Org. 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 post is located in the Corporate Services Division, at the Nairobi Duty Station, under the direct supervision of the Budget Officer. Within delegated authority, the Senior Finance & Budget Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities

Acts as Certifying Officer on behalf of and in the absence of programme mangers at offices outside headquarters. 
Undertakes reviews, analyses and preparation of the medium-term plan and its revisions.
Reviews, analyses and assists in the finalization of cost estimates and budget proposals, in terms of staff and non-staff requirements, including programmatic aspects; ensures compliance with the medium-term plan and other legislative mandates.
Assists managers in the elaboration of resource requirements for budget submissions. 
Undertakes research and provides support to higher level Finance & Budget Officers with respect to budget reviews of relevant intergovernmental and expert bodies.
Provides input into the preparation of allotments, including redeployment of funds when necessary, ensuring appropriate expenditures.
Monitors budget implementation/expenditures and recommends reallocation of funds as necessary.
Reviews requisitions for goods and services to ensure (a) correct objects of expenditure have been charged, and (b) availability of funds.
Monitors extra-budgetary resources, including review of agreements and cost plans, ensuring compliance with regulations and rules and established policies and procedures.
Assists in the preparation of budget performance submissions.
Assists in finalization of budget performance reports, analysing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures.
Monitors integrity of various financial databases.
Verifies accuracy of input data, ensuring consistency of data in previous allotments to new allotments issued.
Co-ordinates with other finance and budget staff on related issues during preparation of budget reports.
Reviews, analyses and processes payments to third-parties, commercial entities, individuals and troop-contributing countries, with respect to settlement of certified death and disability, contingent-owned equipment, stores, pay and allowances, and letters of assist claims.
Reviews incoming payment instructions with regard to banking details and sources of funds.
Prepares payments for final disbursement by Cashier.
Dispatches payment instructions and cheques to banks.
Creates receipts and deposits for all incoming funds.
Notifies payees of status of payments.
Assists staff members, Fund Management Officers and donors regarding queries on payment and deposit-related issues.
Identifies and annotates bank account movements. Monitors bank balances worldwide.
Assists Cashier in cash management and investment issues, including cash flow forecasts.
Liaises with banks worldwide regarding outstanding items and payment instructions.
Investigates complaints on non-receipts.
Monitors cheque stock and orders new stock as required.
Reviews inter and intra-unit processes with aim to optimise workflow and customer orientation.
Monitors/reviews methods used to remit payments.
Assist in preparation of periodical reports: cash flow, contributions, etc.
Follows-up on audit recommendations.
Follows-up on fraud cases.
Assists cashier in the daily operation of the Cashier’s Unit responsible for the transmittal of payments worldwide.
Files and archives as required.
Keeps up-to-date on documents/reports/guidelines that have a bearing on matters related to programme and/or peacekeeping budgets, ensuring compliance with intergovernmental recommendations and decisions as well as with United Nations policies and procedures.
Drafts or prepares correspondence to respond to enquiries in respect to relevant financial and budget matters.
Provides guidance, training and daily supervision to other general service staff in the area of responsibility.
Performs 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.

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 & 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. Supplemental training in Accounting and Finance or related field is an asset. Passing the Global General Service Test (GGST) is a prerequisite for recruitment consideration in the General Service category in the United Nations Secretariat. Having passed the Administrative Assessment Support Test (ASAT) in English at Headquarters, ECA, ESCWA, UNOG,UNOV, ICTR, or ICTY may be recognized in place of the GGST, pending confirmation of validity.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of experience in finance, budget, accounting, administrative services or related area. Proven knowledge in ERP (Umoja) System Business Analytics or Business Intelligence and preparation of financial and management reports is highly 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.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

Recruitment for this position is done on a local basis. Appointment against this post is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension. External candidates will be considered only when no suitable internal candidate from the duty station is identified. The candidate is responsible for any travel expenses incurred in order to take-up the appointment. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira “Need Help?” link.

United Nations Considerations

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations – Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.