Finance Assistant at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Responsibilities

Budget:

• Assists in the preparation of supporting documents (narrative and supporting tables) with respect to finalization of cost estimates and budget proposals, in terms of staff and non-staff requirements. 
• Supports the Finance/Budget Officers(s) in extracting information and generating expenditure reports from computerized information system databases; assists in preliminary analyses of the extracted information and the reports generated, and highlights areas of concern for the attention of the Finance/Budget Officer(s).
• Assists in the development of resource requirements for budget submissions and in the preparation of budget performance submissions.
• Research/compiles data and other information required by the Finance Budget Officer(s) in the review and analysis of relevant proposals.
• Consolidates data and provides support to Finance/Budget Officer(s) with respect to budget reviews of relevant intergovernmental and expert bodies.
• Assists the Finance/Budget Officer(s) in the preparation/finalization of budget performance reports, performing preliminary analysis of variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures.
• Prepares shopping cards and low value purchase orders in the Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) Module of Umoja and review them to ensure that funds are available, and the correct account has been used.
• Assists in the financial backstopping of trust funds, including monitoring the status of voluntary contributions, generating expenditure reports from Umoja and monitoring reporting requirements by donors.
• Assists the Finance/Budget Officer(s) in the issuance of allotments and related staffing table authorizations.
• Verifies accuracy of input data, ensuring consistency of data in previous allotments to new allotments issued.

Claims:

• Verifies and prepares payments to third parties, commercial entities, and individuals, with respect to pay and allowances, and letters of assist, claims.

Treasury:

• Reviews incoming payment instructions regarding banking details and sources of funds.
• Notifies payees of status of payments.
• Assists staff members, Fund Management Officers, and donors regarding queries on payment and deposit-related issues.
• Files and archives documentation as required. e) Creates receipts and deposits of all incoming funds.

General:

• Keeps up to date on documents/reports/guidelines that have a bearing on matters related to programme budgets, ensuring compliance with intergovernmental recommendations and decisions as well as with United Nations policies and procedures.
• Drafts routine correspondence with respect to enquiries related to relevant financial and budget matters.
• Maintains and keeps up-to-date files. d) Provides administrative support to the Head of the organizational unit and/or Finance/Budget Officer(s), as required.

Data Analysis:

• Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making.
• Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures.
• Performs any other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of internal policies, processes, and procedures generally and those related to programme / project administration, implementation, and evaluation. Understanding of the functions, organizational structure, partners, and clients of the work unit as well as of respective roles within the unit. Ability to identify and resolve a range of issues/problems, to gather information from standard sources and work well with figures. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. The ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. Shows pride in work and in achievements; Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; Remains calm in stressful situations. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.
• PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; Uses time efficiently.
• ACCOUNTABILITY: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments; Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost, and quality standards; Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job - Specific Qualification

• Supplemental courses/training in subjects related to the work of the office such as finance, budget, accounting, audit is required.

Work Experience

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in finance, budget, accounting, audit, or related area is required. The minimum number of years of relevant experience is reduced by two (2) years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree. Working experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, specifically budget and finance modules, is desirable. Working experience with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) is desirable. One (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.