Finance & Budget Assistant

The incumbent will provide accurate and timely financial and administrative support to the unit in accordance with United Nations regulations, rules, and procedures. Budget preparation, financial monitoring, and reporting processes are effectively supported, contributing to sound financial management and proper utilization of resources. Payments and financial transactions are processed in a timely manner through UMOJA, ensuring compliance with established procedures and deadlines. Financial data, reconciliations, and supporting documentation are maintained accurately, facilitating financial analysis and the preparation of reports. Audit queries and information requests are addressed in a timely and well-documented manner. Overall, financial records and administrative processes are maintained in an organized and efficient manner, supporting transparency, accountability, and operational effectiveness Responsibilities and Activities Under the general guidance of the Administrative Officer and in coordination with the National Officer, the Finance & Budget Analyst consultant will be responsible for the following duties: Finance • Assist in the review and preparation of payment documentation for vendors and individual contractors prior to submission for final processing, ensuring completeness of supporting documents. • Verify banking details and sources of funds in the system and support updates where required, in accordance with established procedures. • Assist in notifying payees of the status of payments and respond to routine payment-related queries. • Support the monitoring of bank account movements and balances, including the recording of monthly bank charges and deposits as required. • Assist in the preparation and dispatch of payment instructions and related documentation to banks, as applicable. • Support the preparation of receipts and recording of deposits for incoming funds in the financial system. • Provide assistance to staff members and project teams regarding routine queries related to payments, deposits, and financial procedures. • Assist in the review of payment requests from implementing partners to ensure compliance with agreement provisions and availability of required documentation. • Support the review of financial and audit reports submitted by implementing partners against the payment conditions stipulated in the agreements. • Assist in the reconciliation of project expenditures and review of open commitments, partners’ balances, and Memoranda of Understanding, as required. • Provide administrative and documentation support in responding to audit queries and requests for financial information. • Assist in monitoring unliquidated obligations, revenues, and unapplied deposits, and report discrepancies to the supervisor. Budget • Support the extraction of financial data and the generation of expenditure reports from UMOJA and other relevant systems. • Assist in the compilation and organization of financial information required for budget preparation and budget performance reporting. • Provide support in the preparation and formatting of financial reports for project managers and donors. • Prepare and record obligations in UMOJA and verify that sufficient funds are available and the appropriate accounts are used, under supervision. • Assist in the financial monitoring of trust funds, including tracking voluntary contributions and supporting the preparation of expenditure reports and donor reporting requirements. Other Duties • Draft routine correspondence related to financial and budget matters. • Maintain organized and up-to-date financial and administrative files and documentation. • Provide logistical and administrative support for training sessions related to UMOJA financial roles and United Nations financial rules and procedures. • Perform other finance and administrative support functions as required by the supervisor.

UNEP LAC Office - Panama City, Panama.

6 months with possibility of extension.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global 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. The UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office (LAC Office), located in Panama City, works closely with the 33 countries of the region and its activities are integrated into the Medium Term Strategy and the Programme of Work approved by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). This post is located in the Latin America and the Caribbean Office at the Panama duty station. The incumbent will be supporting the Administration Unit and its outposted offices under the supervision and guidance by the Finance Management Officer (FMO) and in coordination with the Finance Assistant. He/She will also maintain direct communication with the administrative team, in order to improve the efficiency of operations within the Latin America and the Caribbean region. The Finance & Budget Analyst will be working full time, 40 hours per week, from Monday to Friday.

ACADEMIC: - High School Diploma is required. - Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or administration is desirable. - Master’s degree in accounting, finance or administration is desirable. PROFESSIONAL: - Three years of experience in finance, budget, accounting, administration, or audit is required. - Experience in United Nations or other international organization is an advantage

LANGUAGE: - English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in Spanish and English is required.

• Professionalism: Knowledge of, and ability to apply financial rules, regulations and procedures in the UN environment. Ability to maintain accurate records, review and interpret a wide variety of data. Ability to identify and resolve data discrepancies and operational problems. 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. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. • 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. • Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. • 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. • 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

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.