Result of Service

Results Expected:

Provides reliable assistance in the coordination of programme/project planning and implementation activities and basic research support.
Demonstrates understanding of the context of programmes/projects and issues in assigned area and uses increasing independence in processing of work and follow-up actions.

Demonstrates initiative in the identification and resolution of issues/problems. Is well organized, produces accurate reports, records and/or data, put together with only general guidance. Consistently applies appropriate policies, guidelines and procedures.

Effectively, and in timely manner, liaises and interacts with colleagues and concerned parties internally and externally.

Work Location

Addis Ababa

Expected duration

5 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The agreement establishing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) signed in Kigali, Rwanda, on 21 March 2018 is a key milestone in Africa’s integration Agenda. The AfCFTA is expected to be a key engine of economic growth, industrialization and sustainable development in Africa in line with the 2030 Agenda adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, and the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 for “The Africa We Want”.

For the AfCFTA to deliver the expected outcomes, priority actions are to be undertaken in the short to medium run. Firstly, efforts to support Member States in consensus-building to secure the ratification of the Agreement should be accompanied by strengthening the AfCFTA marketplace through continental policies on competition, investment and intellectual property rights. Secondly, there is a need to build on the political momentum behind the AfCFTA to support policy reforms that are aimed at implementing the Agreement. In this regard, it is critical for member States to undertake deliberate actions and deploy necessary efforts through effective and integrated AfCFTA national strategies/plans with a view to maximize the benefits of the Agreement while minimizing potential induced adverse effects. The strategies will be complemented by an effective monitoring and evaluation framework that will track progress on the implementation of the Agreement.

It is against this background that the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is leading the implementation of a technical assistance projects aiming to support an effective implementation of the AfCFTA. These entail having solid financial and budgetary management to accompany timely support in the form of technical interventions in the context of the AfCFTA.

This position is located in the Regional Integration and Trade Division, at United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). Under the overall guidance of the Director of RITD and the direct supervision of the Programme management Officer of RITD, the Finance and budget specialist will be working on the following duties and responsibilities to support the PMO, she/he:

• • Provides substantive support in the preparation and implementation of activities/processes for all projects approved under RITD, typically, a large and highly complex component of the departmental project initiatives (RB/XB).
• Provides support to PMO with respect to the elaboration of resource requirements for budget submissions
• Reviews and makes appropriate recommendations to the PMO with respect to the finalization of budget performance reports, analysing variances between approved budgets and actual expenditures
• Reviews, analyses and provides input in the monitoring and evaluation of programmes/projects (RB/XB); categorizes, updates, tracks and analyses data related to programmes/projects (RB/XB), e.g. accounting records, outputs, resources utilized, deviations/revisions, etc.; carries out periodic status reviews, identifies issues and initiates requisite follow-up actions; prepares revised budget estimates; reports on budget revisions, expenditures and obligations, verifies availability of funds; ensures necessary approval and entry in Umoja; initiates financial authorizations for expenditures.
• Compiles and record funding agreements in Umoja; compile and record implementing partner reports under Umoja; prepare donor financial statements in a timely and accurate manner; preparation of funds commitment & purchase orders.
• Monitors budget implementation, including verification of charges and obligation documents in Umoja for all financial transactions; ensures establishment of proper monitoring systems through scheduled reporting; prepares periodic budget revisions and ensures appropriate resource allocations; reconciles accounts with amended budget; evaluates trends of financial implementation and makes necessary recommendations to the PMO. Initiate a range of accounting transactions on a regular and recurring basis (reviews, approves, reconciles and processes)
• Initiate the production, review and evaluation of financial reports with a view to identifying anomalies and unusual trends. Helps initiate corrective action.
• Obtains necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions and resolve issues related to project implementation, e.g. recruitment and appointment of personnel, travel arrangements, organization of and participation in training/study tours, authorization of payments, disbursement of funds, procurement of equipment and services, etc.
• Prepares, maintains and updates files (electronic and paper) and internal databases, generates a variety of periodic and ad hoc reports, and other background materials/notes to facilitate inspection and other reviews on financial and budgetary matters.
• Drafts correspondence and communications related to all aspects of programme/project administration, including work plan and budgets, revisions and other related issues, as well as prepares unit contributions for a variety of periodic reports.
• Assists in ensuring that accurate and complete accounting, reporting and internal control systems are functioning and that all relevant records are maintained.
• Support the PMO in researching and analyzing information needed to respond to audit queries and findings.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:
Colleagues and senior staff associated with assigned programmes/projects.
Staff in Divisions across the institution, e.g. Procurement, Administration/Finance/Budget, Translation, Human Resources, etc.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (Master or equivalent) or University degree (Bachelor) is required in the area of finance, business administration and management, or information technology is highly desirable. For Advanced university degree (Master or equivalent) at least five (5) years of professional experience; For university degree (Bachelor) at least seven (7) years of professional.

A minimum of seven years of experience in programme or project administration relating to accounting and finance environment, with strong IT skills is required. Particular attention is given to candidates who have knowledge of Umoja and overall UN financial and budgetary processes. Experience in the advanced use of Microsoft Excel is highly desirable.
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Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.