TRAINEESHIP – FINANCE AND BUDGET UNIT

Overview:

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is a training arm of the United Nations System and a strategic driver in today’s global and essential role of the UN by empowering individuals, governments and organizations through knowledge and learning to effectively overcome contemporary global challenges.

UNITAR’s Finance and Budget Unit is responsible for the overall Finance and Budget functions of the organization, ensuring efficient service delivery to the programme areas for the assigned portfolio of programmes as well as the centralized functions. Arranging travel services and undertaking related financial and accounting functions is one of the core functions of the unit.

UNITAR’s traineeship allows young professionals to put their talent and expertise into the service of the United Nations by contributing concretely to their respective fields of specialization and expertise.

Background:

This traineeship is designed primarily to support the Finance and Budget Unit in the financial operations, programme support, data analysis, year-end accounting entries and preparation of financial statements and support the external audit processes.

Responsibilities:

The trainee will be involved in various activities of the unit such as:

• Record utilization, reconcile balances, and initiate the timely replenishment of monthly Imprest accounts for UNITAR field offices and workshop Imprest accounts, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Reconcile the Programme’s credit card account upon request from programme, record transactions, and process payments to the Credit Card company in a timely manner
• Process registrations for group travel participants and manage the loading of prepaid cards through the Swiss Bankers system, ensuring all requests are handled accurately and promptly
• Oversee the stock of prepaid cards and maintain an up-to-date prepaid cards database, ensuring accurate tracking and timely replenishment
• Participate in the year-end accounts closing exercises by assisting in preparing relevant financial documentation and ensuring compliance with UNITAR’s internal policies.
• Assist in the preparation of UNITAR’s IPSAS-compliant financial statements and reports, contributing to compliances and analysis for accuracy
• Support in financial analysis and in accounting, reporting, and financial data submission to donors
• Participate in the external audit coordination by gathering evidence, preparing necessary information, and following up on action points to ensure timely audit completion.
• Contribute to digitalization and innovation initiatives led by the Finance and Budget Unit, offering support in the implementation of new systems and processes

The tasks assigned may be reviewed during the contract period to reflect changes in needs and priorities.

Learning objectives:

After the assignment the trainee should be able to:

• Develop a thorough understanding of the accounting, budgeting, and travel processes within a UN organization, including key workflows, tools, and systems
• Acquire hands-on experience with the accounts closing process and contribute to the preparation of corporate financial statements, ensuring compliance with UN standards and timelines.
• Learn and effectively apply UN Financial Rules, Regulations, Policies, and Procedures in daily tasks, ensuring adherence to organizational compliance and governance standards.
• Work in a team and take initiative; work in a multicultural environment and develop a professional network with UNITAR and United Nations staff.

Dates and duration:

Start date: November 2024. Exact date to be agreed upon with the selected candidate.

Duration: The traineeship programme is normally on a full-time basis and trainees are expected to work five days a week.

Miscellaneous fee: CHF 900 / month

Minimum requirements

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate/graduate/postgraduate degree (within either Accounting, Finance, Budget, Business Administration, or a related field) or be a recent graduate of the aforementioned (if selected, they must commence the traineeship within two years of graduation). Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of financial accounting principles and budgeting processes. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word and PowerPoint and familiarity with financial software or ERP systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP) is a plus. Candidates should have a strong attention to detail and accuracy in handling financial data, demonstrate an analytical thinking and problem-solving skill and able to work independently and as part of a team. 

Languages:

A high standard in both oral and written English or French is required. Knowledge of the other language is an asset.