The United Nations University Institute for Natural Resources in Africa (UNU-INRA) is one of fourteen Research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. The mission of UNU-INRA is to strengthen the capacity of Africa's universities and research institutions to conduct research and produce well-trained, well-equipped and motivated individuals, capable of developing, adapting and disseminating technologies that advance food security, promote conservation and efficient use of the
Under the direct supervision of the Director of UNU-INRA, and functional guidance of the Deputy Director of Administration at UNU-HQ, the incumbent will be responsible for the following:
Control and approval of financial transactions:
Controlling and approving financial transactions; goods and receipt of purchased items, invoice verification and ensure proper archiving of financial records and all related documentation.
Provision and co-ordination of financial transactions:
Ensuring accuracy and compliance with approved budgetary allocations; run periodic reports from the ERP systems in order to assist in the preparation of regular and ad hoc budgetary updates.
Budget Administration:
Monitors budget implementation and recommends reallocation of funds as necessary;
Monitors expenditures to ensure that they remain within authorized levels;
Reviews requisitions for goods and services to ensure (a) correct objects of expenditure have been charged, and (b) availability of funds;
Administers and monitors extra-budgetary resources, including review of agreements and cost plans, ensuring compliance with regulations and rules and established policies and procedures;
Prepares budget performance submissions;
Prepares and reviews budget performance reports and provide advice on the finalization of these reports, analyzing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures.
Project Management Support:
Supporting all financial related operations related to projects from design to project closure;
Preparation of technical and financial reports;
Undertakes actions related to partners including ensuring compliance with contractual obligations in relation financial reporting, recording keeping, audit, procurement and management of assets, conducting reviews and spot checks on reported costs and ensuring funds are provided as required.
Planning, co-ordination and implementation of financial operations:
Planning and implementing the finance operations, including the areas of financial planning/budgeting, accounting, and control;
Processes (or approves) financial transactions in accordance with the Financial Regulations and Rules of the United Nations, analyses and reconcile accounts, proposes/implements solutions with respect to new and non-routine financial transactions
Supporting financial operations relating to staff travel; premises and staff accommodation; security; and communications in accordance with United Nations’ Financial Regulations and Rules;
Coordinating the monthly and annual closing of accounts
Procurement Support and Implementation:
Supporting the procurement activities for the institutes, including sourcing, solicitation, contract and vendor management and inventory management
Performs other related duties as required by the Director.
Qualifications:
A Master’s degree in a business discipline with a financial and accounting emphasis or a related discipline. A certification from internationally recognized accounting body (Certified Public Accountant, Chartered Accountant etc.) is an asset;
Minimum of five years relevant, progressively responsible work experience in financial management in the UN, including budgeting;
Experience in programme management is required;
In-depth knowledge of accounting regulations, and IPSAS is an asset.
Proficiency in accounting systems, MS Office Applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) is required;.
The ideal candidate must be proficient and highly experienced in financial management operations, literate in UN related ERP tools such as Atlas and have experience applying UN financial and procurement rules.
They must be also be process savvy, possess management skills and demonstrate a capacity for taking and implementing decisions which apply to overall efficient operational management.
The ideal candidate is dynamic, proactive, entrepreneurial and forward looking, has good problem-solving skills, has sound business and commercial awareness.
Excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Attention to details, coupled with the ability to anticipate and take preemptive mitigative measures.
Demonstrated interest in research, environmental issues, and natural resource management would be positive.
Excellent communication skills, with fluency in both oral and written English.
Knowledge of local language(s) desirable. Good working knowledge of French would be an advantage.
