UNEP Financial management officer vacancy

UNEP Financial management officer vacancy

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT OFFICER, (Project Post), P3
United Nations Environment Programme
Deadline 21 February 2014

Org. Setting and Reporting
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the United Nations systems designated entity for addressing environmental issues at the global and regional level. Its mandate is to coordinate the development of environmental policy consensus by keeping the global environment under review and bringing emerging issues to the attention of governments and the international community for action.UNEP’s Division of Environmental Policy Implementation (DEPI) 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 (http://www.unep.org). The Fund Management Officer will be responsible for managing and monitoring specific UNEP DEPI GEF projects, recommending courses of action to the Branch Coordinator, FMO, and the substantive programme manager regarding these projects; and carrying out general management and administrative responsibilities related to the specific projects for which he/she is responsible.This post is located in UNEP/DEPI at the Nairobi duty station.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority and under the direct supervision of the Fund Programme Management Officer (FMO) and the functional supervision of the Chief, Office for Operation Section (OFO), the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:
A. Participate in preparing project documents and revisions by:
• Ensuring that project proposals are in line with GEF and UNEP requirements and within resources allocated to the project and its GEF approved budget;
• Drafting project documents and revisions in conjunction with Programme Officers, ensuring that the project documents/revisions are coherent and correspond with the agreed format;
• Ensuring that project documents/revisions are formulated and managed within the UNEP and the UN Financial Regulations and Rules;
• Corresponding with external executing/collaborating bodies during preparation of project documents/revisions; and
• Checking and clearing project documents/revisions before processing them internally and externally, including submission to PRC.
B. Monitor the use of resources and progress of projects by:
• Certifying availability of funds against financial resources;
• Requesting Finance Section to disburse funds to implementing bodies in line with project requirements;
• Soliciting financial and progress reports from implementing partners;
• Checking financial and progress reports and querying discrepancies;
• Monitoring, checking and follow up of project receivable balances;
• Checking project accounts to ensure that obligations/expenditures are correctly reflected and requesting rectification where necessary;
• Drawing attention to poor flow or shortfall of resources and requesting action (formal or informal) of the UNEP/DEPI Senior Fund Programme Management Officer;
• Advising the UNEP/DEPI Senior Fund Programme Management Officer to request additional funds for projects, based on disbursement needs; and
• Providing input to monthly statistics of trust fund resources to keep track of resources flows.
C. Report on use of resources by:
• Providing reports on income and expenditure against trust fund resources for meetings of GEF Council and Governing Council;
• Providing input to Chief of BFMS’ submissions to the Committee of Permanent Representatives, the UNEP/DEPI Director's submissions to the Secretariat, Executive Director or senior management;
• Providing responses for fund management aspect of projects to Internal and External Auditors; and
D. Propose courses of action to the Head of the relevant unit, UNEP/DEPI Director and Chief, BFMS by:
• Analyzing GEF project proposals and proposing amendments, as necessary;
• Drafting and/or clearing Letters of Agreement/Memoranda of Understanding with implementing bodies;
• Ensuring consistency with regard to policies on management of GEF projects and flagging inconsistencies or anomalies in this respect (such as differences in reporting practices, etc); and
• Proposing solutions to problems on the basis of regulations and established practices.

E. General administration which involves:
• Ensuring that obligating documents are prepared and payments made in line with UN financial regulations;
• Acting as Payments Officer, when required, at meetings and tracking disbursement of funds for participants' tickets and DSA;
• Acting as a back-up for other FMOs managing GEF trust fund projects and other UNEP/DEPI trust fund projects during their absence;
• Checking accounts and liquidating obligations; and
• Attending weekly meetings for exchange of information and discussing practices and procedures related to Fund.
Competencies
Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to develop sources for data collection. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; Understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; Shows willingness to learn new technology.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or higher) in, financial management, accounting, public or business administration, or economics with specialization in accounting, administration, budgeting or programme management and evaluation. A first university degree with a combination of two years professional and academic qualifications may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree
Work Experience
At least 5 years experience in financial and administrative management and planning of which minimum three years in large public or private international organizations; Experience in budget planning and monitoring analysis and the use of management information systems desirable. Qualifying years of experience are calculated following the receipt of the first level university degree recognized by the United Nations.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the UNEP. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of other UN languages an asset



Assessment Method
Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position will include a substantive assessment which will be followed by a competency-based interview




For applications more details log on to https://inspira.un.org/psc/UNCAREERS/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/UN_CUSTOMIZATIONS.UN_JOB_DETAIL.GBL?Page=UN_JOB_DETAIL&Action=A&JobOpeningId=31919&