Associate Finance Officer

NOTE:

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.  This is a temporary vacancy.  Appointment against this post is for a limited duration and does not carry any expectancy, legal or otherwise, of renewal.

                       

VACANCY NOTICE NO.:	NA-13-03
ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION:	UNON/BFMS
DUTY STATION:	Nairobi
FUNCTIONAL TITLE:	Associate Finance Officer
GRADE:	P-2
DURATION:	Six months
CLOSING DATE:	31/01/2013

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).

Responsibilities: 

The position is located in the United Nations Office at Nairobi, Budget and Financial Management Service (BFMS), Accounts Section, in the Accounts Services Unit.  Under the overall supervision of the Chief, Accounts Services Unit, the Associate Finance Officer will be expected to carry out the following responsibilities:

  

·         Review and confirm reconciliations and suspense accounts analysis during the year and at year end;

·         Perform approving functions in Accounts Services Unit: Review/verification and approval of UNEP and UN-Habitat contributions; Monitoring and approval of applying deposits and clearing non-staff receivables;

·         Supervise staff in Accounts Services Unit as assigned;

·         Perform document analysis for data cleansing and data fix requests; 

·         Provide advice and guidance to the clients concerning the  United Nations Financial Regulations, Rules and Accounting Instructions; including to provide interpretation of requirements for handling transactions;

·         Participate in interdepartmental and/or technical meetings, as required;

·         Perform other related duties as assigned.

Competencies:

Professionalism: Knowledge of accounting principles, procedures and standards; Ability to apply conceptual, analytical and evaluative skills in accounting operations; Ability to conduct independent research and analysis, identify issues, formulate options and make conclusions and recommendations; 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.

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. 

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours 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 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.

Qualifications:

Education:    A first level university degree in business administration, accounting/finance or related field and internationally recognized accounting qualifications.

Experience:   At least four years of progressively responsible professional experience in finance/accounting, administration, budget, business administration or related area.  Experience in Finance will be an added advantage.

Language:  English and French are the two working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.  For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required; knowledge of French is an advantage.

                       

Other:          Knowledge of UN system, policies and practices is desirable.  In-depth knowledge of spreadsheet and database and demonstrated managerial skills are 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 VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NO.: NA-13-03 v  Applications without Correct Vacancy Number will not be considered. v  Applications received after the deadline (31/01/2013) will not be considered. UN staff members must submit scanned copies of their two latest Performance Appraisal System (PAS) reports at the time of application to the email address above. 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.

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