FINANCE AND BUDGET ASSISTANT

Result of Service To support Branch work by providing Finance and budget assistance to projects/programmes and other related activities in an effective and efficient manner.

Work Location Home based

Expected duration Initial duration of 6 months.

Duties and Responsibilities The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) 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. UN Environment's Policy and Programme Division is responsible for the organization's strategy, overseeing special initiatives, which includes environment and security work, and the organization's performance review and monitoring. The Disasters and Conflicts Branch provides cutting-edge environmental science and expertise to countries affected by or vulnerable to conflicts and disasters. The objective is to minimize threats to human well-being from the environmental causes and consequences of conflicts and disasters, and to re-orient crisis-affected countries towards more sustainable forms of development. This post is located in the Disasters and Conflicts Branch, Geneva. The incumbent will report to the Administrative/Fund Management Officer and be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities

1.Budget: a) 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. b) Assists 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 Funds Management Officer. c) Assists in the development of resource requirements for budget submissions and in the preparation of budget performance submissions. d) Compiles data and other information required in the review and analysis of relevant proposals. e) Assist in consolidation of data with respect to budget reviews of relevant intergovernmental and expert bodies. f) Assists in the preparation/finalization of budget performance reports, performing preliminary analysis of variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures. g) Verifies accuracy of input data, ensuring consistency of data in previous allotments to new allotments issued. h) Assists in verification and reconciliation of reports provided by Implementing Partners and/or service providers.

2. Finance: a) Assist in verification of payments to third parties, commercial entities, and individuals, with respect to pay and allowances, and letters of assist claims. b) Assist in review of incoming payment instructions with regard to banking details and sources of funds. c) Notifies payees of status of payments. d) Assists staff members, Fund Management Officers and donors regarding queries on payment and deposit-related issues. e) Assists the Funds Management Officer in reviewing pay lists provided by service providers for contractors and personnel. f) Files and archives documentation as required.

3. General Administration: a) 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. b) Drafts routine correspondence with respect to enquiries related to relevant financial, audit and budget matters. c) Maintains and keep up-to-date files. d) Performs other related administrative duties, as required, e.g., operational travel programme;monitoring accounts and payment to vendors and individual contractors for services; physical space planning; identification of office technology needs and maintenance of equipment, software and systems; organizing and coordinating administrative arrangements for seminars, conferences and translations.

Qualifications/special skills Academic Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent in Business Administration. Supplemental courses/training in subjects related to the work of the office such as finance, budget, accounting, audit is required. Professional certification in Accounting is desirable.

Experience: Four years of progressively responsible experience in finance, budget, accounting, audit or related area.

Language: Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.