with remaining balances
• Plan grant expenditure and other timelines to increase efficiency
• Monitor office wide and grant specific progress and compliance of grants
• Lead Budget Management and VISION/ InSight capacity building efforts in the UNICEF Country Office aiming to increase the efficient use of the system.

The Programme Budget Specialist is:

• A financial analyst, reviewing cost and programme data, analyzing and interpreting financial information and preparing reports;
• A liaison, coordinating and giving advice to programme managers and partners to ensure effective budget preparation, an effective and efficient management of financial resources during budget implementation and the consistent application of financial rules, regulations, policies and procedures; and
• A team member, working together and supporting the work of other staff of the country office and implementing improvements in the country office’s processes with the use of new technology and best practices.

The Programme Budget Specialist builds collaborative working relationships with staff within the country office and engages them in the programme and budget issues regarding the process of budget planning, monitoring and reporting. Close relationships are also necessary with counterparts in other UN organizations for policy and best-practice comparisons.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as the focal person for contribution management in all matters relating to the multiple number of contributions received by the country office.
• Providing guidance and support in processing draft contribution agreements, taking into consideration the changing donor environment and requirements and ensure appropriate allocation, utilization and reporting of mobilized resources in close coordination with management, programme managers, RO, PARMO, DFAM and other relevant offices.
• Participate and facilitate donor meetings and verification exercises to provide financial and budget advice to programme staff.
• Regularly review the multiple number of donor financial reports to ensure the accurate and timely submission of high quality reports; coordinate with the management and programme team to ensure timely submission of budget modifications and financial reports; closely monitor due dates for financial reports and deadlines for utilization of all contributions; ensure timely utilization of all contributions in conjunction with management and programme managers, taking into account the increasing complexity of the changing donor requirements, and increased value of donor funding being received by the country office.
• Provide guidance and support to programme managers and relevant staff on the contribution management process, to promote efficient and effective use of resources and to ensure that guidelines, policies, rules and regulations are fully understood and correctly applied.
• Prepare various reports and analysis relating to contributions as required by management and donors. Analyse and document business processes in respect to the contribution management and implementation, in order to contribute to their streamlining and simplification.
• Serve as the focal person for country offices’ management performance indicators; ensure all reporting requirements are fully met for the office; prepare weekly and monthly contribution management reports, taking into consideration the increased demand of complex, analytical reports in country office.
• Ensure quality information management through regular maintenance of contribution related information in VISION and e-filing on the office shared drive.
• Conduct ad hoc complex analyses to inform management decision making and carry out any special studies and analysis requested by management with respect to the increased programme, budget, and partnerships and make appropriate recommendations on the application of the results.
• Participates in the preparation of all programme reports for management, donors, budget reviews, programme analysis, and annual reports as required.
• Takes appropriate recommendations or actions to optimize use of programme funds.
• Lead contribution management activities to ensure successful administration of received funding.
• Supports the Resource Mobilisation and Partnerships Unit in the development of financial proposals and donor reports for submission to donors and the government in accordance with UNICEF policies.
• Conduct regular review and reconciliation of grants; provide analysis by using the management indicators.
• Carry out annual budget adjustment as required. Alert the management and Chiefs to low utilization and recommend budget reallocation based on trend analysis. Bring key issues to the attention of the senior management.
• Participate and provide technical support in programme planning, coordination, management, monitoring of the country programme, particularly to bring coherence, synergy and added value to the programming planning and design processes using results-based management and equity approaches to programme design.
• Conduct the annual salary planning exercise and ensure that the payroll for national and international staff is done on time every month.
• Support in the development and formulation of the country programme budgets, alignment of UNICEF’s financial plans with UNSDCF and developing related annual budgetary frameworks.
• Provide financial planning guidance to annual/multiyear work plan development, annual development of budgets for the Humanitarian Action for Children.
• Undertake funding gap analysis by Output to support resource mobilization efforts, and other analysis of the overall funding levels against the country programme document ceilings and utilization position of the office on a monthly and ad hoc basis to inform management decision making.
• Provide technical assistance and support in planning and organizing training programmes for the purpose of capacity building and programme sustainability.
• Undertake capacity development initiatives to train staff and promote the efficient use of corporate systems including financial management/reporting systems for performance monitoring, review and reporting of programme implementation.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• The applicant for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Programme Budget Specialist job must hold an advanced university degree (master’s or higher) in Management, Public Administration, Demography, Statistics or related discipline to Donor Relations and Contribution Management.
• A minimum of five years progressively responsible experience in programme design, administration, monitoring and evaluation or related field.
• Specific experience in data analysis and information presentation for decision makers in a social development organization. Incumbent should have good English writing skills.
• Knowledge of current developments in the fields of communication theory, motivational psychology, adult learning theory, indigenous media, community organization and participation.
• Training in strategic communication planning, behavior analysis, formative research and evaluation of communication interventions.
• Proven skills in report writing, proposal development, communication, networking, advocacy and negotiation.
• Proven skills in data analysis, data presentation, and information management.
• Ability to organize and implement training, including development of curricula and methodologies.
• Ability to express clearly and concisely ideas and concepts in written and oral form.
• Computer skills, including internet navigation, and various office applications.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of a local language is an asset.
• UNICEF’s Core Values: Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values
• UNICEF Competencies: Builds and maintains partnerships Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness Drive to achieve results for impact Innovates and embraces change Manages ambiguity and complexity Thinks and acts strategically Works collaboratively with others Nurtures, leads and manages people.

NB: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

How to Apply:

All suitably qualified and interested applicants who wish to join United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) should apply online at the link below

Click Here

Deadline: 20^th November 2023

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