Programme Management Officer United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT MECHANISMS (SDM) PROGRAMME

Services and Management Support Unit

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NO: VA 12/030/SDM

PUBLICATION/TRANSMISSION DATE: 13 April 2012

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION 12 May 2012

TITLE AND GRADE: Programme Management Officer (P-3)

POST NUMBER: CDM-2933-V520-P3-004

INDICATIVE NET ANNUAL SALARY: US$ 56,091 to 62,803 (without dependents)

US$ 60,091 to 67,387 (with dependents)

(plus variable post adjustment, currently 49.4% of net salary) plus other UN benefits and pension fund

DURATION OF APPOINTMENT: One and a half years, with possibility of extension

DUTY STATION: Bonn, Germany

EXPECTED DATE FOR ENTRY ON DUTY As soon as possible

_____________________________________________________________________________

Background

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is the focus of the political process to address Climate Change. The Convention secretariat supports the Convention and its Kyoto Protocol by a range of activities, including substantive and organizational support to meetings of the Parties.

The Sustainable Development Mechanisms (SDM) Programme supports the implementation of the Kyoto mechanisms, the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Joint Implementation (JI). The Services and Management Support unit provides units within the programme and various stakeholders with the necessary management support, capacity-building and services for the implementation of their activities.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Manager, Services and Management Support Unit (SMS), Sustainable Development Mechanisms (SDM), and in close cooperation with the heads of Units in Administrative Services (AS), the incumbent is responsible for coordinating a range of accounting services in support of SDM’s financial and budgetary activities to analyse, forecast, and manage the programmes finances. In particular, the incumbent:

1. Reviews, analyses and finalises, using appropriate specialised systems, the preparation and maintenance of appropriate financial forecasts, related budgetary requirements and associated reporting, on the basis of independent research and submissions by respective Units, taking into account the recommendations and decisions of the relevant intergovernmental and expert bodies; providing substantive support in their review of the SDM management action plan and its revisions, assisting in the securing of relevant approvals from the CD Executive Board (EB) and the Joint Implementation Supervisory Committee (JISC); provides input and contributes to the development of new SDM finance policies, revision of existing provisions, and financial implementation agreements; prepares policy, analytical briefs and appropriate reports on strategic partnerships and resource mobilisation issues.

2. Provides professional leadership, work direction and performance management to the SDM Finance Support Team with respect to the review, analyses and finalisation of cost estimates and budget proposal for staff and non-staff requirements from sub-programmes and units, including programmatic aspects, as well as to suit changing needs and circumstances.

3. Analyses accounting and financial documentation, making appropriate risk assessments and paying particular attention to anomalies or unusual trends, initiating action to correct any anomalies and provides advice on complex cases; monitors and reviews selected financial transactions and documents to ensure implementation of the relevant procedures to check and monitor expenditure and income; acts as certifying officer for SDM transactions.

4. Provides advice and guidance on SDM’s financial practices, UN provisions, authoritative interpretation and industry best practices versus the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) requirements for handling financial transactions (e.g., authorising payments, approving budgets and various accounting documents); ensures that all financial transactions conform to these requirements before being cleared; carries out periodic reviews of sub-programme and budgetary accounts; prepares summaries/ad hoc reports for senior management and other external bodies/stakeholders, providing briefings and/or presentations; liaises with counterparts in AS on issues relating to application of UNFCCC financial rules and regulations, project approvals/revision/closures, access and operations of relevant systems.

Requirements

• First level university degree in Finance, Business or Public Administration or a directly related field
• 5 years of progressively responsible experience in management accounting, financial forecasting, budgeting or a directly related field. Successful completion of work in a section of the programme budget or demonstrated leadership of a team of staff working on a number of budgets and finance
• Experience in finance, forecasting, budget or statistical analysis in an international organization. Knowledge of UN legislative machinery and procedures, budgetary policies and practices, financial rules and regulations
• Excellent computer skills with knowledge of MS Excel and preferably IMIS. Previous background or exposure to auditing. Excellent supervisory, planning and organizational skills.
• Excellent knowledge of English (spoken and written). Knowledge of another UN language an asset.

Evaluation criteria

Professionalism: The capacity to identify problems/issues and participate in their resolution. Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor own work plan.

Commitment to continuous learning: Willingness to keep abreast of new developments in their field of work.

Communication: Ability to provide thorough, well reasoned contributions to documents and papers.

Technological Awareness: The capacity to make effective use of required computer software and other equipment relevant to the post.

Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations in a multi-cultural organization.

To apply

Candidates whose qualifications and experience match the requirements for this position, please use the on-line application system available at http://unfccc.int/secretariat/employment/recruitment

Please note:

1. Qualified women candidates and candidates from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply.

2. Service is limited to the UNFCCC secretariat.

3. We will confirm receipt of your application. However, only candidates under serious consideration and contacted for an interview will receive notice of the final outcome of the selection process.