Exciting Career Opportunity at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Finance and Budget Assistant
Job Opening ID: 250828
Job Network: Management and Administration
Job Family: Finance
Category and Level: General Service and Related Categories, G-6
Duty Station: Nairobi
Department/Office: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Date Posted: February 4, 2025
Application Deadline: March 5, 2025
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global authority on environmental issues, setting the agenda for sustainability and advocating for policies that protect our planet. UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division focuses on promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns by working with governments, businesses, and local authorities. As part of this mission, the Finance and Budget Assistant role is now open in the Industry and Economy Division, Chemicals and Health Branch, GEF Chemicals and Waste Unit at the Nairobi duty station.
This position offers an excellent opportunity for a detail-oriented and organized professional to contribute to UNEP’s financial operations. The Finance and Budget Assistant will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Budget Officer, supporting critical financial processes to ensure the efficient management of resources.
Key Responsibilities
Budget Management
- Assist in reviewing, analyzing, and preparing the medium-term financial plan and its revisions.
- Prepare supporting documents, including financial and cost estimate tables, for budget proposals.
- Support managers in developing resource requirements for budget submissions.
- Conduct research and assist Fund Management Officers in budget reviews for intergovernmental and expert bodies.
- Monitor expenditures against approved budgets and make necessary adjustments.
- Review requisitions for goods and services to ensure correct expenditure allocations and availability of funds.
- Assist in preparing budget performance reports and analyzing variances.
- Ensure the integrity of financial databases and verify the accuracy of input data.
- Coordinate with finance and budget teams to finalize budget reports.
- Assist in collecting and analyzing financial data, preparing reports, and supporting knowledge management initiatives.
- Create visualizations and update financial information materials for internal and external use.
Claims Management
- Review, analyze, and process payments to third parties and consultants.
Treasury and Payment Processing
- Monitor and review payment remittance methods, investigating cases of non-receipt.
- Track refunds from project partners and manage fund applications.
- Prepare payment requests and follow up on disbursements.
- Create receipts and process deposits for incoming funds.
- Notify payees about the status of payments and respond to related inquiries.
- Assist staff members, Fund Management Officers, and donors with payment queries.
- Investigate complaints related to non-receipt of funds.
- Maintain accurate financial records and documentation.
General Financial Support
- Draft and prepare correspondence for financial and budget-related inquiries.
- Maintain organized and up-to-date financial files.
- Provide training and guidance to other general service staff in financial processes.
- Perform any other related duties as assigned.
Competencies Required
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to review financial data and provide meaningful insights.
- Attention to detail to ensure accuracy in budget preparation and financial transactions.
- Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple financial tasks efficiently.
- Strong communication skills to coordinate with different stakeholders and respond to inquiries.
- Proficiency in data analysis and financial reporting.
Work Experience Requirements
- A minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience in finance, budgeting, accounting, or a related field is required.
- Candidates with a first-level university degree or higher require a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience.
- Experience in Global Environment Facility (GEF) project/grant management, budgeting, accounting, and financial management is desirable.
- Familiarity with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, particularly Systems Applications and Products (SAP), is desirable.
- At least one (1) year of experience in data analytics or a related field is desirable.
Why Join UNEP?
This role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the financial management of global environmental initiatives while gaining valuable experience in an international organization. As part of UNEP’s team, you will play a key role in supporting environmental sustainability efforts and working with stakeholders worldwide.
