Chief, Strategic Resource Planning Branch – D1  

The Position:

The Chief, Strategic Resource Planning Branch position is in the Division for Management Services (DMS). It reports to the Director of Management Services. The Strategic Resource Planning Branch (SRPB) ensures transparent, holistic, and efficient planning of UNFPA’s financial resources to support the achievement of the strategic plan. By taking a comprehensive perspective on the organization’s resources, comprising both core and non-core funding, SRPB helps both maximize impact and safeguard the financial sustainability of the organization. The Branch plays a key role in the integrated planning, distribution and management of financial resources for both programme and management activities and the monitoring of budget utilization. The incumbent is responsible for leadership, management and supervision of the work of the Branch, and leads a team of International Professional staff and General Service staff.

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.  UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Job Purpose:

The Chief is the principal adviser in UNFPA providing authoritative advice and leadership on financial resources planning and budget. The Chief leads and manages the work of the Branch in developing substantive strategies, policies; guidance, instruments and tools for resource planning and budget, relevant to the needs of UNFPA offices.

Within the Branch, the Chief has overall responsibility for strategic direction and management of human and financial resources.

1. Budget planning and formulation and integrated funds allocation;
2. Integrated resource management, monitoring and oversight;
3. Capacity building, training, advisory services and technical guidance;
4. Policies and tools for resource planning and management;
5. Support decision-making and UNFPA strategic priorities;
6. Branch management and representation, supervision of direct reports.

You would be responsible for:

1. Budget planning and formulation and integrated funds allocation

• Lead overall process of preparation and formulation of the Integrated Budget across UNFPA, aligned with the priorities of the UNFPA Strategic Plan;  
• Coordinate budget preparation process with the strategic planning process and other corporate initiatives;
• Establish budget preparation schedule, ensure statutory deadlines and requirements are met, oversee compliance with the plan;
• Lead and design a strategic approach to results-based budgeting, coordinate with partner agencies to develop jointly agreeable proposals;
• Lead, provide direction and oversee the development of the budget preparation guidelines;
• Lead, provide direction and oversee the consolidation and analysis of overall budget proposals, including alternative scenarios. Present them to the Director of DMS and Executive Director / Deputy Executive Directors, as well as the Executive Committee and the Resource Management Committee. Coordinate the revision of estimates based on Executive Management feedback;
• Lead, provide direction and oversee the preparation of the Integrated Budget proposal document for the submission to the ACABQ and the Executive Board;
• Represent UNFPA at the informal consultations with the Executive Board.  Brief Director of DMS and the Executive Management on key strategic issues anticipated during the discussions with the ACABQ and Executive Board;
• Defend the Integrated Budget proposal before the ACABQ and the Executive Board. Coordinate responses and follow up to issues raised by the ACABQ and the Executive Board;
• Prepare statements on the budget proposals on the Integrated Budget for the Director of DMS, the Deputy Executive Director (Management) and the Executive Director;
• Oversee and provide direction for preparation and revision of the regular resources’ distribution plans as well as budget allotment plans. Prepare written proposals for the Director of DMS and Executive Management for regular resources distribution and budget allotments, in line with the availability of regular resources;
• Oversee allocation decisions for non-core funds and provide advice to Senior Management on integrated resource allocation.

2. Integrated resource management, monitoring and oversight

• Provide authoritative advice and guidance to offices regarding strategic and professional matters related to budget and resource management;
• Oversee the implementation and management of corporate resources (financial, as well as approved positions) including regular resources and other resources in the remit of the Branch;
• Oversee the overall compliance with budget policies and guidelines, through establishment of controls and checks to be undertaken by the Branch staff;
• Oversee and provide direction to the preparation of the guidance for the implementation of the Institutional Budget component of the Integrated Budget;
• Identify emerging needs in the resource management and budget area, propose solutions to the Executive Management;
• Incorporate improvements in business processes and controls in the area of resource planning and budget management;
• If required by the availability of resources, identify and propose to the Director of DMS and Executive Management the scenarios for budget austerity measures and reductions to ensure budget ceilings and allotments are not exceeded;
• Approve requisitions for designated budget lines, in line with the Internal Control Framework;
• Review and provide direction to the preparation of financial analysis and reports on the integrated budget which are required for external purposes, including the Executive Director’s Annual Report;
• Review and respond to the findings of the internal and external auditors, JIU, ACABQ etc. with senior management, ensure follow-up and implementation of recommendations as they pertain to resource planning and budget management matters.

3. Capacity building, training, advisory services and technical guidance

• Identify and assign responsibilities for providing advisory support, knowledge management and capacity building of UNFPA offices in the area of resource planning and budget;
• Provide authoritative advice and guidance to offices related to the implementation of budget-related policies, procedures, systems and guidance for the management of the integrated budget and non-core funds.

