Finance Assistant Job Vacancy, UN-Habitat, Nairobi, Kenya

Finance Assistant Job Vacancy, UN-Habitat, Nairobi, Kenya
Finance Assistant, G-6
United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-HABITAT)
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-HABITAT
Location: Kenya - Nairobi
ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION: UN-HABITATDUTY STATION: Nairobi
FUNCTIONAL TITLE: Finance Assistant
GRADE: G6
POST DURATION: 6 months
CLOSING DATE: 13 January 2011

BACKGROUND
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-HABITAT, is the UN agency for human settlements. It is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. The post is located in the Management Support Section (MSS), Programme Support Division, UN-HABITAT. Reporting to the Programme Management Officer (PMO), the Finance & Budget assistant is responsible for providing assistance in managing the resources of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT), ensuring that these resources are employed efficiently and effectively pursuant to the purpose of the Fund within the Financial Regulations and Rules of the United Nations.

RESPONSIBILITIES
The incumbent will review budgets and expenditure for OED and PSD and provide monthly or/as required reporting; review and report on IOVs; monthly review of un-liquidated obligations and follow-up to ensure prompt liquidation/de-obligation as required; assist with the review of Accounts/UN-Habitat Financial Statements.
More, specifically, the Finance Assistant within limits of delegated authority, will:
·         Provide support with respect to the review analyses and preparation of the medium-term plan and it's revisions.
·         Assist managers in the elaboration of resources requirements for budget submissions.
·         Monitor expenditures and compare with approved budget; prepares adjustments as necessary.
·         Review requisitions for goods and services to ensure (a) correct objects of expenditure have been charges, (b) and availability of funds.
·         Assist in preparation of budget performance submissions and finalization of budget performance reports, analyzing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures.
·         Verify accuracy of input data, ensuring consistency of data in previous allotments to new allotments issued.
·         Co-ordinate with other finance and budget staff on related issues during preparation of budget reports.
·         Review, analyze and prepare payments to third-parties, commercial entities, with respect to settlement of certified death and disability, contingent-owned equipment, stores, pay and allowances, and letters to assist claims.
·         Keep 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.
·         Review of Un-Habitat Financial statements and follow up on actions related to issues arising.
·         Draft and prepare correspondence to respond to enquiries in respect of relevant financial and budget matters.
·         Maintain and keep up-to-date files.
·         May be responsible for providing guidance, training and daily supervision to other general staff in the area of responsibility.
·         Performs other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES
Professionalism: Knowledge of general office and administrative support including administrative policies, processes and procedures. 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.

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.

Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

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.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Completion of secondary education. Post secondary qualification at diploma level in a financial administrative or related field required.
Work Experience:
Six years of experience in finance, budget, accounting, administrative services or related area. Relevant UN experience an advantage.
Language:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.
Remuneration:
See UN website http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances/index.html

How to apply
Only completed applications will be taken into consideration:
·         UN PHP
·         Cover letter

Applications should be submitted to: Ms. Serah Mutisya
UN-HABITAT
Management Support Section, PSD
P.O. Box 30030, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
Attn.: Ms. Serah Mutisya
Email: serah.mutisya@unhabitat.org
Deadline for applications: 13 January 2011
Reference Code: RW_8CKC6T-56