Budget and Finance Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is an organization established by the UN General Assembly with the mission to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. It serves as the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. UN-Habitat collaborates with various partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities, advocating for urbanization as a transformative force that reduces inequality, discrimination, and poverty. The organization operates globally, working in numerous countries to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Budget and Finance Officer position is located in the Budget and Finance Section of the Management Advisory and Compliance Service (MACS) at UN-Habitat Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Budget and Finance Section and the overall guidance of the Director of MACS. The role involves significant responsibilities in the preparation, administration, and analysis of budgets, ensuring that legislative mandates are accurately translated into program budgets. The officer will provide substantive support to intergovernmental and expert bodies in their review of the medium-term plan and budget proposals, ensuring compliance with UN policies and procedures. The position requires a proactive approach to budget management, including monitoring expenditures, reallocating funds as necessary, and preparing analytical reports to support decision-making processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Budget and Finance Officer include reviewing, analyzing, and finalizing the preparation of the medium-term plan and its revisions based on departmental submissions. The officer will provide support to managers in elaborating resource requirements for budget submissions and participate in the finalization of program budgets. Responsibilities also include issuing allotments, monitoring budget implementation, and ensuring expenditures remain within authorized levels. The officer will review requisitions generated by the Umoja/SAP ERP system, administer extra-budgetary resources, and prepare documentation related to budget performance submissions. Additionally, the officer will prepare analytical reports on strategic issues, collect and analyze data to identify trends, and supervise subordinate staff as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of financial principles and practices, with the ability to conduct independent research and analysis. The role requires excellent analytical skills to interpret data and support decision-making processes. The officer should demonstrate professionalism, efficiency, and a commitment to gender perspectives in all areas of work. Teamwork and client orientation are essential, as the officer will work collaboratively with colleagues and maintain productive partnerships with clients. The ability to plan and organize effectively, adjusting priorities as necessary, is also crucial for success in this role.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, finance, or a related field is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is desirable, along with additional certification in accounting.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, administration, budget, or business administration is required. Candidates must have working experience with an Enterprise Resource Platform (ERP) system, such as SAP, and experience in implementing Accounting Standards, including IPSAS. Desirable experience includes administering and monitoring extra-budgetary resources and reviewing budget performance reports, including variance analysis. Experience in data analytics or related areas for two years or more is also desirable.

Languages:
English is the required working language for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations Secretariat, and proficiency in French is considered an asset for this role.

Additional Notes:
This position is for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be assigned to various functions in accordance with established rules and procedures. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff, encouraging female candidates to apply. The organization does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request.