Finance 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. The candidate is responsible for any travel expenses incurred in order to take-up the appointment. This is a temporary vacancy. Appointment against this post is for a limited duration and does not carry any expectancy, legal or otherwise for renewal.

VACANCY NOTICE NO.:	GS-12-40
ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION:	UNON/BFMS
DUTY STATION:	Nairobi
FUNCTIONAL TITLE:	Finance Assistant
GRADE:	G-5 (2 Posts)
DURATION:	364 days
CLOSING DATE:	4/12/2012

The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) is the UN headquarters in Africa and the representative office of the Secretary-General. We support programme implementation of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) globally, as well as other UN offices in Kenya, by providing administrative, conference and information services (www.unon.org). The positions are located in Budget and Financial Management Service (BFMS), United Nations Office at Nairobi. 

Responsibilities:  Within delegated authority, the Finance Assistant will be responsible for the following duties: 

·         Prepares and generates various reports, including statistical/financial data, workload, etc. using office software and templates.

·         Amends re-arranges and edits statistical databases for workload indicators, staffing lists, mailing lists, directories, lists of certifying and approving officers and counter-checking with the substantive units to ensure accuracy of the data.  Makes the necessary follow-up for any updates.

·         Supports the IPSAS local team in extracting information from computerized information system databases; Assists in preliminary analyses of the extracted information and the reports generated and highlight areas of concern for the attention of the IPSAS team.

·         Coordinates all IPSAS training activities, ensuring training requirements & materials are in place and maintains training schedules and databases.

·         Maintains and updates a central database for PP&E and inventory, using HARDCAT and other specialised software.

·         Assists in the issuance of allotments and related staffing table authorizations.

·         Drafts routine and other correspondence and maintains an updated filing system.

·         Assists with the preparation of IMIS related documents – pre-encumbrances and obligations.

·         Keeps up-to-date on documents/reports/guidelines that have a bearing on matters related to IPSAS project.

·         Provides Administrative/Finance support to the Unit Chief and other unit members, as required.

·         Performs other related duties as assigned.

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 a wide variety of data. Ability to identify and resolve data discrepancies and operational problems. Shows pride in work and in achievements; 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.

·         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 on going 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 secondary education is required. Additional technical training in the field of accounting/finance, administration/statistics or directly related fields is required.

EXPERIENCE

Five years of experience in finance, budget, research and statistics, administrative services or related area. 

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post

advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required.

Interested candidates may apply by submitting detailed curriculum vitae in English, and a duly completed United Nations Personal History form (available at http://www.unon.org/docs/P11.doc). Email: recruitment@unon.org          Please quote; v  Vacancy Notice Number and Functional Title in the Subject of the e-mail. Applications received after the deadline (04/12/2012) will not be considered.