ASSOCIATE FINANCE AND BUDGET OFFICER

Org. Setting and ReportingThe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEP’s Communication Division communicates UN Environment Programme’s core messages to all stakeholders and partners, raising environmental awareness and enhancing the profile of UNEP worldwide. This post is located in UNEP’s Communication Division at Nairobi duty station. Under the supervision of the Division Director and the Chief of Finance/ Corporate Services Division (CSD), the Associate Finance and Budget Officer is responsible for the effective and efficient performance of the following duties: Responsibilities1. BUDGET PREPARATION: Reviews and analyses data with respect to the finalization of cost estimates and budget proposals. Provides support to managers with respect to the elaboration of resource requirements for budget submissions. Reviews, analyses and provides input into finalization of programme budget/financial implications. Provides substantive support to Divisional Director and Deputy Director in their budget review under the guidance of the Chief of Finance, CSD. 2. BUDGET ADMINISTRATION: Issues allotments, including redeployment of funds when necessary, ensuring appropriate expenditures. Monitors budget implementation and determines/recommends reallocation of funds when necessary. Monitors expenditures to ensure that they remain within authorized levels. Authorizes payments for the various office expenditures. Reviews all requisitions for goods and services to ensure correct objects of expenditure have been charged, ensuring availability of funds. Administers and monitors extra-budgetary resources, including review of agreements and cost plans, ensuring compliance with regulations and rules and established policies and procedures. Prepares relevant documentation with respect to budget performance submissions. Reviews and makes appropriate recommendations with respect to the finalization of budget performance reports, analyzing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures. 3. REVIEWS, ANALYSES AND FINALIZES THE COST RECOVERY PROCESS OF DIVISION: Oversees the Communication Division cost recovery system in line with UN cost recovery policies, including standard cost recovery rates, program support costs (PSC), and direct vs. indirect costs. Works closely with programmatic colleagues from UNEP Divisions/Offices in guiding and setting cost allocations to activities for services, overheads and administrative support. Identifies and explains deviations in cost recovery performance and recommends strategies to improve cost recovery efficiency. 4. Liaises with procurement, HR and operational functions of the Division providing input and guiding on risk management, cost recovery, efficiency and financial policy implementation. 5. Contributes to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. 6. Performs other duties as required. CompetenciesPROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of financial principles and practices. Knowledge of allocating costs to activities for accurate recovery. The ability to calculate cost recovery rates and skills in creating financial models to test different cost recovery scenarios. Ability to independently conduct research and analysis, formulate options and present conclusions and recommendations; Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Shows pride in work and in achievements; 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; Establish effective collaboration and partnerships with officials at all levels inside and outside the organization. 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. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business administration, finance or related field is required. A first-level university degree in the specified fields with two (2) additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in finance, administration, budget, business administration or related area is required. A minimum of two years relevant experience in implementing, applying, and contributing to development of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) is required. A minimum of one (1) year of experience with cost recovery policies, including standard cost recovery rates, program support costs (PSC), and direct vs. indirect costs is required. A minimum of one (1) year of experience in performing analysis, reviewing, and designing tailored donor reports is required. Experience with use of finance modules in an Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP) system including analysis of accounting data and creation of management reports using Business Intelligence tools, is desirable. Prior work experience in the United Nations or similar international organizations is desirable. One (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable (none if successful YPP or P-1 with a related degree). LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).