Finance and Budget Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda. Established to promote the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, UNEP serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The organization coordinates the development of environmental policy consensus, keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to environmental sustainability and policy advocacy.

Job Overview:
The Finance and Budget Assistant will support the GEF Climate Mitigation Unit in managing the GEF MSP/FSP Portfolio under the direct supervision of the Administrative Officer. This role involves a variety of functions including project and fund management, general administration, and financial oversight. The assistant will be responsible for budget preparation, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. The position requires collaboration with other finance staff and entails significant interaction with various stakeholders, including government officials and international agencies. The overall objective is to facilitate effective financial management and support the implementation of climate change initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance and Budget Assistant will undertake a comprehensive set of duties, including but not limited to:

• Budget Management: Supporting the review and preparation of medium-term plans and budget proposals, assisting in the elaboration of resource requirements, monitoring expenditures against approved budgets, and preparing budget performance reports.
• Treasury Functions: Reviewing payment instructions, preparing payments for disbursement, notifying payees about payment statuses, and assisting with queries related to funding issues.
• General Administrative Support: Keeping up-to-date with relevant documents and guidelines, drafting correspondence, maintaining files, and assisting with data collection and analysis for reporting purposes.
• Collaboration: Coordinating with other finance and budget staff to ensure accuracy and consistency in financial reporting and compliance with United Nations policies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, along with a qualification in an accounting or finance-related subject. A professional qualification such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent is also required. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of seven years of experience in administration, finance, budget, accounting, or a related area. This requirement is reduced by two years for those with a first-level university degree. Experience with Enterprise Resource Platforms (ERP) like UMOJA, budgeting processes, and financial data analysis is essential, while experience in GEF project management and UN financial regulations is desirable.

Educational Background:
The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with a qualification in an accounting or finance-related subject. A professional accounting qualification, such as CPA or equivalent, is mandatory. A first-level university degree can reduce the experience requirement, making it essential for candidates to have a solid educational foundation in finance or accounting.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in administration, finance, budget, accounting, or a related field. This experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of financial management within the context of international organizations. Those with a first-level university degree may qualify with five years of experience. Familiarity with ERP systems, particularly UMOJA, and experience in donor reporting and financial analysis are highly valued.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and French is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in both oral and written communication in these languages to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders and fulfill the responsibilities of the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for 12 months, and it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. This includes application, interview, processing, or training stages. The organization is committed to transparency and does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.