The Finance and Budget Assistant at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) provides essential support for the planning, implementation, and monitoring of financial resources. The role involves detailed budget preparation, expenditure analysis, and financial reporting, particularly concerning Global Environment Facility (GEF) projects. The successful candidate will work with the UMOJA ERP system to ensure accuracy and compliance with UN financial rules and IPSAS standards.
Responsibilities
Budget Preparation and Planning: Support the review and preparation of medium-term plans and budget revisions. Prepare cost estimates and narrative justifications for budget proposals regarding staff and non-staff requirements.
Expenditure Monitoring: Monitor expenditures against approved budgets, prepare adjustments, and review requisitions to ensure correct coding and availability of funds.
Reporting and Analysis: Assist in finalizing budget performance reports and analyzing variances between actual and budgeted figures. Verify the accuracy of financial data and monitor the integrity of various databases.
Treasury and Payments: Review payment instructions for banking accuracy, prepare payments for disbursement, and coordinate with the UNON Treasury for remittances. Notify payees and resolve queries regarding payments.
Compliance and Documentation: Ensure all financial activities comply with UN policies, intergovernmental recommendations, and IPSAS accounting standards. Maintain organized and up-to-date financial files and correspondence.
Data and Knowledge Management: Assist in data collection, analysis, and visualization for reporting and planning purposes. Help update informational materials such as web pages and brochures.
Qualifications and Experience
Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required. A professional qualification (e.g., CPA) or a degree in accounting, finance, or administration is highly desirable.
Experience:
A minimum of five (5) years of experience in administration, finance, budget, or accounting.
If the candidate holds a first-level university degree, the required experience is reduced to three (3) years.
Mandatory experience with an Enterprise Resource Platform (ERP) such as UMOJA.
Mandatory experience in the budgeting process, analyzing financial data, and donor reporting.
Mandatory experience in Global Environment Facility (GEF) project/grant management and financial management.
Additional Assets: Experience with UN financial rules and IPSAS standards is desirable. Experience in data analytics is an added advantage.