Finance and Budget Assistant

Job Advertisement

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

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) serves as the UN headquarters in Africa. Established to support the implementation of various UN programs, UNON provides essential administrative, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, conference, and information services to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), and the Resident Coordination System (RCS) globally. The organization operates in Kenya and is committed to promoting gender equality and diversity within its workforce.

Job Overview:
The Finance and Budget Assistant position is integral to the Budget and Financial Management Services (BFMS) within the Division of Administrative Services (DAS) at UNON. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Section or Unit Chief, contributing to the financial operations of the organization. This role involves assisting in the preparation of budget proposals, monitoring budget implementation, processing financial documents, and ensuring compliance with UN financial rules and regulations. The assistant will also engage in data analysis and reporting, supporting decision-making processes within the organization. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism and accountability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance and Budget Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks including:

• Assisting in the collection of data for cost estimates and budget proposals related to both staff and non-staff requirements.
• Preparing various reports for management and monitoring budget performance.
• Ensuring requisitions for goods and services align with authorized budgets and organizational priorities.
• Processing financial documents in accordance with UN financial regulations.
• Reviewing and analyzing accounting data for accuracy and completeness.
• Scrutinizing supporting documents to validate requests.
• Analyzing Open Item Managed accounts in the ERP system (Umoja) and initiating corrective actions as necessary.
• Distributing documents within the unit and responding to queries from clients and stakeholders.
• Maintaining accurate accounting and internal control systems. 1
• Assisting in data extraction and preparation of reports for knowledge management and decision-making. 1
• Supporting the team by performing backup duties when required and contributing to the preparation of visualizations and information materials.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a High School Diploma or equivalent, with a Bachelor's degree in finance or a related field being desirable. Supplementary training in finance and certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) are also considered advantageous. The role demands a strong understanding of financial rules and regulations, as well as the ability to analyze and interpret financial data effectively.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a High School Diploma or equivalent. A Bachelor's degree in finance or a relevant field is preferred. Additional training in finance and certification as a CPA are desirable qualifications that enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
A minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in finance, treasury, budget management, or financial data analysis is required. Candidates with a first-level university degree may have the minimum experience requirement reduced by two years. Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as Oracle or SAP, as well as familiarity with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), is desirable. Candidates should also have experience in budgetary, accounting, and treasury-related tasks, including bank reconciliations and accounts payable/receivable management.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official United Nations language, such as French, is considered an asset. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding), while knowledge is rated as 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that candidates must be residents of Kenya or within commuting distance. The initial appointment is for one year, with extensions contingent upon the availability of funds and budgetary approval. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. All applicants must ensure that their online profiles are complete and up-to-date, as this information is critical for the hiring manager's assessment. The United Nations does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.