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. Staff members are subject to the authority of and assignment by the SG. All staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

VACANCY NOTICE NO.:	GS-13-59
ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION:	UNON/BFMS
DUTY STATION:	Nairobi
FUNCTIONAL TITLE:	Finance Assistant
GRADE:	G-5
DURATION:	364 days
CLOSING DATE:	16 December 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 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) globally, as well as other UN offices in Kenya, by providing administrative, conference and information services (www.unon.org). This position is located in the Budget and Financial Management Service (BFMS), in UNON.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direct supervision of the Chief, Finance Services Unit, the incumbent will be responsible for the following functions:- 1.  Assist in the preparation of supporting documents and finalization of cost estimates and budget proposals; Support in extracting information and generating expenditure reports from computerized information system databases; Assist in preliminary analyses of the extracted information and reports generated and highlight areas of concerns; Prepare pre-encumbrances and obligations in IMIS and review funds availability and correct account used; Verify accuracy of data input, ensuring consistency of data in previous allotments to new allotments issued; Verify vendor invoices received and allocated to the staff member for validity, correctness and admissibility; Seek the certification of invoices and inspection of obligations through the payables register; Process general vendor and ticket invoices in IMIS in line with set procedures and perform end-month reconciliation.  2. Claims:- Verify and prepare payments to third parties, commercial entities, and individuals in respect to settlement of certified death and disability, contingent-owned equipment, stores, pay and allowances and letters of assist claims.  3. General: Keep up-to-date files on documents/reports/guidelines that have a bearing on matters related to programme budgets, ensuring compliance with intergovernmental recommendations and decisions as well as with United Nations policies and procedures; Draft routine correspondence with respect to enquiries related to relevant financial and budget matters.  4. Process work and related follow-up in an efficient and timely manner seeking advice from supervisor.  5. Perform other related duties as may be 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. 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& 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 ongoing 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

High school diploma or equivalent with supplemental technical training in the field of accounting, finance or directly related fields is required.

Experience:

A minimum of Five years of progressively responsible experience in finance, budget, accounting, administrative services or related field.  Excellent grasp of accounting principles covering financial accounting, controls and systems required.  Knowledge of UN rules and regulations and functionality of IMIS 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 a second official UN language is an advantage.

Preference will be given to equally qualified women candidates. All applications to be sent to the following address on or before the deadline of 16/12/2013. Applicants should send a completed United Nations P.11 or a Personal History Profile together with a covering letter of one to two pages summarizing how they meet the requirements of the job to:       e-mail: recruitment@unon.org PLEASE QUOTE JO OPEINING NO.:    GS-13-59 (Applications without Correct Job Opening Number will not be Considered) 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.