Chief of Unit, Finance at United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON)

Within delegated authority, the Finance Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities

• - Manages a complete financial operation, encompassing a wide variety of funding sources, a large volume of transactions, and extensive dispersed activities.
• - Approves/Confirms that proposed obligations or expenditure for services, facilities supplies and equipment expenses, as well as those pertaining to personnel, are in accordance with the Financial Regulations and Rules of the UN, relevant appropriations and staffing tables and corresponding approved allotments.
• - Analyses accounts, reviews/prepares regular financial reports. Proposes/implements solutions with respect to problem transactions and irregularities.
• - Ensures that accurate and complete accounting, reporting and internal control systems are functioning and that all relevant records are maintained.
• - Prepares or consolidates financial statements for entities supported by UNON and for inclusion in the UN Audited Financial Statements to be audited. Acts as UNON Accounts Section focal point and responds to internal/external audit observations. Reviews the financial statements of other entities for which the Controller has certification authority.
• - Produces major/complex financial reports for management.
• - Provides substantive support to the development and implementation of new accounting systems. Takes initiative to improve accounting processes and approaches.
• - Provides data for the preparation of year-end performance reports.
• - Guides, trains and supervises general service and professional staff in the function.
• - Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of financial and budgetary principles and practices, budget development and financial administration of resources. Ability to develop budgetary policies, procedures and new programmes. Ability to formulate new strategies and technical approaches to budgetary matters. 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.
•  
• COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
•  
• COMMUNICATION: 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 if such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
•  
• MANAGING PERFORMANCE: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, and decision-making authority; Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; Appraises performance fairly.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business administration,finance, accounting or related field, is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA) or equivalent is desirable.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of experience of progressively responsible experience in finance, budget or related area is required.
• Working experience in a supervisor capacity with proof of performance management is a required.
• Experience with complex accounting reconciliation is a required.
• Experience in working with the United Nations or another large international organization is required.
• Experience in administration of financial regulations and rules is required.
• Working experience with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and financial statement preparation is desirable.
• Working experience with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and finance system such as Oracle or SAP, is desirable.
• Experience in preparing of Financial Statements and / or donor reports is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

NOTE: "fluency equals a rating of "fluent" in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and " Knowledge of" equals a rating of " confident" in two of the four areas.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Appointment against this position is for a period of one year and may be subject to extension. Staff Members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staffs are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.