Finance Assistant Vacancy Job Ref: VACUNDP7129-19

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty while protecting the planet. We help countries develop strong policies, skills, partnerships and institutions so they can sustain their progress

The primary and overarching objective of United Nations Development Programme in Kenya is the eradication of poverty in the context of sustainable development, including the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals, and promotion of United Nations fundamental principles.

A core dimension to the work of UNDP in Kenya is on Democratic Governance given the national focus on governance reforms.

UNDP supports the country’s efforts towards achieving the Vision 2030 Political Pillar, which envisions a democratic system that is issue-based, people-centered, results oriented and accountable to the public.

This Political Pillar gears to transform the country’s political governance across five strategic areas; The Rule of Law, Electoral and Political Processes, Democracy and Public Service Delivery, Transparency and Accountability, Security Peace Building and Conflict Management.

These strategic areas are anchored in the Constitution, promulgated in August 2010 marking a major milestone in the democratic journey of Kenya and set a new threshold in terms of people-centered development.

Context

UNDP, Works in 170 Countries and Territories helping to eradicate Exclusion and build resilience. As the lead United Nations Agency on International Development, UNDP works in 170 Countries and Territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality.

We help countries develop policies, leadership skills, partnerships, and institutional capacities to achieve the sustainable development goals.

Our work is centered around six core development areas known as our signature solutions. Poverty and inequality, governance, resilience, environment, energy, and gender equality.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Finance and Operations Specialist, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: 1. Provide financial support to the management of the Programme in full compliance of UNDP rules, regulations, policies, and recording and reporting systems

    •  Perform duties in full compliance with UNDP financial regulations and rules, policies, and standard operating procedures, including internal controls.
    •  Review and verify financial transactions, activities, and documentation; taking corrective action as needed.
    •  Prepare information for the audit of programme and support implementation of audit recommendations.
  •  Assist in document management and filing electronically.
  •  Perform other finance related tasks.

2. Prepare and administer the Programme budgets in full compliance of UNDP rules, regulations, policies, and recording and reporting systems

  •  Track the appropriate and timely use of financial resources, implement and maintain control mechanism for programme through monitoring budgets preparation and modifications and budgetary status.
  •  Collect, verify and present information and data for use in the planning of financial re-sources and the formulation of the programme work plans, budgets, proposals on implementation arrangements and execution modalities.

3. Provide financial support to Programme

  •  Monitor regularly transactions posted to projects ensuring actual expenditure has been recorded against correct budget category and activity, take timely corrective actions as required.
  •  Monitor proper follow up with project managers on advances to implementing partners, review their financial reports together with project managers.

4. Facilitate knowledge building and knowledge sharing

  •  Provide administrative support synthesis of lessons learnt and best practices related to programme management and finance;
  •  Collect and compile lessons learned and best practices in financial management and service;
  •  Contribute to financial business operational practices and management innovations.

Eligibility criteria

Age: 27 – 80

Nationality

Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

3 years of experience in progressively responsible experience in finance and accounting;

  •  Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems; eO02sEg B2u3Kw
  •  Experience in working with government ministries, department, and agencies is an asset;
  •  Experience in working with UN Agencies, grants and programmes is an asset.

Area(s) of expertise

Administration, Business management, Economics and finance

Driving license

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in Business, Finance, Accounting or Public Administration is a requirement.

Competencies and values

  •  Respect for Diversity
  •  Integrity
  •  Professionalism

Core Competencies:

  •  Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues
  •  Accountability
  •  Creative Problem Solving
  •  Effective Communication
  •  Inclusive Collaboration
  •  Stakeholder Engagement
  •  Leading by Example

Functional Competencies

  •  Strong knowledge of financial rules and regulations and accounting principles;
  •  Strong knowledge and application skills of IT tools and understanding of management systems;
  •  Strong knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages;
  •  Ability to administer and execute financial and accounting processes and transactions

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

The Republic of Kenya is an equatorial nation on the coast of East Africa, neighboring Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania, and the Indian Ocean. Kenya has two levels of Government; National Government and 47 sub-national Governments called Counties.

Counties are further divided into sub-counties. Kenya is a multi-party state with Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches. Kenya’s population of more than 40 million is growing at an annual rate of 2.2%.

The country’s GNP per capita estimated at purchasing power parity (PPP) is $975, and the GNP is growing at an average rate of 0.1% annually. More than 26% of Kenya’s people live below the international poverty line of $1 per day. Kenya’s main food crops are “maize, wheat, pulses, roots and tubers.” (FAO).

Nairobi is a modern metropolitan city where most basic goods and services, health facilities, public transport, telecommunication and banking services and educational facilities are readily available. The city is widely connected through its main airport, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and the smaller Wilson Airport.

Air transport is also available to many up-country destinations. The city is home to some 3,000 UN personnel mainly attributed to the fact that it serves as the headquarters for both the UN HABITAT and UNEP.

The socio-economic and cultural background of the immediate society the UNV would be living and working in is diverse and prevailing security conditions at the place of assignment is modest. The topographic and climatic features of the assignment location is highland cool and warm tropical climate.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics.

As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy.

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