For two decades, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has been helping make the world safer from drugs, organized crime, corruption and terrorism. We are committed to achieving health, security and justice for all by tackling these threats and promoting peace and sustainable well-being as deterrents to them. Because the scale of these problems is often too great for states to confront alone, UNODC offers practical assistance and encourages transnational approaches to action. We do this in all regions of the world through our global programmes and network of field offices.

Responsibilities

Within assigned authority, the Assistant Finance and Budget Officer will be responsible for supporting the overall management in the area of financial, budgetary and accounting management in conformity with United Nations (UN) Financial Rules and regulation, and the policies for the implementation of the projects under the Regional Programme for Eastern Africa, UNODC. The incumbent will be responsible for the following specific duties:

• Support ROEA’s front office in formulating their financial management policies, internal controls and procedures, and in their monitoring and implementation to ensure optimizing efficiency in financial management.
• Contribute to keeping overall control of ROEA’s vendor accounts and maintenance of proper vendor relation; ensure timely clearance of outstanding payables, advances and other receivables.
• Collaborate with other UN entities and ROEA programme offices on finance related matters towards settlement of periodic or ad hoc service cost bills and general ledger (GL) reconciliations.
• Assist in overseeing the accuracy of payment submissions, efficiency of payment processing, and assist in monitoring the correctness of banking details registering.
• Support the monitoring and ensuring of timely consultant/contract payments in coordination with the substantive pillars in HR and Finance.
• Assist in liaising with Treasury of UNODC HQ and the in-house bank at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) on disbursement related issues.
• Contribute to finding solutions with respect to problem/complex payment transactions and irregularities.
• Provide assistance in managing a complete paymaster process at ROEA that ensures timely submission of paymaster advances and settlements, that secures smooth event implementation, and imprest accounts closure.
• Assist in analysing GL accounts related to payments and service/goods receipt, and in monitoring the status of payment processes.
• Contribute to providing payment performance data to programme managers and the Representative’s Office for the financial management of ROEA.
• Assist in providing guidance, including training, to ROEA staff on financial policies and procedures, particularly in the area of payments.
• Contribute to drafting correspondences and internal procedural directives relating to payment matters.
• Contribute to preparedness actions such as early warning, risk analysis and contingency planning, and assist in providing the necessary recommendations in the context of payment efficiency and vendor/third party relations.
• Undertake research and analysis of ROEA’s current payment procedures and the existing controls, make recommendations for change/modifications.
• Contribute to the initiative of improving ROEA’s accounting processes and approaches in areas of vendor, consultant/contractor and travel payments, and accounts reconciliations with other UN partners.
• Keep up-to-date on documents/reports/guidelines that have a bearing on matters related to ROEA payment monitoring, ensuring compliance with UN Financial Rules and Regulations.
• Provide assistance in the implementation of IPSAS (International Public Sector Accounting Standards) at ROEA.
• Provide support in response to internal/external audit observations related to payments processing and related matters.
• Contribute to the collection and analysis of data and identification of trends or patterns and provide draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Document requirements and background information used for data analysis.
• Perform any other work-related duties as required.

Requirements

Competencies

• Professionalism: Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to budgetary, finance and accounting management and administration related fields. Has the ability to generate reports and presentations that include graphs, maps and tables. Has a broad understanding of the UNODC Eastern Africa region in its role in participation of UN reforms. Has knowledge of the mandates of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Has excellent research, analytical and drafting skills. Has ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Is able to demonstrate very good communication skills. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. ; 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in finance, business administration, accounting or other related discipline is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of two years of progressively responsible professional experience in finance, business administration, accounting is required. No experience needed with an advanced university degree.
• Work experience in managing vendor relations is required.
• Work experience within an international organization or the United Nations system is desirable.
• Work experience with European Union funded programmes is desirable.
• Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, such as SAP/UMOJA is desirable.
• Experience in the use of programmes such as MS Outlook or MS Teams is desirable.
• Work experience in developing countries is desirable.
• Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English, is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations official language is an advantage. Knowledge of Swahili is an advantage.