Responsibilities

This position is located in Ecosystems Division, Operations Support Unit (OSU), Nairobi duty station. Under the direct supervision of the UNEP/Global Environment Facility (GEF) Finance Management Officer (FMO) and within delegated authority, the Finance & Budget Assistant will be responsible for the following duties:

• Provides support with respect to the review, analyses and preparation of the medium-term plan and its revisions.
• Prepares supporting documents (narrative and supporting tables) with respect to finalization of cost estimates and budget proposals, in terms of staff and non-staff requirements.
• Assists managers in the elaboration of resource requirements for budget submissions.
• Undertakes research and provides support to higher level Finance and Budget Officers with respect to budget reviews of relevant intergovernmental and expert bodies.
• Monitors expenditures and compares with approved budget; prepares adjustments as necessary.
• Reviews requisitions for goods and services to ensure (a) correct objects of expenditure have been charged, and (b) availability of funds.
• Assists in preparation of budget performance submissions and finalization of budget performance reports, analysing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures.
• Monitors integrity of various financial databases.
• Verifies accuracy of input data, ensuring consistency of data in previous allotments to new allotments issued.
• Co-ordinates with other finance and budget staff on related issues during preparation of budget reports.
• Periodic reconciliation of accounts (Prepare request to Controller’s Office on redeployment of funds and to Finance section on movement of funds).
• Keeping up-to-date on documents/reports/guidelines that have a bearing on matters related to programme, ensuring compliance with intergovernmental recommendations and decisions as well as with United Nations policies and procedures.
• Drafting or preparing correspondence to respond to enquiries in respect to relevant financial and budget matters.
• Maintaining and keep up-to-date files.
• May be responsible for providing guidance, training and daily supervision to other general service staff in the area of responsibility.
• Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making.
• Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of, and ability to apply financial rules, regulations and procedures in the UN environment. Knowledge, skills and ability to extract, interpret, analyse and format data across the full range of finance and budget functions, including programme development and database management, claims and treasury operations. Ability to identify and resolve data discrepancies and operational problems. The ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. 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.

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

• High school diploma or equivalent is required. Supplementary training in programme /project administration / management, finance, budget, accounting, administrative services or related area is required.
• 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. Successful passing of the Administrative Support Assessment Test (ASAT) in English at the United Nations Headquarters (UNHQ), Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) or International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) may be accepted in lieu of the GGST.
• The GGST is administered to applicants when required before the administration of a written assessment and/or interview.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of work experience in finance, budget, accounting, administrative services or related area is required.
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)/Umoja experience in grants management, funds management and financial management modules is required.
• Experience with Global funds such as Global Environment Facility (GEF), Adaptation Fund (AF) and/or Green Climate Fund (GCF) is desirable.
• One (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Responsibilities

This position is located in the Ecosystem Division at the Nairobi duty station. Under the direct supervision of the Coordinator of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

• Provides assistance in support of planning and implementation activities/processes for, typically, a large and highly complex component of the departmental programme/project initiatives.
• Researches, compiles, analyses, summarizes, and presents basic information/data on specific programmes/project and related topics.
• Assists in the coordination of programme/project planning and preparation; monitors status of programme/project proposals; takes necessary action to ensure project documents are completed and submitted to relevant parties for approval.
• Assists in the preparation and analysis of programme/project budget proposals; provides assistance in the interpretation of budget guidelines; reviews and coordinates submissions of programme proposals and budget estimates, ensuring that requisite information is included and justified in terms of proposed activities; propose adjustments as necessary; prepares reports and ensures that outputs/services are properly categorized.
• Assists in the monitoring and evaluation of programmes/projects; categorizes, updates, tracks and analyses data related to programmes/projects, e.g. accounting records, outputs, resources utilized, deviations/revisions; carries out periodic status reviews, identifies issues and initiates requisite follow-up actions; prepares revised budget estimates; reports on budget revisions, expenditures and obligations, verifies availability of funds; ensures necessary approval and entry in computerized budget system; initiates financial authorizations for expenditures.
• Collaborates with programme/project managers and partners on performance reporting; liaises with relevant parties on the interpretation of the activities/services scheduled in the PB and various planning instruments such as the medium-term plan and internal work plans; provides assistance on reporting requirements, guidelines, rules and procedures and ensures completeness and accuracy of data submitted.
• Drafts programme/project summaries, coordinates review and clearance process, and coordinates with editor, translation, production services on finalization and publication of report multiple languages.
• Serves as focal point for coordination, monitoring and expedition of programme/project implementation activities, meetings and calendars, involving extensive liaison with a diverse organisational units and partners to initiate requests, prepare standard terms of reference against programme/project objectives, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions and resolve issues related to project implementation, e.g. recruitment and appointment of personnel, travel arrangements, organisation of and participation in events, training/study tours, authorization of payments, disbursement of funds, procurement of equipment and services.
• Prepares, maintains and updates files (electronic and paper) and internal databases; designs and generates a variety of periodic and ad hoc reports, statistical tables, graphic content, and other background materials/notes to facilitate inspection and other reviews.
• Drafts correspondence and communications related to all aspects of programme/project administration, as well as corporate and internal requests, including work plan and budgets, revisions and other related issues, briefing notes, as well as prepares unit contributions for a variety of periodic reports and contributions.
• Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making.
• Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures.
• Provides guidance and training to new/junior staff.
• Provide general administrative support to the team and the Branch as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures generally and in particular those related to programme/project administration, implementation and evaluation, technical cooperation, programming and budgeting. Understanding of the functions and organization of the work unit and of the organizational structure and respective roles of related units. Ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. 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. Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
• 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 AND 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

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• 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. Successful passing of the Administrative Support Assessment Test (ASAT) in English at the United Nations Headquarters (UNHQ), Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) or International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) may be accepted in lieu of the GGST.
• The GGST is administered to applicants when required before the administration of a written assessment and/or interview.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation or related area is required.
• Experience with a United Nations agency is desirable.
• One (1) or more years of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.
• Clear experience with systems that the United Nations or similar organizations are using, such as Inspira, Umoja and others is desirable.

