Finance and Budget Assistant

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 UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the UN Resident Coordination System (RCS), and the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) globally. The organization operates in Kenya and collaborates with other UN offices, ensuring effective program delivery and support across the continent. UNON is dedicated to fostering international cooperation and addressing global challenges through its various initiatives and partnerships.

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 assisting in the preparation of budget proposals, monitoring budget implementation, and ensuring compliance with UN financial regulations. The incumbent will be responsible for processing financial documents, auditing transactions, and maintaining accurate accounting records. This position requires a proactive approach to financial management, with an emphasis on data analysis and reporting. The assistant will work under the direct supervision of the Section or Unit Chief, contributing to the overall financial health of the organization and supporting decision-making processes through accurate financial data.

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 and preparation of cost estimates and budget proposals for both regular and extra-budgetary resources.
• Supporting the monitoring of budget implementation and performance, providing recommendations as necessary.
• Ensuring requisitions for goods and services align with authorized budgets and UN financial rules.
• Reviewing requests for position creation and recruitment, ensuring compliance with organizational priorities.
• Executing cost recovery processes and supporting the collection of receivables.
• Processing financial documents such as accounts payable, payroll, and accounts receivable.
• Auditing various accounting transactions to ensure correctness and adherence to regulations.
• Assisting in the review and analysis of accounting data and scrutinizing supporting documents for accuracy.
• Processing accounting adjustments and corrections as needed. 1
• Performing reconciliation of accounts and clearing suspense accounts. 1
• Responding to queries and drafting correspondence for clients and stakeholders. 1
• Assisting in maintaining accurate accounting and internal control systems. 1
• Preparing regular and ad hoc reports based on data extraction and analysis. 1
• Supervising junior staff and interns, and assisting with visualizations and updates of information materials. 1
• Performing other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional training in finance, administration, or project management being desirable. A recognized accountancy qualification such as CPA, ACCA, or CIPFA is also desirable. The role demands a strong understanding of financial regulations and practices, as well as proficiency in financial management systems.

Educational Background:
Completion of a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Supplementary training in finance, administration, and project management is highly desirable, as it equips candidates with the necessary skills to handle the financial responsibilities of the position effectively.

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 the minimum experience requirement reduced by two years. Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and financial systems such as Oracle or SAP is desirable, along with familiarity with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). Additionally, experience in data analytics or financial reporting is beneficial.

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 official UN language is desirable, as it enhances communication and collaboration within the organization. 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:
The appointment for this position is for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of renewal subject to the availability of the post or funds, as well as budgetary approval. This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that candidates must be residents of Kenya or within commuting distance of the office. Staff members recruited locally are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusive to international recruitment. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Additionally, the organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its workforce, ensuring that all applicants are treated fairly and equitably.