Finance and Budget Officer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Finance and Budget Officer
Location: Nairobi
Country: Kenya
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

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 plays a crucial role in encouraging sustainable development through sound environmental practices, and it works with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to achieve its mission. Established in 1972, UNEP has grown to become a key player in global environmental governance, with a presence in over 100 countries and a workforce of approximately 1,000 employees. The organization focuses on various environmental issues, including climate change, biodiversity, pollution, and sustainable resource management, and it aims to promote the integration of environmental considerations into national and international policies.

Job Overview:
The Finance and Budget Officer position is located within the Corporate Services Division of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Coordination Unit at UNEP in Nairobi. The incumbent will report directly to the Budget and Finance Officer and will be responsible for a range of financial and budgetary functions. This role requires a deep understanding of financial rules and regulations, as well as the ability to analyze and interpret complex financial data. The officer will be expected to ensure compliance with UNEP and GEF regulations while providing support to project managers in resource allocation and budget preparation. The position also involves monitoring budget implementation, preparing financial statements, and assisting in the year-end closing activities. The successful candidate will play a vital role in ensuring the financial integrity of UNEP's projects and will contribute to the overall mission of promoting sustainable development through effective financial management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance and Budget Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including acting as Certifying Officers under Financial Rule 110.4, ensuring that proposed obligations and expenditures align with approved budgets and established regulations. The officer will conduct reviews and analyses of the medium-term plan and assist in the finalization of budget proposals, ensuring compliance with GEF and UNEP regulations. Responsibilities also include monitoring contributions for relevant projects, preparing allotments, and recommending reallocations of funds as necessary. The officer will review requisitions for goods and services, ensuring correct expenditure charges and availability of funds. Additionally, the officer will assist in preparing budget performance submissions and reports, monitor financial databases, and provide guidance and training to other staff members. The role requires drafting correspondence and reports on budgetary issues and assisting with data collection and analysis for decision-making purposes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, along with supplementary training in administration, finance, budget, accounting, or related fields. A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible work experience in finance, budget, accounting, or administrative services is required. This experience requirement is reduced to eight years for candidates with a first-level university degree or higher. Proficiency in using an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system such as Oracle or SAP is essential, along with experience in data analysis and reconciliations. Experience in an international organization, particularly the United Nations, and familiarity with GEF financial management are desirable. Candidates should also have experience in data analytics or related areas.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a high school diploma or equivalent. Candidates with additional qualifications in finance, accounting, or related fields will be preferred. Supplementary training in administration, finance, budget, or accounting is also required, indicating a strong foundation in financial principles and practices.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible work experience in finance, budget, accounting, or administrative services. This experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of financial management within the context of international organizations. Candidates with a first-level university degree or higher will have their minimum experience requirement reduced to eight years. Relevant experience with ERP systems, data analysis, and financial reporting is highly valued, as is experience in an international organization such as the United Nations. Familiarity with GEF financial management practices is also desirable, as it directly relates to the responsibilities of the role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is desirable, and familiarity with another official United Nations language is also considered an asset. 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:
This position is temporarily available for 364 days and may be subject to extension. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. The position is open to internal candidates who have been recruited through a competitive examination or selection process. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance in its staff and strongly encourages female candidates to apply. The organization also emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its recruitment process. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.