Individual Contractor - Financial Management

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and promotes 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 and aims to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities, and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies, and practices that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production. Established to address global environmental issues, UNEP operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to environmental sustainability and advocacy.

Job Overview:
The position of Individual Contractor within UNEP's Industry and Economy Division, specifically in the Chemicals and Health Branch, is crucial for supporting the organization's mission to promote sustainable development through effective financial management and project administration. The contractor will work under the supervision of the Head of the GEF Chemicals and Waste Unit and the Programme Budget Officer. The role involves monitoring financial expenditures, preparing budget performance reports, and ensuring the integrity of financial databases. The contractor will also assist in project management by facilitating the development of project documents, tracking financial reports, and providing administrative support. This position is office-based in Nairobi, Kenya, and is expected to last for six months, contributing to UNEP's efforts in managing chemicals, waste, and air quality effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Individual Contractor will be responsible for a variety of tasks that include:

• Financial Management: Monitoring expenditures, reviewing requisitions for goods and services, assisting in the preparation of budget performance reports, analyzing variances, maintaining financial data relevant to the Funds projects, and preparing donor reports.
• Project Management: Facilitating the development and preparation of project documents, tracking management and financial reports, and providing administrative support in project management.
• General Duties: Keeping documents and reports up-to-date, drafting correspondence, maintaining files, and assisting with data collection and analysis for decision-making.
• Additional Duties: Performing other related tasks as assigned by supervisors, ensuring that all financial and project-related activities align with UNEP's goals and standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma along with relevant training in programme/project administration, finance, budget, accounting, or related areas. A minimum of seven years of experience in finance, accounting, budgeting, and audit is required, which can be reduced to five years for candidates with a first-level university degree or higher. Experience with various UN offices, agencies, or NGOs is essential, as is familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as Umoja. A professional accounting qualification such as CPA, ACCA, or CIMA is mandatory.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a high school diploma and relevant training in areas such as programme/project administration, finance, budget, accounting, or administrative services. Candidates with a first-level university degree or higher will have a reduced experience requirement, highlighting the importance of formal education in this field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in finance, accounting, budgeting, and audit. This requirement is reduced to five years for candidates who hold a first-level university degree or higher. Additionally, candidates should have experience working with various offices of the United Nations and familiarity with ERP systems, as well as at least one year of experience in data analytics or a related area.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable, which would enhance the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas: reading, writing, speaking, and understanding, while knowledge is rated as 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
The position is office-based in Nairobi, Kenya, and is expected to last for six months. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the hiring process is transparent and accessible to all qualified candidates. This role is part of UNEP's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, and it is open to candidates who meet the specified qualifications and experience.