Programme Budget Specialist

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, the right to future

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children's rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society's most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

Strategic office context  :

The Planning, Monitoring section (Managing for results) reports to the Deputy Representative Programme and is headed by a P4 Chief Planning and Monitoring covering the following work area pillars: i) Planning, programme monitoring (both for UNICEF and its engagement with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework), and corporate reporting; ii) Budget/grant management and donor reporting; iII) Implementing Partnership management. Cross cutting these areas are championing result-based management principles and elements of knowledge management (KM) for these work areas.

The Programme Budget Specialist NOC contributes towards the effective and efficient programme planning and monitoring function in the office. As a lead of the budget unit in the section, the post leads the analysis, technical support in the areas of budget/grant management including planning, monitoring, data analysis, reporting, capacity building and Knowledge Manangement in the country office and provide strategic technical advise to the section chief and the management on grant management related matters. The post has two supervisees at General Service 6 level.

Purpose for the job:

Under the supervision of the Chief Planning and Monitoring (P4), the Programme Budget Specialist (Grant Management) serves as the strategic lead for UNICEF India's grant management function. The Specialist ensures the effective planning, utilization, monitoring, data analysis and reporting of financial resources in alignment with UNICEF's policy, procedures and guidance, results-based management principles, donor requirements, and equity-focused programming.

As the focal point for all grants, the Specialist provides expert technical guidance to programme teams and the management on budget formulation, donor compliance, and financial reporting. The role includes leading a dedicated budget unit, supervising staff, and collaborating closely with programme managers, operations, and reporting focal points to ensure timely and accurate donor proposals, utilization, financial reports, in line with contribution agreements.

The Specialist engages in external meetings, evaluations, and financial verification exercises, offering strategic financial advice and fostering transparency and trust. They also contribute to the review and drafting of contribution agreements, ensuring alignment with evolving donor expectations and UNICEF policies.

In addition, the Specialist supports cross-UN coordination for harmonized budgeting and reporting practices, leads initiatives to streamline grant management processes, and strengthens internal systems for financial accountability and performance. Through capacity building, mentoring, and documentation of best practices, the Specialist reinforces UNICEF's commitment to efficient resource use and impactful results for children.

Under the supervision of Chief Planning and Monitoring (P4), the Programme Budget Specialist (Grant Management) will contribute in leading pillar grant and contribution management and support the country programme in managing financial resources.

The Programme Budget Specialist (Grant Management) is the focal point for all grants and assists in the development or overseeing the development of budgets and analytical reports. The specialist also provides key support to the office in supervising programmatic and budgetary monitoring, compliance with donor and internal UNICEF rules and regulations and other key functions as required, and provides technical support of development of budget proposals and financial reports to donors, and effectively and efficiently analyzing, monitoring and reporting on grant specific budgets in line with programme, UNICEF and donor requirements.

Under the guidance of the Section Chief (P4), the Programme Budget Specialist (Grant Management) analyses programme and budget proposals/plans for completeness, correctness and conformity with the programme and budget guidelines; advises programme and grants managers and partners on the programme and budget process, from planning to implementation and reporting, providing guidance for an effective and efficient management of financial resources during the implementation of the budget; and prepares financial report.

The specialist works closely with staff in the office in providing policy level technical guidance, setting the standard, building system, and conducting quality assurance of the budget/grant management of the office based on organizational financial policy, procedures, guidance, and based on Rights and Results Based Management principles.

How can you make a difference? 

Key functions accountabilities and related duties/tasks:

1. Contribution and Grant Management

2. Analysis & Knowledge Management:

3. Planning, Monitoring and reporting:

4. Capacity building

5. Supervise and guide a team

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here: [JD/TOR -Programme Budget Specialist (Grant Management), NO-3]

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

Education: 

• An advanced university degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Finance, Accounting or another relevant technical field is required.
• A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree.

Work Experience: 

• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience is required in one or more of the following areas: contribution management, data analysis, development of donor proposals and financial reports, budget or financial management

Desirable Skills: 

• Budget planning, monitoring, and analysis
• Grant, contribution, budget, and/or financial management
• Data analysis and evidence-based problem solving
• Preparation of donor proposals, budget narratives, and   financial reports
• Capacity building and training of internal staff and implementing partners
• Relevant experience at the country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts.

Language Requirements: 

• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN language is considered an asset

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF's Core Values of 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

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others. 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants' bank account information.

Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF's Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

Visa residence requirements: UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer and general service category.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

• This position is based in New Delhi, India
• This position is open for internal candidates who are Indian Nationals or possess a valid work permit for India.
• This VA is open to internal UNICEF staff only i.e. UNICEF staff holding permanent, continuing, and fixed-term appointments. 
• The selected applicant will have an initial one (2) year fixed-term contract, with the possibility of extension, subject to satisfactory performance.
• UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. Eligible and suitable female candidates are encouraged to apply.
• As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.
• UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants' bank account information.  
• UNICEF only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognised in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at  

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.