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 coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus, UNEP promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system. It serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment, ensuring that emerging issues are brought to the attention of governments and the international community for action. UNEP operates globally, with a mission to encourage decision-makers in government, local authorities, and industry to adopt sustainable practices and technologies that promote efficient resource use and safe management of chemicals. The organization plays a crucial role in fostering the development, use, and transfer of policies and tools that assist in environmentally sound decision-making.

Job Overview:
The Finance and Budget Assistant will support the GEF Climate Mitigation Unit in managing the GEF MSP/FSP Portfolio under the supervision of the Administrative Officer. This role involves a combination of project and fund management, as well as general administrative tasks. The assistant will be responsible for budget preparation, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. They will assist in the preparation of budget performance reports and maintain financial databases. The position requires a proactive approach to managing financial data and supporting higher-level finance officers in budget reviews. The assistant will also be involved in treasury functions, including payment processing and communication with various stakeholders regarding funding issues. Overall, the role is critical in ensuring the effective management of financial resources within the GEF Climate Mitigation Unit.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance and Budget Assistant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Budget Management: Supporting the review and preparation of the medium-term plan, assisting in the elaboration of resource requirements, monitoring expenditures against approved budgets, and preparing budget performance submissions.
• Treasury Functions: Reviewing incoming payment instructions, preparing payments for disbursement, and notifying payees about payment statuses.
• General Administration: Keeping up to date with relevant documents and guidelines, drafting correspondence related to financial matters, maintaining organized files, and assisting in data collection and analysis for reporting purposes.
• Collaboration: Coordinating with other finance and budget staff to ensure accurate budget reporting and compliance with UN policies.
• Data Management: Assisting in the visualization and updating of information materials, including web pages and brochures, to support knowledge management and decision-making processes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, with a qualification in an administrative, accounting, or finance-related subject being desirable. A professional qualification in accounting or finance, such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), is also desirable. Candidates should have a minimum of five 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 Planning (ERP) systems like UMOJA is essential, along with a solid understanding of budgeting processes, financial data analysis, and donor reporting. Familiarity with Global Environment Facility (GEF) project management and UN financial regulations is highly advantageous.

Educational Background:
The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent as a minimum educational qualification. However, candidates with a first-level university degree in a relevant field will have a competitive advantage, as this reduces the required experience by two years. Additional qualifications in finance or accounting, such as CPA or equivalent, are desirable and will enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in administration, finance, budgeting, or accounting. This experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of financial management within the context of international organizations. Those with a first-level university degree will only need three years of experience. Experience with ERP systems, particularly UMOJA, is required, as is familiarity with the budgeting process and financial reporting. Experience in GEF project management and knowledge of UN financial rules and IPSAS accounting standards are also highly desirable.

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 a duration of six months. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Applicants should be aware that the organization does not request information regarding bank accounts during the recruitment process.