4. Policies and tools for resource planning and management

• Identify, lead and provide direction to the development of new budget policies, procedures, systems and guidance;
• Provide advice and inputs to policies developed by other divisions to ensure alignment, with a focus on budgetary and operational implications;
• Identify gaps and associated risks in budget policies and practices, raise them with the Director of DMS and Executive Management, propose measures to address the gaps;
• Identify the needs and manage the budget/resource utilization reporting functions, including the preparation of budget status reports to the Director of DMS and Executive Management;
• Oversee financial analysis and analytical work on the management of the UNFPA integrated budget and utilization of resources (financial and human); analyze and interpret the information and its implications; report on variance and trends to the internal stakeholders;
• Oversee and provide direction to the functional development of applications for budget formulation and planning process, as well as other tools for resource planning and management;
• Review periodic expenditure forecast reports based on available funds and expenses for the Institutional Budget, identify potential gaps and risks, alert the Director of DMS and Executive Management as needed;
• Oversee the Branch’s support role as secretariat lead for the Resource Management Committee, and advise the committee’s members to support decision-making.

5. Support decision-making and UNFPA strategic priorities

• Provide substantive input and expertise to the Director of DMS and the Resource Management Committee in the wide array of matters pertaining to resources, posts, budget policies, cost recovery, cost efficiencies etc. in the UNDG and HLCM matters;
• Represent UNFPA in various inter-agency groups related to the formulation and advancement of harmonized budget practices;
• Support development and negotiation of MOUs/SLAs with a focus on budgetary and operational implications;
• Represent UNFPA in CEB Finance and Budget Network in areas related to the budget management, cost classification, jointly financed activities etc;
• Lead select inter-agency working groups of the Finance and Budget Network in areas of strategic interest for UNFPA;
• Represent UNFPA at conferences, meetings and inter-organizational gatherings on budgetary and resource management and related matters to promote Fund’s interest.

6. Branch management and representation, supervision of direct reports

• Identify the Branch priorities in support of UNFPA’s Strategic Plan and UNFPA as well as DMS priorities.
• Lead the preparation of a budget and the Branch work/results plan;
• Monitor the implementation of the work/results plan and use of available resources to ensure the timely delivery of high quality outputs;
• Ensure that the Branch maintains an adequate level of expertise;
• Promote a team-based, harmonious working environment that recognizes initiative, openness and performance;
• Responsible for performance management of the Branch and ensure an ethics-based approach to management of all human and financial resources.
   

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  

Advanced university degree in financial management, economics, business administration, business statistics, accounting, or related field.
 

Knowledge and Experience: 

• 15 years of increasingly responsible professional experience in the fields of budgeting / resource planning, financial management or related fields, including leading and managing teams is required; 
• UN system experience, including field experience, is highly desirable;
• Experience in overseeing the establishment and management of financial or budgetary systems;
• Experience in results based management and results based budgeting;
• Demonstrated leadership and managerial qualities in organizing work effectively and harmoniously in a multicultural setting.

Languages: 

Fluency in English is required; working knowledge of other UN official languages is an asset.

Required Competencies: 

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity; 
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system;
• Embracing cultural diversity;
• Embracing change.

Core Competencies: 

• Achieving results;
• Being accountable;
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen;
• Thinking analytically and strategically;
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships;
• Communicating for impact.

Functional Competencies:

• Managing the organization’s financial resources;
• Leading and managing teams; providing strategic leadership; 
• Initiative, strong conceptual ability, sound judgment;
• Familiarity with UN procedures and working methods, policies and procedures, is desirable;
• Client orientation;
• Implementing management systems;
• Knowledge of IPSAS is desirable;
• Innovation/marketing of new approaches;
• Job knowledge/Technical expertise;
• Organizational Awareness;
• Excellent office software skills;
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English.

Managerial Competencies:

• Providing strategic vision and focus;
• Engaging internal/external partners and stakeholders; 
• Leading, developing and empowering people/creating a culture of performance;
• Making decisions and exercising judgment.

Compensation and Benefits:

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA’s workforce – click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements. 

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts. 

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.

To view the complete job description and apply to this position, click “Apply Now” below.

This is how cinfo can support you in the application process for this specific position: 

• Application preparation: Before you apply for this position: Improve your application documents by registering for a Job Application Support. Our coaches are here to help tailor your application to the requirements of the job (service provided at your own cost). 

• Interview preparation: When invited to the interview: Prepare for the interview by registering for a Job Application Support. 

• Additional services for  Swiss nationals who get invited to  the selection process (written test, interview, assessment centre, etc.): 

  • Let us know by writing to [email protected]. We flag matching applications to HR partners and SDC/SECO for visibility. 

  • Benefit from free interview/assessment preparation by registering here: Interview and Assessment Centre Preparation for Jobs in Multilateral Organisations. Our coaches stand ready to help prepare for upcoming interview/assessment centre.​