Associate Finance and Budget Officer at United Nations

Organizational Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) is the UN Headquarters in Africa and the representative office of the Secretary-General. We support programme implementation of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) globally, as well as other UN offices in Kenya, by providing administrative, conference and information services. (www.unon.org). This post is located in Budget and Financial Management Service (BFMS), Division of Administrative Services (DAS), at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON). Under the overall supervision of the Chief, Budget Section and the direct supervision of the Deputy Chief, Budget Section, the incumbent will perform the following duties: Responsibilities

1. Budget Formulation & Negotiation: Coordinates, formulates, analyzes and finalizes cost estimates and budget proposals, in terms of staff and non-staff requirements, in accordance with the medium-term plan; Reviews, analyzes and finalizes budget/financial implications in light of recommendations and decisions made within the Local Governance Structures for Common Services, Commercial Operations and Charge-Back arrangements; Establishes, reviews and updates cost-sharing arrangements based on decisions made within local Governance framework.

2. Budget Implementation: Prepares allocations and allotments for the approval of the Chief and Deputy Chief of Budget Section under the delegated authority of the Director, Division of Administrative Services; Manages and monitors budget implementation and recommends reallocation and/or redeployment of funds as necessary due to operational requirements; Monitors expenditures and ensures that they remain within authorized levels, including analysis of funds’ utilization and provision of advise to all concerned; Reviews arrangements and cost plans ensuring compliance with UN regulations and rules as well as established policies and procedures established within the local Governance structures.

3. Performance Reporting: Prepares, review and finalizes budget performance reports, including analysis and provision of justification for variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures; Provision of periodic reports to UNON Management and clients for the locally cost-shared arrangements as appropriate.

4. General: Implements efficiency measures: Initiates and undertakes reviews of existing administrative and budgetary procedures to ensure efficiency of budgetary controls; Evaluates the adequacy and effectiveness or related procedures and formulates proposals of corrective actions as necessary; Provides advice, guidance and training on result-based budgeting and financial policies and procedures as required; Undertakes and participates in special assignments or technical surveys relating to local cost-sharing and change-back arrangements, including preparation of reports and policy papers on matters relating to resource requirements, programming and budgetary issues; Analyses and interprets performance data and make recommendations; Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief, Budget Section.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Know.ledge of administrative, budgetary and financial policies and procedures; Ability to apply various United Nations administrative rules and regulations to work situations; Conceptional, analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis; Ability to conduct independent research and analysis, identify issues, formulate options and 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; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; Remains calm in stressful situations; Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring 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 accomplishment 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 as necessary; Uses time efficiently.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost as 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.

Education

A first-level university degree in business administration, finance, accounting or related field. A master’s degree in one of these areas would be an asset. Other technical qualification within the area of finance i.e Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or ACCA would be an advantage.

Work Experience

A minimum of four years of progressively relevant professional experience in case of a Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of two years of progressively relevant professional experience in the case of a Master’s Degree in the areas of finance, accounting and/or budget is required. Practical experience in the use of Umoja/SAP( UN ERP System) especially in the Financial Management, Controlling, Organisational Management and Service Delivery modules is an asset. Strong quantitative and qualitative research, analytical and writing skills are desirable. Experience with management reporting, donor reporting and development of reports in Business Intelligence is an advantage. Supervisory experience is required. Practical experience with the administration of common services and cost recovery within a large organizational set-up would be an advantage. Knowledge of local market conditions and pricing structures is required. Experience with the implementation of IPSAS is