Senior Finance Assistant

E (most hardship)

Non Family with Residential Location

Non Family with Residential Location

Nairobi (CO), Kenya

GS5

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

No

2024-11-01

September 3, 2024

Senior Finance Assistant

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Senior Finance Assistant is normally supervised by a more senior finance colleague who defines work objectives and provides regular advice and guidance. The incumbent also refers to UNHCR Manuals and relevant policy papers on financial issues.
The incumbent assists with the processing of financial transactions. S/he keeps frequent contact with staff at various levels in the office and with bank officials to exchange information.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties
– Maintain financial records for project or other office accounts for which responsibility is assigned.
– Record receipts and payments, assure accuracy of computation and completeness of documents and maintain continuing status of allotments against obligations.
– Prepare recurring reports on assigned accounts, noting problems resulting from excess cost or less-than-expected receipts.
– Prepare special reports to clarify problems or as requested for other reasons.
– Calculate and compile cost estimates and projected budget requirements and assist in preparation of budget statements for area of assignment.
– Prepare routine correspondence and maintain contracts with others to discuss matters concerning accounts and related assignments.
– Maintain contacts with local banks to clarify questions pertaining to office bank accounts.
– Brief and assist new staff on basic financial procedures and requirements with respect to payments, entitlements, banking and currency provisions and other requirements relating to accounts and finance.
– Initiate correspondence to verify data, answer queries and obtain additional information on accounts and financial transactions, as required.

– Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
– Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For G5 – 2 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 1 year relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education
Not applicable

Certificates and/or Licenses
Accounting; Business Administration; Finance; HCR Learning Prog;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Not specified

Desirable
Not specified

Functional Skills
IT-Computer Literacy
FI-ERP Financial Management (SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Workday and other)
IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

-The incumbent should have a good knowledge of administrative and financial procedures and processes. The incumbent should also have good working knowledge and experience of Cloud ERP Module.
-S/he will support with CBI related transactions
-S/he will act as a back up to the Snr Finance Associate
-Should possess experience in processing processing MODE entries

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational health and safety considerations for this duty station, please visit this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

UNHCR Sub-Office Kakuma covers two main areas of operation: Kakuma refugee camp and Kalobeyei integrated settlement. Kakuma refugee camp is located in the North-western region of Kenya, about 720.4 Km from Nairobi. The camp was established in 1992 following the arrival of the “Lost Boys of Sudan”. During that year, large groups of Ethiopian refugees fled their country following the fall of the Ethiopian government. Somalia had also experienced high insecurity and civil strife causing people to flee. Total population of the camp is 296,00 registered refugees and asylum seekers at the end of July 2024 from 25 nationalities.

In line with the GCR and the MYMP Strategy, Kakuma operation focuses its strategy on further expanding the protection of refugees and promoting solutions. In close collaboration with the government, UN Agencies including the WB/IFC and NGOs, the operation in Kakuma developed a major initiative – Kalobeyei Integrated Socio-Economic Plan (KISEDP), which represents the main vehicle for operationalizing GCR in Kenya. Priority is given to  securing efficient and effective levels of core life-saving activities, expanding risk management and levels of accountability, enhancing protection response and most notably adopting an area-based development approach for refugees and host communities, strengthening capacity of national service providers, promoting access to sustainable livelihoods and education, implementing efficient targeting mechanisms shifting from blanket to targeted assistance, and expanding the community-based engagement strategy and CBI programme.

The incumbent will act as OIC for the Senior Finance Associate in the unit during the absence of leave or official travel. S/he will support the drafting of annual administration procurement plan, preparation of common cost share budget for all agencies collocating within SO Kakuma compound and issue monthly invoices to concerned agencies. S/he will participate in liaising with supply for all admin supplies/procurement and would be requested to support in annual reporting for guesthouse revenue, management of open-item and administrative budget expenditures. 

The Incumbent is expected to work closely with the Senior Finance Associate achieving daily finance and administrative duties. Though incumbent is expected to seek guidance and coaching on Admin and Finance functions and matters from the Senior Finance Associate and Admin Officer-Finance duties. The incumbent will closely work with and support the Cash-Based-Interventions (CBI) team with processing of payments, following up with the bank for proof of disbursement and reconciling the CBI accounts. The incumbent will be required to support the Snr. Finance Associate, Admin Officer, relevant units including Programme, Supply and Site Planning to facilitate project disbursements and accrue retentions amounts until due for payment.

Living and Working Conditions:

Kenya is an open country that enjoys social stability resulting from the smooth functioning of state institutions. Kenya is also provided with a good level of infrastructure (e.g. roads, distribution of water, electricity, etc.) and a popular tourist destination. The current Security Level in the capital and in SRM Area 1A: Northern Rift Valley (Kakuma, Lodwar) is Moderate -3. All United Nations personnel must scrupulously comply with UNDSS procedures and recommendations during their assignment to Kakuma, Kenya. Thefts and burglary are the main incidents against UN personnel.

Kakuma city is a non-family duty station with a hardship classified D, its living conditions are difficult but the social climate is calm. The weather is hot, dry and sunny hence no heavy clothes would be recommended. Windy storms are common during the months of December and more pronounced in January till March.

Staff live in UNHCR-provided accommodation, which was constructed in 2001, the condition of these houses has improved with time as renovations and painting has been carried out in the past. The accommodation facilities are generally acceptable condition with minimal standard. The incumbent will be briefed deeply on conditions of accommodations, laundry, meals, communications, air and road transports, recreations and others relevant information. However, staff members are charged rental fee predetermined by the organization paid upfront on monthly basis.

The currency used in Kenya is Kenyan Shilling (KES). It is also possible to withdraw cash from automatic telling machines found in all banks here in Kakuma. There are limited banking facilities at Kakuma with two banks (Equity & Kenya Commercial Bank having branches locally

Internet and communications networks are available at the compound with fairly speed. the mobile telephone network remains stable with 3G.

Climatic conditions are relatively harsh, and despite fumigation of the compound, insects and even snakes are present in the environment on seasonal climate changes.

UNHCR has established satellite level 1 JMS medical clinic in the compound following COVID-19 situation readily available 24/7 hours, there is also Kakuma Mission Hospital where a doctor/Surgeon is deployed and paid for by UNHCR provide assistance to refugees but special arrangements can be made during emergencies for staff members. There are also some pharmacies within Kakuma with basic medical facilities. Evacuation opportunities are limited. Candidates with conditions requiring regular treatment or medical supervision should be appropriately advised. The yellow fever vaccine is compulsory and vaccination cards should be updated. Vaccinations against Meningococcal Meningitis and Hepatitis A and B are also recommended. The basic drugs are available in pharmacies, but it is recommended to bring specific prescription drugs.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

FI-ERP Financial Management (SAP, Oracle, PeopleSoft, Workday and other), IT-Computer Literacy, IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software

Certifications

Accounting – Other, Business Administration – Other, Finance – Other, HCR Learning Program – UNHCR

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration, Technological awareness

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Additional Information

This position doesn’t require a functional clearance