Budget & Programming Intern at World Food Programme (WFP)

We are currently seeking to fill the position of a Budget & Programming Intern based in the Nutrition Unit of the Regional Bureau, Nairobi.

The Budget & Programming Unit focuses on Resource Management optimization in the RBN Country Offices (COs). The Unit is composed of two teams, one focusing on Supply Chain Management and a second one focusing on Funds and Budget Management.

 WFP has changed its Financial Structure to maximise its operational effectiveness through a realistic financial planning that enhances accountability, streamlines processes and harmonises programmatic, financial and results frameworks. In 2019, all RBN COs will be managing their operations under the new financial structure, defined under the new Country Portfolio Budget (CPB) supporting the new Country Strategic Plans (CSP) and Interim CSPs. 

2019 will still be a year of transition for most of the COs to fully get familiar with the new costs structure and the tools that were developed. RBN support will be critical to ensure adequate support is provided to all COs for a fully successful transition. On Funds Management in particular, one of the focus of the team will be the development of a regional common approach to analyse status of various costs components and automate the process as much as possible.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Currently enrolled in the University and have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies or have recently graduated from an undergraduate or graduate programme within the last 6 months from a university preferably in Economics, International Affairs, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Logistics, Accounting or a field relevant to international development assistance;
• Currently enrolled in a graduate programme (Masters degree) from a recognized university and have attended classes in the past 12 months,
• Fluent in English (both oral and written) is a must; knowledge of a second UN language, preferably French would be an asset.
• Proficiency in MS Office (word, excel, access, outlook).

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

• Prepare, analyze and monitor grant/fund balances including coordinating with desk officers on a weekly basis in order to ensure timely utilizations of available funds before the expiry dates;
• Review of RBN CPB budgets;
• Review of Funds Status for RBN Countries;
• Effective management of available funds with potential surpluses and deficits clearly identified and timely communicated to Country Offices;
• Successful Completion of Resource Migration;
• Contribute to the effective and efficient Funds Management and proper resource utilization.

TRAINING COMPONENTS & LEARNING ELEMENTS

• Initial induction on RBN B&P areas of focus
• Continuous on the job training
• Regular feedback on work progress
• Over the course of this assignment, the intern is expected to develop/refine his/her analytical, presentation and communication skills.

OTHER KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Under the Integrated Road Map and specifically for the new Country Port Folio Budget (CPB) the intern will ensure:
  • COs are supported in the development/revision of their budget within the new costs structure
  • COs are guided and supported in funds management analysis and with special attention to critical expiring funds balances
  • CO are guided on interpreting funds status reports through correct analysis of available resources against implementation plan requirements
• Contribute to the improvement of internal processes, enhancement of corporate systems and design of tools, to facilitate the overall planning, expenditure forecasting, and budget management and monitoring of resource utilisation.
• Conduct comprehensive analysis of project financial performance and make recommendations in compliance with WFP financial policies and procedures and best practices, to support financial analysis and optimisation of resources
• Analyse the resource transfer process and prose better solution and potential automations to facilitate the process and support COs in the Resource Transfer process from the current structure to the new Financial structure defined in the CPB.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE

• Capacity to learn fast from documentation and experience
• Analytical skills
• Capacity to provide clear step-by-step instructions
• Good communication skills

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• Interns receive a monthly stipend from WFP up to the maximum amount of US$1000 per month depending on the duty station of assignment.
• WFP is not responsible for living expenses, arrangements for accommodation, necessary visas and related costs.
• Depending on the duty station of assignment, WFP will reimburse travel ticket for candidates who are nationals of developing countries and are pursuing their studies in their home country.
• WFP will recognize candidates’ educational credentials from recognised institutions that have been certified by competent international or national authorities such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) or Ministries of Education;