Programme Associate, Finance; Programme Division; G-6, Nairobi (226012)

Note: All recommended candidates who are not selected for this position, will be rostered for future similar vacancies.

The Position:

The Programme Division is part of UNFPA Headquarters based in Nairobi, Kenya. As the Programme Division establishes presence in Nairobi, the Division will be recruiting for a number of posts in 2025.

The Programme Associate, Finance, is responsible for Financial Management, Procurement and General Administrative Services within the Programme Division.

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.  UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

You would be responsible for:

A. Financial Management 

• Monitor financial resources by providing the necessary financial information and analysis to PD units. 
• Projects expenditures to determine possible problems, notifies management and proposes remedial action. Makes budget revisions as required;
• Ensure financial transactions are in accordance with UNFPA financial rules and procedures;
• Review and processes invoices
• Prepare all Quantum requests ensuring validity of the Chart of Accounts. Following receipt of goods or services, maintains receipts to enable processing of vendor payments;
• Work with Implementing Partners to support and review their workplan with budget allocations and expenditure reporting; as well as ensuring the quality assurance activities completed as per corporate guidelines;
• Maintain an updated database of non-core global funds, showing their implementation and financial status including allocations at the global, regional and country level; 
• Assist in gathering information related to financial and programmatic reporting; 

B. Procurement

• As focal point for all team procurement matters, review procurement requests and initiate procurement procedures for equipment, supplies and services in a transparent and cost effective manner;

C. General Administrative Services

• Interpret UN/UNFPA Administrative rules and regulations and provide guidance to staff; identify ways in which the administrative needs can be met within existing policies; adapt processes and procedures, anticipate and manage operational requirements of the team;
• Develop tools and mechanism for effective and efficient monitoring of administrative activities in support of team operations;
• Assist in the general management of personnel and operations, specifically responding to Audit findings and recommendations; and staff development activities (training and workshops); 
• Liaise and support staff operational requirements in the areas of personnel and travel administration, as appropriate (e.g. renewal of UNLPs, visas; travel authorizations and bookings; security clearances; preparation of F10s; extension of contracts, leave management and entitlements; etc);
• Manage and track consultancies, including: updating of consultancy information; Quantum balance reconciliation; time sheet reconciliation; and ensure accuracy of hours worked.
• As Directory Focal Person, request and input email and Quantum profiles for new staff and consultants, as well as modifications of existing profiles. Manage the Team’s calendar and schedule of appointments;

Qualifications and Experience:

Completion of Secondary School Education with additional training in Finance, Procurement, Administration and Management is required.  A first level university degree in business administration or public administration is desirable.

Knowledge and Experience: 

• A minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible relevant experience in administration in the public or private sector is required
• Experience in UN procurement and financial procedures is desirable
• Computer literacy - Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Google Suite.
• Good writing and communication skills. 

Languages: 

Fluency in English is required; Fluency in another UN language, particularly French or Spanish, is desirable.

Required Competencies: 

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity, 
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, 
• Embracing cultural diversity, 
• Embracing change

Core Competencies: 

• Achieving results,
• Being accountable,
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
• Thinking analytically and strategically,
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,
• Communicating for impact

Functional Competencies:

• The ability to interpret rules, regulations and procedures and explain them clearly and concisely;
• Computer literacy – proficiency in Oracle or similar systems, Word, Excel, PowerPoint; and other computerized applications; experience in Google workspace is ideal
• Good writing and communications skills;
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills;
• Basic data fluency
  
   

Compensation and Benefits:

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements. 

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts. 

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.