Individual Contractor to support implementation of the EU-funded IMAP-MPA project (Level G5)

Result of Service The ultimate result of this assignment is the timely and effective delivery of the IMAP-MPA project activities implemented by the Coordinating Unit of the UNEP/MAP.

Work Location Athens

Expected duration 6 months

Duties and Responsibilities General information The 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 Ecosystems Division works with international and national partners, providing technical assistance and advisory services for the implementation of environmental policy, and strengthening the environmental management capacity of developing countries and countries with economies in transition. This position is located in the Coordinating Unit for the Mediterranean Action Plan - Barcelona Convention Secretariat (MAP), Athens, Greece. The “Towards achieving the Good Environmental Status of the Mediterranean Sea and Coast through an Ecologically Representative and Efficiently Managed and Monitored Network of Marine Protected Areas” (hereinafter IMAP-MPA) project, funded by the European Union, aims to strengthen and promote the implementation of the Integrated Mediterranean Marine and Coastal Monitoring and Assessment Programme (IMAP); and to strengthen and improve the management of marine protected areas (MPAs).

Reporting Lines The Individual Contractor will work under the direct supervision of the Administrative and Fund Management Officer, in close collaboration with the Project Manager of the EU-funded IMAP-MPA project, and under the overall guidance of the MAP Deputy Coordinator.

Specific tasks and responsibilities The Individual Contractor is expected to undertake the following tasks and responsibilities: BUDGET: - With a specific focus on the IMAP-MPA project, supports the Admin/Fund Management Officer 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 Admin/Fund Management Officer. - Assists in the development of resource requirements for budget submissions and in the preparation of budget performance submissions. - 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. - Researches/compiles data and other information required by the Admin/Fund Management Officer in the review and analysis of relevant proposals. - Consolidates data and provides support to Admin/Fund Management Officer with respect to budget reviews of relevant intergovernmental and expert bodies. - Assists the Admin/Fund Management Officer in the preparation/finalization of budget performance reports, especially for the IMAP-MPA project, performing preliminary analysis of variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures. - Prepares pre-commitments and fund commitments in computerized information system databases and review them to ensure that funds are available and the correct account has been used. - Assists in the financial backstopping of trust funds, including monitoring the status of voluntary contributions, generating expenditure reports from IMIS and monitoring reporting requirements by donors. - Assists the Admin/Fund Management Officer in the issuance of allotments and establishment of budgets in the computerized information databases. - Verifies accuracy of input data, ensuring consistency of data in previous allotments to new allotments issues. - Reviews draft reports, verifying overall accuracy, consistency and uniformity in the presentation, cross-checks consistency of figures in tables with the text of the reports, and verifies references to other reports and documents, bringing errors to the attention of the Admin/Fund Management Officer; ensures that all necessary corrections are incorporated in the reports; co-ordinates with other administrative and projects staff on related issues during preparation of budget reports. CLAIMS: - Verifies and prepares less complex payments to third parties, commercial entities, and individuals, process Expense Reports and other staff claims. TREASURY: - Reviews incoming payment instructions with regard to banking details and sources of funds. - Prepares payments for final disbursement by Cashier. - Dispatches payment instructions and cheques to banks. - Creates receipts and deposits for all incoming funds. - Notifies payees of status of payments. - Assists staff members, Fund Management Officers and donors regarding queries on payment and deposit-related issues. - Identifies and annotates bank account movements. - Files and archives documentation as required. GENERAL: - 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. - Drafts routine correspondence with respect to enquiries related to relevant financial and budget matters. - Maintains and keep up-to-date files. - Carry out other tasks as required by the AFMO and the IMAP-MPA Project manager. - Support organization of the meetings of the IMAP-MPA project Steering Committee, and contribute to the preparation of meeting documents. LEGAL INSTRUMENTS: - Assists Admin/Fund Management Officer and the IMAP-MPA Project Manager in reviewing the legal instruments including the budget, and liaise with the HQs in obtaining clearance when required. - Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Qualifications/special skills - High school diploma or equivalent is required. A minimum of five years of work experience in finance, budget, accounting, administrative services or related area is required. Extensive experience in working with MS Excel and organizational enterprise management tools such as SAP, PeopleSoft, or similar systems is required. Knowledge of United Nations administrative and financial rules & regulations and experience in budgetary analysis and project formulation in a United Nations Organization, or other international organisation, will be an added advantage.

Languages - Fluency (oral and written) in English is required. - Knowledge of French is an asset.

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.