Mission and objectivesSince its inception in 1972, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has been the global authority that sets the 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. UNEP鈥檚 mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, UNEP works through its divisions as well as regional, liaison and out-posted offices and a growing network of collaborating centres of excellence.
ContextThe 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 is one of three original, founding implementing agencies of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), alongside the World Bank and the UN Development Programme (UNDP). The GEF also partners with 15 other Agencies to help developing countries and those with economies in transition to meet the agreed incremental costs of measures designed to achieve global environmental benefits in six focal areas: biological diversity, climate change (both mitigation and adaptation), international waters, chemicals and wastes management and, land degradation. This position is located in the GEF Coordination Office of the Policy and Programmes Division (PPD) at the Nairobi Duty Station. The GEF Coordination Office plays a central role in UNEP's GEF-related activities. Its core functions include formulating and reviewing UNEP鈥檚 policies and strategies for GEF operations, preparing the UNEP/GEF Business Plan, and providing guidance to project proposers on eligibility, quality, and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, it oversees GEF activity administration within UNEP, serves as UNEP鈥檚 GEF focal point. The UNV will support the Finance team in the GEF Coordination Office.
Task DescriptionWithin the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Finance and Budget Officer, the UNV Finance Assistant will: 路 Provide support in preparation of financial reports for various stakeholders 路 Monitor expenditures and compare with approved budgets; prepare adjustments as necessary. 路 Assist in preparation of budget performance submissions and finalization of budget performance reports, analyse variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures. 路 Periodic reconciliation of accounts. 路 Review cash advance requests for replenishment of project grants. 路 Review incoming financial documents/reports and upon certification by the fund management officer input in relevant databases/systems. 路 Notify payees on status of payments. 路 Assist fund management officers regarding queries related to financial issues and draft related correspondence. 路 Maintain updated files and archives as required. 路 Verify accuracy of input data, ensuring consistency of data. 路 Monitor integrity of various financial databases. 路 Review project completion and closing revisions including all supporting documents. 路 Perform other related duties/tasks as assigned by the supervisor. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities: 路 Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); 路 Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
Competencies and values路 Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNEP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNEP procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to li appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; 路 Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNEP in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization鈥檚 interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; 路 Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; 路 Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. 路 Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; 路 Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; 路 Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; 路 Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNEP鈥檚 mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.
Living conditions and remarksNairobi, the capital city of Kenya, is home to hundreds of international companies and organizations including being the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Headquarters. It has adequate health facilities, banking facilities and communications infrastructure including those comparable to international standards. Education facilities are accessible with options for international curriculums readily available. Amenities such as water/electricity are available with occasional shortages depending on accommodation areas. Access to wide array of public and private transportation is readily available.