Finance and Budget Assistant

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. 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.

 

                                                                                                                      Issue date: 11/04/2013

VACANCY NOTICE NO.:	GS-13-15
ORGANIZATION:	UNEP/OFO
DUTY STATION:	Nairobi
FUNCTIONAL TITLE:	Finance and Budget Assistant (3 Positions)
GRADE:	G-4
DURATION:	1 year
IMIS NO.	606661
CLOSING DATE:	10/05/2013

Background:

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations system's 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. These positions are located in the UNEP Office for Operations & Corporate Services (OFO/CSS) at the Nairobi duty station.  Under the direct supervision of the Finance and Budget Officer, the Finance and Budget Assistant will be responsible for:

1.  Budget:

• Generates budgetary or peacekeeping financing reports, including statistical/financial data for tables, charts and spreadsheets using office software and templates.
• Amends, re-arranges 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 Division or Department.
• 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 the draft report of the Fifth Committee.
• 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.
• Updates the personnel incumbency file of each mission upon receipt of the monthly incumbency report from the Chief Administrative Officer. 
• 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.

2.  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.

3.  General:

·         Maintains workload statistics.

·         Provides general administrative/secretarial support to the officers.

·         Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies:         

·         Professionalism: Knowledge in the use and application of the Organization’s financial regulations and rules as well as accounting policies and practices. Ability to extract, interpret, and analyses a wide variety of data and to resolve data discrepancies and other 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.

·         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.

Qualifications:

Education:     Completion of secondary school education is required.  Additional technical training in the field of accounting or finance is desirable.

Experience:   At least four years of experience in finance, budget, accounting, administrative

services or related area is desirable.

Languages:  English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required.  Knowledge of another official UN language is an advantage.

Other Skills:  Good computer skills (Microsoft Office Windows applications, internet and e-mail) with above average proficiency in MS Excel and knowledge of accounting software 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. E-mail:   Recruitment@unon.org Please quote; v  Vacancy Notice Number and Functional Title in the Subject of the e-mail. v  Index Number (for UN staff member) and attach an updated PHP, and a copy of the last two performance appraisals. Applications received after the deadline (10/05/2013) will not be considered. PLEASE QUOTE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NO.:    GS-13-15

UNEP does 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.