Finance and Budget Officer (Temporary)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) serves as the UN headquarters in Africa and is responsible for supporting the implementation of various UN programs, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). Established to facilitate the UN's operations in Kenya, UNON provides essential administrative, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, conference, and information services to various UN offices and programs. The organization plays a crucial role in ensuring that the UN's mission is effectively carried out in the region, with a focus on sustainable development and humanitarian efforts. UNON is committed to fostering collaboration among UN agencies and enhancing the effectiveness of their operations in Kenya and beyond.

Job Overview:
The Finance and Budget Officer position at UNON is pivotal in providing strategic, technical, and operational support in budgeting, financial management, grants management, and oversight of implementing partners. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Section or Unit Chief within the Budget and Financial Management Service (BFMS). This role involves ensuring compliance with the United Nations Financial Regulations and Rules and the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). The officer will be responsible for contributing to organizational strategic planning, resource allocation, and monitoring budget implementation. The position requires a proactive approach to financial management, with an emphasis on accuracy, compliance, and effective communication with stakeholders. The officer will also play a key role in preparing budget performance reports and managing financial transactions related to grants and voluntary contributions, ensuring that all financial activities align with established policies and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance and Budget Officer will undertake a comprehensive range of duties, including but not limited to: providing substantive input into strategic planning and budgeting processes; reviewing and analyzing budget proposals; monitoring budget implementation and financial performance; preparing budget performance reports; managing staffing tables and financial implications of recruitment; implementing cost recovery mechanisms; reviewing contribution agreements; monitoring accounts receivable; providing expert advice on grants management; ensuring compliance with IPSAS standards; supporting audits; overseeing financial management of implementing partner agreements; reviewing and approving financial transactions; monitoring financial reports; strengthening financial assurance frameworks; and providing guidance on financial management requirements. The officer will also be responsible for analyzing financial and operational reports, advising management on policies and procedures, maintaining accurate accounting records, supervising staff, and leading data collection and analysis efforts to support decision-making.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a professional qualification from a recognized accountancy body, such as the Association of Chartered Accountants (ACA), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Certified Public Accountants (CPA), or Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of financial principles and practices related to grants and trust funds management. The ability to conduct independent research and analysis, formulate options, and present conclusions is essential. Candidates should also exhibit professionalism, accountability, and teamwork skills, with a commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work.

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 considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in finance, administration, budget, or business administration is required. Candidates must have supervisory experience with performance management and experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, particularly in the use of Systems, Applications, and Products in Data Processing (SAP) ERP. Familiarity with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) framework is essential, as is experience in managing implementing partners, grants, trust funds, and donor financial reporting. Additionally, two or more years of experience in data analytics or a related area, with the ability to create and customize reports, is desired.

Languages:
English is the required working language for this position, as it is one of the official languages of the United Nations Secretariat. French is also a working language, but for this specific job opening, proficiency in English is mandatory. There are no additional desirable languages specified for this role, but candidates should be aware of the UN Language Framework requirements for language proficiency.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporary, and the specific duration of the contract has not been mentioned. The role is full-time and may involve international recruitment, given the nature of the United Nations' operations. Compensation and benefits details are typically aligned with UN standards, but specific figures are not provided in the job description. Candidates are encouraged to apply promptly, as the deadline for applications has not been specified.