Senior Finance and Budget Assistant (364 days) at United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON)

Responsibilities
BUDGETING:

• Preparation of cost estimates and budget proposals in terms of staff and non-staff requirements for regular budget and extra-budgetary resources under UNON Administration.
• Monitor budget implementation and performance and recommend reallocation of funds as necessary.
• Ensure that requisitions for goods and services are in line with authorized budgets, the priorities of the organization and the UN financial rules and regulations.
• Review requests for creation and extension of positions as well as requests for recruitment.
• Assist in the execution of cost recovery in line with established agreements and policies and support on the collection of associated receivables.
• Perform certifying functions of financial transactions as per delegation.

ACCOUNTING:

• Responsible for the processing of financial documents in line with the financial rules and regulations.
• Review and analysis of various accounting data, financial statements input and preparation of reports.
• Scrutinize supporting documents for completeness, accuracy, and validity of requests in line with applicable policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Verify accuracy of postings and process corrections as appropriate.
• Analyze and monitor open item managed accounts (OIM) in the ERP system (Umoja) and initiate corrective action.
• Perform approval functions of financial transactions as per delegation.

GENERAL:

• Prepare and analyze reports with a view to identify anomalies and unusual trends and recommend corrective action as appropriate.
• Perform data extraction and prepare various reports for management review.
• Respond to queries and draft correspondence in relation to budgetary and financial matters from management, clients (internal and external), auditors and other stakeholders.
• Ensure that accurate and complete accounting; reporting and internal control systems are functioning.
• Ensure that all relevant records and audit trails are maintained.
• Act as team leader and provide day to day management and supervision, training and guidance to other general services staff.
• 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.
• Assist in the planning of unit and team staff work plans, monitor and report performance against the plans.
• Ensures that requirements and background information used for data analysis are documented.
• Act as the Knowledge retention and quality assurance focal point for the team.
• Performs other related duties as required by Section or Unit Chief.

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, including programme development and database management, claims and treasury operations. Ability to identify and resolve data discrepancies and operational problems. The 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. Committed to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.
• ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors 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.

Education

• Completion of High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Supplemental courses/ training in finance, administration, project management or related field is required.
• A recognized accountancy qualification (e.g., Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Institute of Public Finance Accountants (CIPFA) is desirable.

Work Experience

• A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in finance, budget or related area is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced by two years for candidates who possess a
• first level University degree.
• Experience with the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and finance system such as Oracle or SAP and experience with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) is desirable.
• Knowledge and experience with budget management is desirable.
• Experience with integrated business processes, analytics and reporting is desirable.

Languages

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

Deadline : Feb 15, 2024