Finance and Budget Assistant

               

NOTE

Appointment against this post is on a local basis. External candidates will be considered only when no suitable internal candidate from the duty station is identified. If an external candidate is selected, his/her appointment will be subject to a passing grade on the relevant entry-level examination at the duty station. The candidate is responsible for any travel expenses incurred in order to take the examination at the duty station and to take up the assignment.

VACANCY NOTICE NO.:	GS-12-38
ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION:	UNEP/DEPI  Abidjan Convention
DUTY STATION	Abidjan
FUNCTIONAL TITLE:	Finance and Budget Assistant
GRADE:	G-4
DURATION:	1 year
CLOSING DATE:	16/11/2012

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations systems designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action.  UNEP’s Division of Environmental Policy Implementation (DEPI) 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 post is located in UNEP/DEPI at the Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire duty station. Under the direct supervision of the Abidjan Convention Regional Coordinator and the Nairobi based UNEP/DEPI Funds Manager Officer, the incumbent will perform the following functions:

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Budget:

·         Generates budgetary or peacekeeping financing reports, including statistical/financial data for tables, charts and spreadsheets using office software and templates.

·         Amends, rearranges and edits statistical tables.

·         Liaises with editorial control over printing specifications of electronic tables, timeliness of publications, translation and completeness of submissions, particularly of performance reports.

·         Monitors electronic transmissions of documents (local and overseas) and determines appropriate recipients within the Unit.

·         Produces layouts of annexes to the budget and overview tables to conform to specifications in the programme budget.

·         Summarizes, through statistical tables, all departmental proposals reflecting budgetary and programmatic changes, retrieving information from different updated tables from the Budget Information System and compiles frequently updated reports.

·         Takes note of approved appropriations and other data to be reflected in draft report.

·         Prepares notes on budgetary issues as requested/assigned.

·         Assigns sequential numbers to manually prepare allotment advices in accordance with account type, i.e., programme budget, miscellaneous  and projects.  Distributes allotment advices, as appropriate.  Answers inquiries.

·         Obtains information from other offices, e.g., status of unpaid assessed contributions or voluntary contributions to trust funds or special accounts from Contributions Service, financial statements from Trust Fund Unit.

 

Claims:

·         Enters data into form letters, e.g. payment letters sent to partners, memoranda to Accounts Division,  transmitting certified claims , etc.

·         Maintains and updates the Unit’s database on monthly accounts payable  and generates related reports to ensure accuracy and completeness.

General:

·         Maintains workload statistics.

·         Provides general administrative/secretarial support to the officers.

·         Performs other duties as required.

COMPETENCIES:

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of, and ability to apply financial rules, regulations and procedures in the UN environment. Ability to maintain accurate records, review and interpret wide variety of data. Shows pride in work and achievements. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns.

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 the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

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.

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.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Completion of secondary education. Additional training in business, accounting and auditing desirable. Experience in an international organization an advantage.

EXPERIENCE:

At least four years of experience in administration, accounting, finance or directly related fields, of which some from United Nations or other international organization. Experience in usage of IMIS or comparable large-scale financial management information system is required.

LANGUAGE: 

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in both English and French is required, with ability to draft reports in both languages.

OTHER DESIRABLE SKILLS:

Excellent computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Power Point, e-mail, Internet) are required.

Qualified candidates may submit their applications including their curriculum vitae or United Nations Personal History form (P.11) to the address mentioned below on or before the deadline. Email: abidjan.convention@unep.org Please quote; v  Index Number (for UN staff member) v  Vacancy Notice Number v  Functional title of the post v  Attach an updated fact-sheet, and a copy of the last two performance appraisals. Applications received after the deadline 16/11/2012 will not be considered.

UNEP, UNHABITAT and UNON do not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. If you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of these offices and requesting the payment of a fee please contact:  recruitment @unon.org.