Finance and Administrative Support

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 overall objective of UNEP's Industry and Economy Division is to support decision makers in government and engage with industry and the finance sector to use strong scientific evidence to develop and adopt policies, strategies and practices and technologies that promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production including circular economy, make efficient use of natural resources, ensure safe management of chemicals and contribute to making industry and environment policies mutually supportive. The Division promotes the development and adoption of policies, technologies, economic instruments, investment decisions, business practices and other efforts which enables to address the environmental challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and land degradation, and pollution while advancing economic and social objectives. See http://www.unep.org This position is located at the Paris duty station in UNEP's Industry and Economy Division under the Materials and Systems Innovation Unit. The Materials and Systems Innovation Unit leads the formulation and implementation of UNEP’s work programme with the aim of bringing together data, science, and knowledge networks in the area of sustainable materials management, circular economy and life cycle thinking to support governments and engage industry and finance actors to develop relevant policy and practices. The Individual Contractor will provide finance, budget, travel and administrative support to the Industry Innovation Branch, contributing to the effective management of programme and project resources and the timely implementation of financial and administrative processes.

Paris

6 Months

Under the direct supervision of the Administrative Officer of the Industry Innovation Branch, the Individual Contractor will provide finance, budget, travel and administrative support to the Branch and will be responsible for the following functions: a) Financial and Budget Management • Provide support in the financial oversight and monitoring of programme and project resources, including monitoring budget implementation, expenditures, commitments, obligations and available balances. • Support the preparation, review and analysis of financial information, including expenditure reports, budget status reports, financial forecasts and other financial reports required for management and programme teams. • Monitor budget utilization and expenditure trends, identify variances and outstanding financial matters, and support timely follow-up and resolution with relevant programme and finance colleagues. • Maintain and update financial and budget monitoring tools using Umoja, Excel and other relevant financial reporting systems and tools. • Support the review and processing of financial transactions, payment requests and related documentation, ensuring completeness, accuracy and compliance with applicable United Nations financial regulations, rules, policies and procedures. • Support the monitoring and clearance of advances, obligations and other outstanding financial transactions, including appropriate follow-up with relevant stakeholders. b) Financial Analysis and Reporting • Provide analytical support through the preparation of financial summaries, briefs, reports and other information required by management and programme teams. • Support the preparation of financial analysis, budget implementation reports, expenditure forecasts and other financial information to support programme planning and management decision-making. • Review financial data and supporting documentation to identify discrepancies, unusual balances, outstanding transactions and other matters requiring follow-up. • Support the preparation of financial information for management reviews and programme monitoring. c) Travel Management • Provide travel management support for consultants and meeting participants and other eligible travellers. • Support the preparation and processing of travel requests and related documentation, including travel authorizations and applicable financial arrangements. • Monitor travel-related financial transactions and support the timely recording and clearance of travel expenses. • Follow up on outstanding travel expense reports and other travel-related financial documentation. • Support the coordination of official travel related to meetings, workshops, conferences and other programme activities, in accordance with applicable United Nations rules and procedures. • Maintain appropriate travel monitoring tools and records and provide timely status information as required. d) Agreement and Implementing Partner Support • Provide financial and administrative support in the preparation, processing and monitoring of Project Cooperation Agreements (PCAs), Small Scale Funding Agreements (SSFAs), contracts and other relevant instruments. • Support the review and monitoring of implementing partner financial and progress reports and follow up on outstanding reporting and financial requirements. • Review financial documentation and expenditure statements submitted by implementing partners and support the identification and resolution of discrepancies or missing information. • Maintain appropriate records and trackers covering agreements, payments, reporting requirements, deliverables, advances and other financial obligations. e) Administrative and Operational Support • Provide administrative and operational support to the Administrative Officer, programme teams and the Branch in relation to financial, budgetary, travel and administrative processes. • Support the organization and coordination of meetings, workshops, conferences and other programme-related activities, including related administrative and logistical arrangements. • Maintain accurate and complete financial, travel and administrative records and support the proper filing and documentation of transactions, agreements, reports and other relevant records. • Provide timely support in responding to routine and ad hoc financial, budgetary, travel and administrative requests from management and programme teams. • Contribute to the identification and implementation of improvements to financial, budgetary, travel and administrative processes and monitoring tools, with a view to strengthening controls, accuracy and efficiency. Undertake other related financial and administrative duties as required.

Completion of a first-level university degree in finance, accounting, business administration, public administration, economics or a related field. Additional professional training or qualifications in finance, accounting, budget management, project management or administration would be an asset. A minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in finance, accounting, budget management, programme/project administration or a related area. Experience should include: • Financial and budget management and monitoring. • Review and analysis of financial documentation and expenditure reports. • Budget implementation monitoring and financial reporting. • Travel administration and management. • Administration of agreements, contracts and implementing partner arrangements. • Preparation and maintenance of financial monitoring tools and reports. • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the Microsoft Office suite. • Experience working with financial management systems, including Umoja, would be an asset. • Experience working within the United Nations system or another international organization would be an asset. • Experience working with implementing partners would be an asset.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable.

Not available.

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.