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. Established to address pressing environmental issues, UNEP works with various stakeholders to foster sustainable development through sound environmental practices. The organization operates in multiple countries, engaging with member states and partners to promote climate stability and resilience. UNEP's Climate Change Division focuses on strategic guidance and high-impact actions to support countries in their transition towards climate stability, emphasizing the importance of credible science and alignment with global climate goals. The organization is committed to addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation, enhancing implementation capacity, and fostering transparency in reporting.

Job Overview:
The Finance and Budget Officer position within UNEP's Climate Change Division, specifically in the Mitigation Branch of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Climate Mitigation Unit, is crucial for ensuring effective financial management and budgetary compliance. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the GEF Administrative Officer and the overall supervision of the GEF Head of Unit & Senior Programme Management Officer. This role involves a comprehensive range of financial responsibilities, including the review and analysis of project documents, preparation of budget proposals, and monitoring of budget implementation. The officer will also be responsible for ensuring compliance with UN regulations and policies, providing support for budget submissions, and assisting in the preparation of financial reports. The position requires a proactive approach to financial management, with a focus on accuracy, compliance, and strategic resource allocation to support UNEP's mission of promoting sustainable development and addressing climate change.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance and Budget Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: reviewing and analyzing project documents and budget proposals, ensuring compliance with legislative mandates; assisting in the preparation of resource requirements for budget submissions; monitoring budget implementation and expenditures; reviewing requisitions for goods and services; managing extra-budgetary resources; preparing budget performance submissions and reports; processing financial documents in accordance with UN financial rules; analyzing accounting data and financial statements; certifying financial transactions; preparing payments and managing grant cash balances; responding to queries related to budgetary and financial matters; and providing day-to-day management and supervision of general services staff. The officer will also be responsible for ensuring the integrity of financial databases, following up on audit recommendations, and maintaining relevant records and audit trails.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, along with certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA), or an equivalent qualification. The role requires a minimum of ten years of relevant experience in administration, finance, budget, accounting, or a related area. This experience is reduced to eight years for candidates with a first-level university degree or higher. Proven experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, such as SAP, is essential, along with experience in supervising teams. Familiarity with international or UN financial rules and regulations, as well as the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), is desirable. Experience in GEF project/grant management and financial analysis is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, candidates must hold a certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA), or an equivalent qualification, which demonstrates a solid foundation in financial principles and practices necessary for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of relevant experience in administration, finance, budget, accounting, or a related area. This experience can be reduced to eight years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Candidates should have proven experience working with ERP systems such as SAP and experience supervising teams. Desirable experience includes familiarity with international or UN financial rules and regulations, IPSAS accounting standards, and GEF project/grant management.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another UN official language, such as French, is desirable. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas: reading, writing, speaking, and understanding, while knowledge of another language is considered a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
This position is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension, contingent upon the continued existence of the mandate and availability of funding. The selected candidate will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited in accordance with UN administrative instructions. The position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations in Nairobi. Staff members recruited locally are not eligible for allowances or benefits applicable to international recruitment. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. All applicants are urged to apply online as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline.