Associate Finance and Budget Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP's mission is to encourage sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it operates in over 100 countries worldwide, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to various environmental initiatives and programs.

Job Overview:
The Associate Finance and Budget Officer position is situated within UNEP's Communication Division in Nairobi. This role is pivotal in ensuring the effective and efficient management of financial resources and budgetary processes. The officer will be responsible for budget preparation, administration, and the cost recovery process, ensuring compliance with UN policies and regulations. The position requires a proactive approach to financial management, including the analysis of budget proposals, monitoring expenditures, and providing substantive support to senior management in budgetary matters. The officer will also contribute to data collection and analysis, providing insights for decision-making and reporting. This role is essential for maintaining the financial integrity of the division and supporting its operational goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Budget Preparation: Review and analyze data for cost estimates and budget proposals, providing support to managers in resource requirement elaboration. Finalize program budget implications and support senior management in budget reviews.
• Budget Administration: Issue allotments, monitor budget implementation, and recommend fund reallocations as necessary. Authorize payments and ensure correct expenditure charges. Administer extra-budgetary resources and prepare documentation for budget performance submissions.
• Cost Recovery Process: Oversee the cost recovery system in line with UN policies, guide colleagues on cost allocations, and recommend strategies for improving cost recovery efficiency.
• Liaison: Work with procurement, HR, and operational functions to provide input on risk management and financial policy implementation.
• Data Analysis: Collect and analyze data to identify trends, providing insights through visual methods for planning and reporting.
• Other Duties: Perform additional responsibilities as required by the division.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong knowledge of financial principles and practices, particularly in budget preparation and administration. Skills in cost allocation and financial modeling are essential. The ability to conduct independent research and analysis, formulate options, and present conclusions is required. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and effective collaboration skills.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business administration, finance, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted. Completion of programs in data analytics or business analytics is desirable.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in finance, administration, budget, or related areas is required. Candidates must have experience with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and cost recovery policies. Experience in analysis and designing donor reports is also necessary. Familiarity with ERP systems and data analytics is desirable, particularly in the context of financial reporting and management.

Languages:
English is required 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, but English is the primary requirement for this role.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for a period of 364 days and may be subject to extension. It is important to note that this temporary assignment does not guarantee future employment in the same position. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and candidates are advised to ensure their application is complete and accurate.