Responsibilities
Within assigned authority, the Finance Assistant (Programme Management) will be responsible for the following duties:
Budget:
Provide support with respect to the review, analyses and preparation of the projects budgets, workplan, budget submissions for the Wildlife and Forest Crime Programme (WLFC) in the region and support headquarters submissions.
Prepare supporting documents (narrative and supporting tables) with respect to finalization of cost estimates and budget proposals, in terms of staff and non-staff requirements.
Track, monitor and verify expenditures and compare with approved budget; prepare adjustments as necessary.
Ensure timely review and budget releases for the WLFC Programme, as well as the monitoring of available funds in the system.
Review requisitions for goods and services to ensure (a) correct objects of expenditure have been charged, and (b) availability of funds.
Assist in the preparation of budget performance submissions and finalization of budget performance reports, analyzing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures and the reconciliation of expenditures.
Co-ordinate with all project staff on related issues during the preparation of expenditure reports.
Develop budgets for project proposals.
Ensure timely monitoring and completion of related reporting obligations, payments for the ongoing implementation.
Collect and verify reports from UNODC implementing partners, including financial reports and make the proposals for the subsequent funds disbursements in line with the donor requirements.
Claims:
Review, analyse and process payments to third-parties, commercial entities and individuals.
Prepare and submit relevant requests for delivery and payment of contractual and procurement services and ensure tracking and monitoring of all relevant expenditures.
Asset Management:
Ensure that the asset register is accurate and up-to-date.
Review the asset register and make necessary adjustments as required.
Carry out annual asset verification.
General:
Keep up-to-date on documents/reports/guidelines that have a bearing on matters related to the WLFC Programme. Provide assistance to senior managers in ensuring compliance with intergovernmental recommendations and decisions as well as with United Nations policies and procedures.
Assist in drafting or preparing correspondence to respond to enquiries in respect to relevant financial and budget matters.
Maintain and keep files up-to-date.
Perform other work-related duties, as assigned.
Competencies
Professionalism: Has knowledge of and ability to apply financial rules, regulations and procedures in the UN environment. Has knowledge, skills and ability to extract, interpret, analyze and format data across the full range of finance and budget functions, including programme development and database management, claims and treasury operations. Is able to identify and resolve data discrepancies and operational problems. 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.
Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours 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.
Team Work: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ Ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decisions, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
Education
High school diploma or equivalent is required.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of experience in finance, budget, accounting, and administrative services in programme management or related areas is required.
Working experience with an ERP system is required.
Experience in working with SAP/Umoja is desirable.
Work experience in an international organization or within the United Nations system is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an asset.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.
Special Notice
This position is temporarily available for six months. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.
This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. All staff in the General Service and related categories shall be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of each office, irrespective of their nationality and of the length of time they may have been in the country. A staff member subject to local recruitment shall not be eligible for the allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment.
At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity.
All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect.
The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.
The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff.
Other Skills and Requirements
Passing the Global General Service Test (GGST) is a prerequisite for recruitment consideration in the General Services and related categories in the United Nations Secretariat. Applicants who have not passed the GGST at the time of application may be invited for the test after submitting an application.
The GGST is a proctored entry-level examination at the duty station. Any travel expenses incurred in order to take the examination are the responsibility of the candidate and will not be reimbursed by the Organization.
Having passed the Administrative Support Assessment Test [in English] at the United Nations headquarters, Economic Commission for Africa, Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, United Nations Office at Geneva, United Nations Office at Vienna, International criminal tribunal for Rwanda or International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia may be accepted in lieu of the GGST.
