Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the UNODC Programme Office in Serbia (POSRB), Regional Office for South-Eastern Europe (ROSEE), Division for Operations (DO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), duty station Belgrade. The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of the UNODC Representative for South-Eastern Europe and the direct supervision of the Officer leading POSRB. ResponsibilitiesThe Programme Assistant (Finance) will be responsible for backstopping day-to-day implementation of various UNODC programmes and projects in SEE with particular emphasis on the Regional Programme for South-Eastern Europe (RPSEE). The incumbent will undertake the following specific tasks: • Assist in the coordination of programme/project planning and implementation of activities of various UNODC programmes and projects in SEE, by providing administrative and financial guidance, assistance and support to UNODC project staff in the region of the SEE; monitor status of programme/project proposals and receipt of relevant documentation for review and approval. • Review, analyze and assist with project documents, especially with the finalization of cost estimates and budget proposals related to the activities under the RPSEE, for the programmes/projects and individual regional/country level budget segments, for completeness and compliance with relevant rules and procedures prior to submission for final approval and signature; provide guidance in the interpretation of budget instructions; verify availability of funds. • Assist the Representative and Head of Programme Offices in the region in day-to-day implementation of respective UNODC programmes/projects in the region. Draft correspondence on budget-related issues and prepare and update periodic reports, briefing notes, graphic and statistical summaries, accounting spreadsheets, etc. • Guide the work of Administrative and Project Assistants in the region related to programme/project administration and finance implementation. • Analyze specific accounting issues related to business development and execution. Support the Representative in the elaboration of programme/project budgets and support the utilization of the procedures and systems for appropriate financial control on programme implementation. • Prepare and support the implementation of work programme, ensuring that financial resources are utilized to implement activities in accordance with the Programme Budget and allotments. • Monitor project expenditures against approved work plans and keep track of project expenditure per activity and donor/pledge ID, status of implementation and ensure compliance with United Nations financial rules and regulations; initiate project and/or budget revisions as required. • Assist in the preparation and submission for approval of the financial reports as per donor requirements and in coordination with the Financial Resources Management Service in Vienna. Produce financial reports for programme managers and respond to internal/external audit observations on accounting functions. • Conduct financial operation and support obligations or expenditure for services, supplies and equipment expenses encompassing a variety of funding sources. • Coordinate actions related to the human resources management activities, e.g., recruitment, local staff selection and on-boarding, promotion, performance management, separation of staff members etc, which are closely in line with the UN regulations/rules, and relevant Administrative Instructions and procedures. • Provide budget estimates, and support the organization of conferences, meetings, seminars, workshops, training and study visits, by liaising with national counterparts as well as with the administrative and financial departments on the matters of hotel reservations, Daily Subsistence VG1402 & GJPG015 Allowance (DSA) payments and related conference material. • Organize procurement of equipment and services as well as coordinate event management related activities among Administrative and Project Assistants. • Serve as UNODC focal point for general administrative/financial coordination for the programmes/projects related activities, involving extensive liaison with various units to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions. • Monitor and timely complete/submit various periodical administrative tasks for SEE region, including monthly reconciliation of project expenditure per budget segment. • Support the Representative in liaising with UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services), IOM (International Organization for Migration), UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) Offices in SEE. • Assist with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making. • Assist with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures. • Perform other work-related duties, as assigned. Competencies• Professionalism: Ability to perform a broad range of administrative functions, e.g., budget/work programme, human resources, database management, etc. Ability to apply knowledge of various United Nations administrative, financial and human resources rules and regulations in work situations. Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures generally and in particular those related to programme/project administration, implementation and evaluation, technical cooperation, programming and budgeting. Understanding of the functions and organization of the work unit and of the organizational structure and respective roles of related units. Ability to work well with figures, undertake basic research and gather information from standard sources. Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. 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. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. Able to perform analysis, modelling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives, accessibility considerations and the equal participation of women and men in all areas 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. • Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. EducationHigh school diploma or equivalent is required. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible work experience in public administration, finance, or programme support service is required. The minimum years of relevant experience are reduced to three (3) for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Experience using standard office software (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and web-based management systems (e.g., Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) systems) is required. Experience with SAP (Umoja) is desirable. Experience within the United Nations system or a similar international organization is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Serbian is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).