Associate Finance and Budget Officer

Org. Setting and ReportingThe United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. UN-Habitat is the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. UN-Habitat works with partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities. UN-Habitat promotes urbanization as a positive transformative force for people and communities, reducing inequality, discrimination and poverty. This post is located in the Budget and Finance Section within the Management Advisory and Compliance Service, UN-Habitat, in Nairobi duty station. Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Budget and Finance Section and the overall guidance of the Director of Management Advisory and Compliance Service, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: Responsibilities1. Medium-term plan: • Reviews, analyses and finalizes the preparation of the medium-term plan and its revisions on the basis of departmental submissions, taking into account recommendations and decisions of specialized intergovernmental bodies. • Provides advice and support to relevant intergovernmental and expert bodies in their review of the medium-term plan and its revisions; assists in securing approval from the General Assembly. • Ensures legislative mandates are accurately translated into programme budgets. 2. Budget preparation: • Reviews, analyses and assists in the finalization of cost estimates and budget proposals, in terms of staff and non-staff requirements; ensure compliance with the medium-term plan and other legislative mandates. • Assists managers in the elaboration of resource requirements for budget submissions. • Provides support to relevant intergovernmental and expert bodies in their budget review; assists in securing approval from the General Assembly and the Executive Board. 3. Budget administration: • Prepares allotments, including redeployment of funds when necessary, ensuring appropriate expenditures. • Monitors budget implementation and recommends reallocation of funds as necessary. • Monitors expenditures to ensure that they remain within authorized levels. • Reviews requisitions generated by the Umoja system for goods and services to ensure (a) correct objects of expenditure have been charged, and (b) 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. • Assists in the preparation of budget performance submissions. • Reviews and assists in finalization of budget performance reports, analyzing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures. • Assists in providing substantive support to intergovernmental and expert bodies. 4. General: • Keeps up-to-date on documents/reports/guidelines that have a bearing on matters related to programme and/or peacekeeping budgets, ensuring compliance with intergovernmental recommendations and decisions as well as with United Nations policies and procedures. 5. Performs other related duties as assigned. CompetenciesPROFESSIONALISM: Ability to identify and resolve budgetary problems and identify sources for data collection. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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 & 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. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business administration, finance, accounting, or related field is required. 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. Job - Specific QualificationAdditional certification in Accounting is desirable. Work ExperienceA minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in finance, accounting, administration, budget, business administration or related area is required. Working experience with an accounting module like Enterprise Resource Platform (ERP) system e.g. Systems Applications & Products (SAP) is required. Experience in implementation of Accounting Standards, including International Public Sector Accounting Standards, (IPSAS), is required. One (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).