Finance and Budget Assistant, G6 at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Responsibilities

The position is located in the Economy Division, Chemicals and Health Branch, GEF Chemicals and Waste, at the Nairobi duty station. Under the supervision of the Programme Budget Officer of the GEF Chemicals and Waste, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

• Financial Management:
• Provide support with respect to the review, analyses and preparation of Division costed work plans and its revisions;
• Prepare supporting documents; Assist project managers in the elaboration of resource requirements for budget submissions; Check payment requests; Monitor expenditures; Review requisitions for goods and services;
• Assist in preparation of budget performance reports and status of reports, analyzing variances;
• Monitor integrity of various financial databases;
• Co-ordinate with other finance/budget staff on related issues during preparation of budget reports;
• Assist in closure of year-end accounts; Review the final project accounts' runs;
• Liaise and follow up with United Nations Office Nairobi (UNON) for processing of requested payments;
• Prepare sub-allotment advices; Contribute in responding to audit queries by the internal and external auditors;
• Maintain financial data relevant to the Funds projects;
• Assist in preparing donor reports and drafting responses to donor queries.
• Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making.
• Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures
• Project Management:
• Facilitate the development and preparation of accurate project documents and revisions;
• Research for information and report on the projects;
• Prepare responses to project related queries;
• Assist in the closure of projects; Assist in the finalization of project approval;
• Assist in the follow up of receipt of cash advance statements, progress and final reports;
• Keep track of management and financial reports;
• Provide administrative and financial support in the management of projects;
• Maintain a database of legal instruments;
• Follow up with project managers on receipt of progress reports and financial reports;
• Review reports received;
• Assist in preparing documents;
• Assist in drafting and reviewing legal agreements.
• General:
• Keep up-to-date documents, reports and guidelines;
• Draft/prepare correspondence to respond to inquiries;
• Maintain and keep up-to-date files;
• May be responsible for providing guidance, training and daily supervision to staff;
• Performs other related duties assigned.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of, and ability to apply financial rules, regulations and procedures in the UN environment; Knowledge, skills and ability to extract, interpret, analyze and format data across the full range of finance and budget functions; Ability to identify and resolve data discrepancies and operational problems; Ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making; 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).
• PLANNING AND 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 and actions 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 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.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job - Specific Qualification

• Relevant training in training in programme/project administration/management, finance, budget, accounting, administrative services or related area is required.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in administrative services, finance, accounting, audit, human resources or related area is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to five for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher.
• Experience working with various offices of the United Nations Secretariat, United Nations Agencies, Funds and Programmes, the European Union, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Non-Governmental Organizations or Permanent Missions is desirable.
• Experience working on Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as Umoja is desirable.
• Experience organizing meetings and workshops is desirable.
• One (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

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