Finance and Administrative Support

Organizational context: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority. This role is within UNEP's Industry and Economy Division, specifically the Materials and Systems Innovation Unit, located in Paris. The Unit focuses on sustainable materials management and circular economy, supporting governments and engaging industry and finance. The contractor will provide essential finance, budget, travel, and administrative support to the Industry Innovation Branch.

Job purpose: The purpose of this role is to provide comprehensive finance, budget, travel, and administrative support to the Industry Innovation Branch within UNEP's Industry and Economy Division. This support is crucial for the effective management of programme and project resources and ensures the timely and accurate implementation of financial and administrative processes. The role contributes to the overall efficiency and operational success of the Branch by managing financial oversight, budget monitoring, expenditure tracking, financial reporting, and travel arrangements for consultants and participants. Additionally, it involves supporting the administration of agreements and providing operational assistance to ensure smooth programme execution and adherence to UN financial regulations and procedures.

Responsibilities: Key responsibilities include providing financial and budget management support, encompassing oversight, monitoring of budget implementation, expenditures, and available balances. This involves preparing, reviewing, and analyzing financial information, expenditure reports, and forecasts, while maintaining and updating financial monitoring tools using Umoja and Excel. The role also entails processing financial transactions and payment requests in compliance with UN regulations. Financial analysis and reporting involve preparing summaries and briefs to support management decision-making. Travel management includes supporting the preparation and processing of travel requests, monitoring travel expenses, and coordinating official travel. Furthermore, the position offers financial and administrative support for agreements and implementing partners, reviewing their reports, and maintaining relevant records. Administrative and operational support involves assisting with meetings, maintaining records, and responding to financial and administrative queries.

Education: Completion of a first-level university degree in finance, accounting, business administration, public administration, economics, or a related field is required. Additional professional training or qualifications in finance, accounting, budget management, project management, or administration are considered an asset.

Work experience: A minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in finance, accounting, budget management, programme/project administration, or a related area is required. Experience should include financial and budget management, review and analysis of financial documentation, budget implementation monitoring, financial reporting, travel administration, and managing agreements. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the Microsoft Office suite is essential. Experience with financial management systems like Umoja, or within the UN system, is desirable.

Skills: 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 Microsoft Office suite; Experience with financial management systems (e.g., Umoja) is desirable; Fluency in English is required; Knowledge of French is desirable.

Required languages:

Desired languages: English, French