Finance and Budget Officer (P-4) – Nairobi, Kenya

Finance and Accounting

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Finance and Budget Officer (P-4) – Nairobi, Kenya

Job Overview

Job Title: Finance and Budget Officer (P-4)
Job Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Job Category: Professional and Higher Categories
Department: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Job Network: Management and Administration
Job Family: Finance
Job ID: 238866
Application Deadline: October 3, 2024
Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya
Date Posted: August 19, 2024

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is seeking a Finance and Budget Officer to join its Policy and Programmes Division. This role involves the financial management of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), providing critical budget oversight and ensuring compliance with United Nations regulations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in finance, budget administration, and donor reporting, particularly in a UN or international organization setting.

About UNEP

UNEP is the leading global authority that sets the environmental agenda and promotes the sustainable development of the global environment. Established in 1972, it coordinates environmental activities, provides guidance on emerging environmental issues, and works with various international stakeholders to ensure policy consensus on global environmental governance. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is one of the three implementing agencies for UNEP, alongside the World Bank and UNDP.

Job Summary

The Finance and Budget Officer will be responsible for managing the financial reports for GEF funds, preparing budget proposals, and ensuring that all activities comply with UNEP regulations and GEF financial procedures. In this role, you will also assist with budget administration, allocation of funds, and financial oversight of extra-budgetary resources. Your expertise will help streamline financial processes, and ensure accurate financial reporting and donor communication.

Key Responsibilities

Global Environment Facility (GEF) Funds Financial Management

  • Review and analyze financial reports for the GEF funds and provide detailed insights for financial statements.
  • Ensure the accuracy of the GEF Trustee’s financial reporting in compliance with GEF Financial Procedures Agreement.
  • Work with relevant stakeholders to finalize GEF financial reports and review financial statements for internal and external audits.

Budget Preparation and Analysis

  • Oversee the budgeting process, ensuring compliance with UNEP and GEF procedures.
  • Prepare detailed cost estimates for staff and non-staff requirements.
  • Provide substantive support during budget reviews and collaborate with various teams to ensure all resource requirements are met.

Budget Administration

  • Issue allotments and monitor budget expenditures to ensure they remain within authorized levels.
  • Recommend reallocation of funds and approve sub-allotments where necessary.
  • Manage and administer extra-budgetary resources, including reviewing agreements and cost plans to ensure compliance.
  • Prepare budget performance submissions and analyze variances between the approved budget and actual expenditures.

General Financial and Budgetary Support

  • Provide training and guidance on budgetary and financial policies to both headquarters and field staff.
  • Undertake research on budgetary policies and recommend modifications to improve processes.
  • Serve as a Certifying Officer under Financial Rule 110.4, ensuring that obligations and expenditures comply with approved budgets.

Data Collection and Analysis

  • Collect and analyze financial data, identifying trends and patterns to support data-driven planning and decision-making.
  • Utilize data visualization techniques to present insights in a clear and understandable format.

Required Qualifications and Skills

Education

  • Advanced university degree in business administration, finance, or a related field is required.
  • A first-level university degree combined with two years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
  • Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Accountant is desirable.

Experience

  • A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in finance, administration, or budget management is required.
  • Three years of experience in budget management and financial reporting within the United Nations or a similar international organization is required.
  • Proven experience with financial systems, including ERP systems such as SAP.
  • Expertise in donor reporting for global funds such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF) or similar global funds is essential.
  • Experience in IPSAS-compliant accounting and fund management.
  • Strong background in data analytics and financial analysis is a plus.

Skills and Competencies

  • PROFESSIONALISM: In-depth knowledge of UN financial systems, budget management, and donor reporting procedures.
  • PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Ability to set clear goals, allocate resources efficiently, and adjust priorities as needed.
  • ACCOUNTABILITY: Take ownership of tasks, ensure timely delivery, and adhere to UNEP standards.

Languages

  • Fluency in English is required.
  • Knowledge of another official UN language such as French or Spanish is desirable.

Special Considerations

  • This position is for an initial one-year appointment with the possibility of extension.
  • Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply. The United Nations is committed to ensuring gender equality and geographical diversity in its workforce.
  • The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply by October 3, 2024, via the official UN Careers Portal. Please ensure that your Candidate Profile is fully completed with up-to-date professional experience and contact information. Candidates who pass the initial screening may be required to undergo an assessment exercise followed by a competency-based interview.

For more information, visit UN Careers.


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This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to global environmental governance through the financial management of GEF funds. By leveraging your expertise in financial analysis, budget management, and donor reporting, you can play a critical role in supporting the UNEP’s mission to promote sustainable development and protect the environment.

Please feel free to share this job listing with any qualified colleagues or contacts who may be interested in this exciting opportunity.

To apply for this job please visit careers.un.org.


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