Finance Assistant

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 Ecosystems Division collaborates with international and national partners to provide technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy, while also strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. UNEP is committed to addressing global environmental challenges and fostering sustainable development through its various programs and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Finance Assistant position is situated within the Programme of Work (POW) Finance Unit in the Ecosystems Division at the Nairobi duty station. The incumbent will work under the overall guidance of the Finance and Budget Officer and will be responsible for a variety of financial tasks that support the effective management of the organization's budget. This role requires a keen understanding of financial rules and regulations, as well as the ability to analyze and interpret financial data. The Finance Assistant will assist in the preparation and review of budget proposals, monitor expenditures, and ensure compliance with financial guidelines. The position also involves maintaining financial databases, preparing reports, and providing support to higher-level finance officers. The ideal candidate will demonstrate professionalism, client orientation, and technological awareness, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the finance unit.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Assistant will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties including:

• Supporting the review, analysis, and preparation of the medium-term plan and its revisions.
• Preparing supporting documents related to cost estimates and budget proposals, including narrative and supporting tables.
• Assisting managers in elaborating resource requirements for budget submissions.
• Conducting research and providing support to higher-level Finance & Budget Officers during budget reviews.
• Monitoring expenditures against the approved budget and preparing necessary adjustments.
• Reviewing requisitions for goods and services to ensure correct expenditure charges and availability of funds.
• Assisting in the preparation of budget performance submissions and finalizing budget performance reports, analyzing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures.
• Monitoring the integrity of financial databases and verifying the accuracy of input data.
• Coordinating with other finance and budget staff on related issues during budget report preparation. 1
• Maintaining up-to-date files and archives as required. 1
• Drafting correspondence to respond to inquiries regarding financial and budget matters. 1
• Providing guidance, training, and daily supervision to other general service staff in the area of responsibility. 1
• Assisting with data collection, analysis, and preparation of presentations and reports for knowledge management and decision-making. 1
• Updating information materials such as web pages or brochures. 1
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Additional training or qualifications in finance and budget management are desirable. The role requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in project budget management. Candidates with a first-level university degree may have the minimum experience requirement reduced by two years. Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, such as Umoja or Inspira, is essential. Furthermore, experience in administration and project financial management is required, along with experience working with the UN system or similar international organizations being desirable. A minimum of one year of experience in data analytics or a related area is also desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. However, candidates with additional training or qualifications in finance and budget management will be viewed favorably. A first-level university degree can substitute for some of the required work experience, thereby enhancing the candidate's eligibility for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in project budget management. This experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of financial management within the context of the United Nations. Candidates with a first-level university degree can have this requirement reduced by two years, making it essential for applicants to highlight relevant experience in their applications. Experience with ERP software is mandatory, and familiarity with the UN system or similar international organizations is highly desirable. Additionally, candidates should have at least one year of experience in data analytics or a related field, which will support the analytical aspects of the role.

Languages:
English is the mandatory working language for this position, with a required proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations, and while it is not mandatory for this position, proficiency in French may be considered an asset. Candidates should ensure they meet the language requirements as outlined by the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of extension based on the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations in Nairobi. External candidates selected for this position will receive a fixed-term appointment limited to the entity. It is important to note that staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits that are exclusive to international recruitment. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. All applicants must complete the Candidate Profile form accurately, as this information is critical for assessing eligibility and suitability for the position.