Senior Finance and Budget Assistant

Organizational Context

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority. This role is within the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD), specifically in the Administration Division's Finance and Budget Unit in Montreal. The incumbent reports to the Head of the Administration Division and the Head of the Finance and Budget Unit.

Job Purpose

This role supports the Finance and Budget Unit within the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD). The incumbent will act as a Certifying Officer, review and finalize cost estimates and budget proposals, monitor budget implementation, and manage financial databases. Responsibilities include processing payments, managing treasury functions such as reviewing payment instructions and preparing disbursements, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. The position also involves assisting with budget performance reports, handling claims, and providing guidance to general service staff. The role contributes to the efficient financial management of the SCBD.

Responsibilities

Manage budget and finance functions, including acting as a Certifying Officer, reviewing and finalizing cost estimates and budget proposals, and ensuring compliance with legislative mandates. Monitor budget implementation and expenditures, recommending fund reallocations. Review requisitions for goods and services, and oversee extra-budgetary resources. Assist in preparing and finalizing budget performance reports, analyzing variances. Maintain the integrity of financial databases and verify data accuracy. Process payments to third parties, commercial entities, and individuals. Handle treasury functions, including reviewing payment instructions, preparing disbursements, and managing receipts and deposits. Provide guidance and training to general service staff. Assist with data collection, analysis, and reporting for information sharing and decision-making. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of experience in budget/finance or a related area is required (reduced by two years for candidates with a first-level university degree). Three years of experience with an ERP system (e.g., SAP/Umoja) is required. Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, Teams) is required. Experience in supervising staff is desirable, as is one or more years of experience in data analysis.

Skills

Professionalism, Teamwork, Accountability, Budget management, Financial analysis, Data analysis, ERP systems, Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, Teams), Interpersonal skills, Communication skills, Problem-solving.

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