Chief Budget Officer, P-4

Terms of reference

Secretariat of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) 

Division of Administration and Management Services (AMS)

Publication Date:                                   01 March 2024

Deadline for Application:                      30 March 2024

Title and Grade:                                       Chief Budget Officer - P- 4 [1]

Indicative Annual Salary:                      (a.) Annual Net Salary: USD 77,326.00 to USD 87,422.00

                                                                 (b.) Post Adjustment: USD 56,757.28 to USD 64,167.75

Duration of Appointment:                   Two years, with possible extension          

Duty Station:                                           Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates                          

Expected Date for Entry on Duty:       As soon as possible

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an inter-governmental organisation mandated with the widespread and increased adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy. At present, IRENA has 169 Members (168 States and the European Union). IRENA supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future, and serves as the principal platform for international cooperation, a centre of excellence, and a repository of policy, technology, resource and financial knowledge on renewable energy. The Agency implements its mandate with a view to sustainable development, increased energy security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity.

The Division of Administration and Management Services (AMS) is responsible for providing the Secretariat with an efficient support in managing its human and financial resources and ensures effective solutions for programme budgeting, reporting and timely delivery of information technology, procurement and logistical services.  

Under the supervision of the Director, Administration and Management Services, the Chief Budget Officer will head the Budget Section and be responsible for the following:

• Provides strategic advice to senior leadership and program managers on financial resource planning, administration, and management in compliance with relevant regulations and policies.
• Advises on budgetary trends and compliance issues, reporting to the Director-General through the AMS Director.
• Supervises and leads the Budget Section team, overseeing their capacity building, career development, work planning, and performance management.
• Fosters teamwork and communication within the Budget Section and across the agency regarding resource allocation, management, and reporting.
• Engages in consultations with host countries, Member States, and donors on budget-related matters.
• Represents IRENA in inter-agency finance and budget networks and external meetings as necessary.
• Budget Preparation and Review:
  • Coordinates and reviews biennial resource planning with senior management, ensuring compliance with strategic plans and legislative mandates.
  • Establishes standard costs for budgeting purposes and provides policy guidance on program delivery and resource planning.
  • Reviews and finalizes biennial budget submissions to governing bodies and provides support during budget reviews.
• Budget Administration and Reporting:
  • Manages allotments and fund redeployment, ensuring appropriate expenditures and compliance with regulations.
  • Advises senior management on budget implementation and recommends fund reallocations as needed.
  • Oversees financial administration and reporting on extra-budgetary resources and contributions, ensuring compliance with policies and procedures.
  • Monitors expenditures and prepares budget performance reports for governing bodies, donors, and senior management.
• General Duties:
  • Provides guidance and training to staff on budgetary and financial policies and procedures.
  • Represents the Budget Section and AMS in inter-divisional meetings and committees.
  • Ensures compliance with governing bodies' recommendations and decisions, as well as with IRENA policies and procedures.
  • Develops and recommends budgetary policies and procedures to support efficient management and reporting.
  • Acts as the Certifying Officer for all financial resource requirements, ensuring compliance with approved budgets and regulations.
  • Maintains the integrity of financial and management systems and responds to audit inquiries.
• Systems Management:
  • Acts as the subject matter expert for electronic budget applications and the ERP system.

Competencies: 

Professionalism: Knowledge of budgetary and financial principles and practices, and ability to independently apply them in organisational setting. Ability to identify issues, analyse and formulate opinions, make conclusions and recommendations. 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; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. 

Qualifications:

Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, finance, or related field.  A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. 

Experience: A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in budget planning, formulation and administration in an international organisation is required. Experience in ERP budget modules is highly desired. Strong understanding of budgeting principles, financial analysis, resource management and the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) is required.

Language: Fluency in oral and written English is essential. Knowledge of other languages is an asset.

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Qualified candidates must apply for the abovementioned vacancy on-line, through IRENA’s recruitment platform, ORC by submitting a complete and comprehensive CV and a letter of interest, including details of three professional references who will be contacted if their application is shortlisted.

Applications from qualified women are highly encouraged.

Please note that only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted for further assessment and receive notice of the final outcome of the selection process.