Org. Setting and Reporting

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. The overall objective of the UN Environment’s Economy Division is to encourage decision makers in government, local authorities and industry to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making trade and environment policies mutually supportive. It promotes the development, use and transfer of policies, technologies, economic instruments, managerial practices and other tools that assist in environmentally sound decision making and the building of corresponding activities. The position is located in the Economy Division, Chemicals and Health Branch at the Geneva duty station, under the overall supervision of the Chief, Project Management and Administration Unit.

Responsibilities

The incumbent will advise and support in the management of financial resources, forecasting the financial requirements of the programme work area, monitor budget implementation and advise on application of relevant UN financial rules and regulations, procedures and guidelines.

1. Budget preparation:

- Reviews and analyses data with respect to the finalization of cost estimates and project budget proposals, in terms of staff and non-staff requirements.

- Provides support to managers with respect to the elaboration of resource requirements for budget submissions.

- Reviews, analyses and provides input into finalization of programme budget to project managers.

2. Programme budget administration:

- Prepares budget releases, including redeployment of funds when necessary, ensuring appropriate expenditures.

- Monitors budget implementation and determines/recommends reallocation of funds when necessary.

- Monitors expenditures to ensure that they remain within authorized levels.

- Reviews all requisitions generated by the ERP system for goods and services to ensure correct objects of expenditure have been charged, ensuring availability of funds.

- Administers and monitors extra-budgetary resources, including review of agreements and cost plans, ensuring compliance with regulations and rules and established policies and procedures.

- Prepares relevant documentation with respect to budget performance submissions.

- Reviews and makes appropriate recommendations with respect to the finalization of budget performance reports, analysing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures.

- Oversees the preparation and revision of projects, following up and monitoring financial reporting of implementing partners.

- Assists and advises Programme Officers in the preparation of small scale framework agreements, project co-operation agreements and similar documents determining relationships and joint activities between UN Environment and partner bodies.

- Supports with preparation of donor reports.

3. General:

- Keeps up-to-date on documents/reports/guidelines that have a bearing on matters related to programme budgets, ensuring compliance with United Nations policies and procedures.

- Monitors and supervises the work of subordinate staff as required.

- Act as certifying officer. Support the development and implementation of procedures.

- Assists in the preparatory arrangements for meetings, including official travel certifications.

- Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Competencies

- Professionalism: Ability to identify and resolve a range of issues/problems and to work well with figures; Undertake basic research and gather information from standard sources; Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities, and remains calm in stressful situations

- Teamwork: 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 decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

- Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; Uses time efficiently

Education

Advanced university degree in business or public administration, finance, accounting, or related area. A relevant first-level university degree with a combination of 2 years professional qualifications may be accepted in lieu of Advanced degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in finance, budget, administration or related area, including a minimum of two years at the international level, is required. Experience in programme (project) management and working knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) applications is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in oral and written English is required.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Appointment against this position is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. The United Nations is Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Need Help?" link.