Finance and Budget Assistant at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Job Description

Responsibilities:

• Budget:
  • May be acting as Certifying Officer on behalf of and in the absence of programme managers at offices outside of headquarters.
  • Provides support with respect to the review, analyses and preparation of the medium-term plan and its revisions. 
  • Prepares supporting documents (narrative and supporting tables) with respect to finalization of cost estimates and budget proposals, in terms of staff and non-staff requirements. 
  • Assists managers in the elaboration of resource requirements for budget submissions. 
  • Undertakes research and provides support to higher level Finance & Budget Officers with respect to budget reviews of relevant intergovernmental and expert bodies.
  • Monitors expenditures and compares with approved budget; prepares adjustments as necessary. 
  • Reviews requisitions for goods and services to ensure (a) correct objects of expenditure have been charged, and (b) availability of funds.
  • Assists in preparation of budget performance submissions and finalization of budget performance reports, analyzing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures.
  • Monitors integrity of various financial databases. 
  • Verifies accuracy of input data, ensuring consistency of data in previous allotments to new allotments issued. Co-ordinates with other finance and budget staff on related issues during preparation of budget reports. 
  • Periodic reconciliation of accounts (Prepare request to Controller’s Office on redeployment of funds and to Finance section on movement of funds.  
• General:
  • Keeping up to date on documents/reports/guidelines that have a bearing on matters related to programme, ensuring compliance with intergovernmental recommendations and decisions as well as with United Nations policies and procedures.
  • Drafting or preparing correspondence to respond to enquiries in respect to relevant financial and budget matters.
  • Maintaining and keep up-to-date files. 
  • May be responsible for providing guidance, training, and daily supervision to other general service staff in the area of responsibility. 
  • Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making. Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures. Performs other related duties, as assigned.
• Competencies
• Professionalism:
  • Demonstrates use of initiative and makes appropriate linkages in work requirements and anticipates next steps. 
  • Ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. 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.  
• 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.   
• 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. 
  • Use time efficiently..

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job – Specific Qualification

• Supplemental training in administration, finance or related field is desirable.    

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of work experience in finance, budget, accounting, or related area is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to five (5) for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Experience with Global funds such as Global Environment Facility (GEF), Adaptation Fund (AF) and/or Green Climate Fund (GCF) is desirable. Experience working with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as Systems, Applications and Products (SAP), e.g., UN Umoja, in grants management, funds management and financial management modules is desirable. One (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.