Under the direct supervision of the Coordinator, Biodiversity and Land Branch and within delegated authority, the incumbent will perform the following duties:.

Responsibilities

• Global Environment Facility (GEF) and other project identification and development:
• Liaise with internal and external partners to identify relevant and eligible project concepts.
• Consult and advise on project proponents on how to revise concepts to respond to issues raised by the peer reviewer or other reviews.
• Present and defend concepts in the review process clear such concepts with the Senior Programme Officer.
• Advise proponents preparing the Project Preparation Grant (PPG) request for submission to GEF.
• Monitor GEF project milestones to avoid delays and potential project cancellation.
• Address GEF Secretariat and Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP) reviews and ensures that review recommendations are considered in further project development by the executing agency.
• Ensure that a PPG completion report and financial reports is available upon completion of activities.
• Verify project proposal meets GEF quality-at-entry standards before submission for Project Review Committee (PRC) review.
• Follow up with GEFSec during the project review process and addresses in consultation with project partners.
• Work with the Fund Management Officer to internalize the project document.
• Supervision of project implementation:
• Prepare project supervision plans for all projects under his/her portfolio for their entire duration and periodically update, assess project assumptions and monitors risk, support the project terminal evaluation.
• Organize and manage project execution ensure UNEP and GEF criteria, rules and regulations are adhered to by project partners.
• Participate in Steering Committee meetings and ensure that Steering Committees fulfill their functions.
• Regularly monitor project progress and performance and rate progress towards meeting project objectives, project execution progress, quality of project monitoring and evaluation and risk.
• Monitor reporting by project executing partners and provides prompt feedback on the contents of the report.
• Apply adaptive management principles to the supervision of the project.
• Assist with the preparation of project revisions, ensuring that project revision documentation is complete and in accordance with UNEP requirements.
• Ensure that project is financially closed in a prompt manner after completion of project activities.
• Mobilize financial resources to help meeting the resource mobilization targets of the Division.
• Contribute to the development of UNEP's biodiversity strategy, including on partnership engagement, and participation in GEF.
• Contribute to meeting knowledge management objectives by codifying and summarizing lessons derived from the projects for which s/he provides oversight.
• Identify, develop and implement biodiversity projects of Ecosystems, including those funded by GEF and implemented by UNEP.
• Ecosystems knowledge management and data management:
• Identify and codify lessons emerging from project implementation.
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of project data in the project information system for all projects under his/her supervision.
• Contribute to project data reconciliation exercises within Ecosystems and with the GEF Secretariat.
• Identify media and other outreach opportunities and materials and contributes project information and written materials to be used by the communications and outreach Programme Officer, disseminate information on project results and lessons.
• UNEP and GEF corporate tasks:
• Contribute to GEF Council document reviews as needed.
• Represent Ecosystes biodiversity portfolio in UNEP and GEF-related meetings.
• Provide input to UNEP and GEF policy, corporate evaluations, including country portfolio evaluations, thematic evaluations and impact evaluations and to the preparation of the Management Action Record as necessary.
• Provide input to UNEP and GEF.
• Staff supervision and mentoring:
• Contribute to briefing new staff on UNEP and GEF policies, strategies and procedures.
• Discuss and agrees on the work plans for staff under his/her management as first reporting officer or as additional reporting officer.
• Provide on-going feedback on performance and appraisal of the staff under his/her management.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned.

Gender Mainstreaming:

• Ensures implementation of gender mainstreaming guidelines by assessing the implications for men and women of planned actions on ecosystems management. This includes legislation, policies or programmes, in all areas and at all levels.

Data:

• Leads team members efforts to collect and analyze data and provides insight to identify trends or patterns for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Ensures that everyone can discover, access, integrate and share the data they need.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of Land Degradation/Biodiversity/ Biosafety issues and discussions, knowledge and understanding of environmental and resource status of various Land Degradation/Biodiversity; practical experience in programme/project management and oversight; ability to identify and participate in the resolution of issues/problems; ability to plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment. Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Shows pride in work and in achievements; 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.
• 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.
• COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: Empowers others to translate vision into results; Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; Drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; Demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
• MANAGING PERFORMANCE: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; appraises performance fairly.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in natural resources management, environmental sciences, environmental economics or closely related field. A doctorate degree is a desirable.
• A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Work Experience

• A minimum of ten (10) years working experience in integrated natural resources management, sustainable agriculture and rural development in developing countries is required.
• A proven track record of resource mobilization for sustainable natural resources management initiatives is desirable.
• At least 5 years managing diverse and multi-cultural teams is desirable.
• Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable