Career Opportunities at United Nations Environment Programme

Organizational Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. This position is located in UN Environment, Corporate Services Division, Strategic Donor Partnerships and Global Funds Coordination Section in Nairobi.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Fund Management Officer, the incumbent will be responsible for manageing the three on-going funding umbrellas that UN Environment is implementing in partnership with the European Commission General Directorate Environment and General Directorate for Cooperation and Development.

• Providing support with respect to the review, analyses and preparation of the medium-term plan and its revisions.
• Preparing supporting documents (narrative and supporting tables) with respect to finalization of cost estimates and budget proposals, in terms of staff and non-staff requirements.
• Assisting managers in the elaboration of resource requirements for budget submissions.
• Undertaking research and providing support to higher level Finance & Budget Officers with respect to budget reviews of relevant intergovernmental and expert bodies.
• Monitoring expenditures and comparing with approved budget; prepares adjustments as necessary.
• Assisting in preparation of budget performance submissions and finalization of budget performance reports, analysing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures.
• Monitoring integrity of various financial databases. · Verifying accuracy of input data, ensuring consistency of data in previous allotments to new allotments issued.
• Co-ordinating with other finance and budget staff on related issues during preparation of budget reports.

Treasury:

• Identifying and annotating bank account movements.
• Filing and archiving as required.

General:

• Keeping up-to-date on documents/reports/guidelines that have a bearing on matters related to programme, ensuring compliance with intergovernmental recommendations and decisions as well as with United Nations policies and procedures.
• Drafting or preparing correspondence to respond to enquiries in respect to relevant financial and budget matters.
• Maintaining and keeing up-to-date files.
• May be responsible for providing guidance, training and daily supervision to other general service staff in the area of responsibility.
• Performining other related duties, as 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, analyse 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. 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.
• 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 accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
• 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.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent. Supplementary training in accounting, finance or directly related fields highly desirable. Must have passed the United Nations Administrative Support Assessment Test (ASAT) at Headquarters or an equivalent locally-administered test at Offices Away from Headquarters.

Work Experience

Seven years work experience in finance, budget, accounting, administrative services or related area. Experience working with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), Enterprise resource planning (ERP) and with international organizations is highly desirable

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Organizational Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UN Environment’s Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. This position is located in Freshwater, Land and Climate Branch at the Nairobi duty station. Under the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Management Office

Responsibilities

Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of climate change adaptation and security programmes/projects, etc.; monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions.

• Researches, analyzes and presents information .
• Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of climate change issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies

Prepares various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.

• Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
• Undertakes outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Participates in or lead field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.

Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).

Performs other duties as required

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. 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.
• 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.
• 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 and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in political science, economics, environmental science, law, public policy, anthropology or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Specialized training in International Affairs, Security, or Human Rights is an added advantage.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, law, administration or related area. Preferably including experience working on climate change adaptation, ecosystem services, and vulnerable populations (Africa or Asia), as well as connecting climate change adaptation to security issues, and working within national governments.

Languages

Fluency in English is required; knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Assessment

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