Finance and Budget Assistant

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Finance and Budget Assistant
Location: Nairobi
Country: Kenya
Deadline Date: 30th September 2025

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) serves as the UN headquarters in Africa and is the office of the Secretary-General. Established to support the implementation of various UN programs, UNON plays a crucial role in providing administrative, conference, and information services to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Resident Coordination System (RCS), and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT), among others. The organization operates globally and has a significant presence in Kenya, focusing on enhancing the effectiveness of the UN's work in the region. UNON is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, ensuring that its workforce reflects the communities it serves, and promoting gender equality in all aspects of its operations.

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 role involves supporting the budgeting process by collecting data for cost estimates and budget proposals, monitoring budget implementation, and ensuring compliance with UN financial regulations. The assistant will also be responsible for processing financial documents, auditing transactions, and maintaining accurate accounting records. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to ensure the smooth operation of financial processes. The incumbent will report directly to the Section or Unit Chief and may be required to supervise junior staff and interns, making leadership skills essential for success in this role.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance and Budget Assistant will undertake a variety of duties, including but not limited to: assisting in the collection of data for budget preparation, monitoring budget performance, and ensuring requisitions align with authorized budgets. The role also involves processing financial documents such as accounts payable and payroll, auditing transactions for compliance, and reviewing accounting data for accuracy. The assistant will be responsible for scrutinizing supporting documents, processing accounting adjustments, and performing reconciliations of accounts. Additionally, the incumbent will respond to queries, draft correspondence, and assist in maintaining internal control systems. The role may also include supervising junior staff and interns, as well as assisting in the preparation of reports and visual materials.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, with supplemental training in finance, administration, or project management being desirable. A recognized accountancy qualification such as CPA, ACCA, or CIPFA is also preferred. The role requires a strong understanding of financial regulations and practices, as well as proficiency in data analysis and reporting. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, client orientation, and teamwork skills, as these competencies are essential for effective collaboration within the organization.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is a high school diploma or equivalent. However, candidates with additional training in finance, administration, or project management will be viewed favorably. A recognized accountancy qualification is also desirable, indicating a solid foundation in financial principles and practices.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible work experience in finance, budgeting, or a related area is required. Candidates with a first-level university degree may have this requirement reduced by two years. Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, particularly Oracle or SAP, is essential, as is familiarity with budgets, accounts payable, accounts receivable, or treasury functions. Knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) is also required, along with at least one year of experience in data analytics or a related field being desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is mandatory for this position, as English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official UN language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, and understanding), while 'knowledge of' indicates a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
This is a temporary job opening, with the appointment valid until 30th September 202

• The position does not carry any expectancy of renewal and is subject to local recruitment rules. All staff in the General Service and related categories will be recruited within the country or commuting distance of the office, regardless of nationality. Staff members are expected to adhere to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be assigned to various functions as needed. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process.