Engineering Budget Assistant

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

Concerned with the security, humanitarian, human rights and political crisis in the Central African Republic and its regional implications, the Security Council authorized in April 2014 the deployment of a multidimensional United Nations peacekeeping operation, MINUSCA, with the protection of civilians as its utmost priority. Its other initial tasks included support for the transition process; facilitating humanitarian assistance; promotion and protection of human rights; support for justice and the rule of law; and disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation processes. The newly established mission subsumed the UN Integrated Peace building Office in the Central African Republic (BINUCA). MINUSCA current uniformed personnel levels stand at 11,650 military personnel and 2,080 police personnel, tasked with the strategic objective of creating the political, security and institutional conditions conducive to sustainably reducing the presence of — and threat posed by — armed groups. See http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/missions/minusca/.

=========================

Assignment is renewable on an annual basis (1 July - 30 June) up to a maximum of 4 years. Contract renewals are granted based on Mission mandate, availability of budget, operational necessity and satisfactory performance.

Duty station can change in the course of an assignment based on operational necessity; UN Volunteers may be required to work anywhere in the area of operations of the host organization, including in remote locations.

Under the direct supervision of the Engineering Budget Unit’s Supervisor in Bangui, and/or the Chief Engineer, the incumbent is responsible for the following duties:

• Assist the supervisor of the Engineering budget unit in identifying the major aspects of the budget, for proper preparation and monitoring.
• Prepare cost estimates and budget proposals, in terms of Facilities Management and Engineering Section's resourcing requirements such as staff and non-staff requirements, including projects aspects, reviews, analyses and revises data with respect to the finalization of the budget proposal as well as Result Based Budgeting inputs.
• Provide support to Facilities Management and Engineering Units with respect to the elaboration of resources requirements for budget submissions.
• Monitor extra-budgetary resources, including review of agreements and cost plans, ensuring compliance with regulations and rules and established policies and procedures.
• Monitor the implementation of the Facilities Management and Engineering Section's allotments in accordance with the established procedures, including proposal/request of redeployment/reallocation of funds.
• Ensure the sufficient and effective use of budgetary resources through robust monitoring of budget utilization to the approved budget and timely provision of information to Facilities Management and Engineering Section management for decision-making.
• Provide support and guidance to Facilities Management and Engineering Units on budget implementation and corrective actions were necessary.
• Produce monthly expenditure reports for distribution to Facilities Management and Engineering Section management.
• Assist in preparing the budget performance report of the Section and ensures that correct and accurate data and information are provided by various Units in compliance with the Mission's instructions.
• Asist in reviewing and finalizing the performance report ensuring valid and adequate variance explanations between approved budgets and actual expenditure.
• Keep up to date on documents/reports/guidelines that have a bearing on matters related to projects and/or Facilities Management and Engineering Section budgets.
• Maintain records and files in the Facilities Management and Engineering Section SharePoint directory.
• Draft or prepare correspondence Memos to respond to inquiries, service certification, and other administrative, budget, and financial matters.
• Assist in training session to staff, contractors & labor force for enhancing their capacity.
• Perform any other duties related to the above as assigned by the unit’s supervisor or the Chief Engineer of any delegated responsible.

Results/Expected Outputs:

• Sections’ budget monitored and implemented.
• All expenditures are being documented and tracked.
• Proper presentations and gun charts are provided at any given time in response to any request from the senior managers or so.
• Budget files and data are properly kept and organized.
• Weekly and monthly reports submitted on time.
• Capacity Development documented.

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented. • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities. • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within area of operations as may be necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

The incumbent must be a dynamic, multi-functional person, who supports MINUSCA with professionalism, dedication and client orientation. The following qualifications are required:

• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in the private sector or with the United Nations at the national or international level in accounting, budgeting, or financial management are required.
• Relevant experience in budgetary and financial administration.
• Knowledge of UN financial rules and regulations is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards is desirable.
• Hands-on experience in financial ERP systems (i.e., Umoja) is highly desirable.
• Good PC-based computer skills, including MicroSoft applications (in particular Word, Excel, MS Projects, and PowerPoint) and other relevant software packages. Knowledge of UMOJA Inventory Management System is an advantage.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to draft reports in concise manner.
• Have affinity with or interest in humanitarian relief, post-conflict situations, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

The Central African Republic is a non-family duty station with a difficult security and working environment. Security instructions from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) need to be strictly complied with in all duty stations. The country security level is 4, restricting movement to official travel only. Currently a curfew applies from 10 pm to 5 am.

The country is landlocked, with very limited travel possibilities, and surrounded by countries with volatile and security problems (Cameroon, Chad, DRC, Sudan, South Sudan). There is an unstable socio-political situation and social unrest and grievance, in particular in the capital city Bangui, with frequent civil servant strikes causing interruption of health, education and civil service, due to years of unpaid salaries. Power cuts are a norm, causing insecurity in the city. The population in Bangui, including the expatriates, is concerned about increasing crime as a direct result of the March 2013 coup by the SELEKA, a coalition of rebel groups, and events in December 2013 that carried the country into chaos. The country is entirely dependent on the Cameroon seaport, situated 1500 km away, causing regular shortage of basic domestic goods. Travel time for a truck from Douala in Cameroon to Bangui averages a week because of bad roads and roadblocks along the way.

This situation puts tremendous stress on personnel. There are very limited medical infrastructures and services do not function properly. Living conditions are difficult due to the high cost of living and the scarcity of basic products and food. Supermarkets having a variety of food and consumer goods are available, but are costly. Fresh vegetables and fruits are available in the market.

There is no MINUSCA guesthouse in Bangui. Private accommodation possibilities are limited and getting a house that is compliant with UN security measures can take several weeks. UN personnel in Bangui live on the local economy by renting apartments and houses. In comparison to a few years ago, more accommodation is available now, but at high cost. Sharing accommodation is recommended. Currently all serving UN Volunteers have access to decent accommodation ensuring minimum standards of comfort. The average monthly cost for accommodation varies from around 1000 USD for a small apartment with basic furniture, but no power generator and interrupted running water supply, to 2,000+ USD with all commodities.

A UN dispensary provides basic medical care for UN personnel and a UN hospital has been operational since August 2014. A Level II Hospital run by a military medical team exists as well.

Only four airlines officially recognized by the UN System serve the country: Air France (twice a week), Royal Air Maroc (twice a week), Kenya Airways (three flights per week) and Asky (three flights per week). Flights are sometimes subject to cancellation when security situation volatility increases.

A Rest & Recuperation (R&R) scheme has been re-established since August 2013 and maintained for all CAR duty stations at a 6-week frequency.

The Central African Republic is a unique country and MINUSCA is a unique operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural and security awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.