Un Finance Jobs In Kenya

The United Nations (UN) offers a range of finance jobs in Kenya, reflecting the country’s role as a significant operational hub for numerous UN agencies. These roles support the UN’s multifaceted development, humanitarian, and peacebuilding efforts across the region.

Common Finance Job Titles:

• Finance Assistant/Associate: Entry-level positions focusing on daily financial operations, processing payments, maintaining financial records, and providing administrative support to finance officers. Requires a diploma or bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field.
• Finance Officer: Responsible for managing budgets, financial reporting, analyzing financial data, ensuring compliance with UN financial regulations, and providing financial advice to project managers. Typically requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in finance, accounting, or business administration, along with several years of relevant experience.
• Budget Officer: Focuses on budget formulation, monitoring budget implementation, analyzing budget performance, and preparing budget reports. Requires a strong understanding of budgetary principles and practices, as well as excellent analytical skills.
• Procurement Officer/Specialist: While not strictly finance roles, these positions often involve significant financial aspects, such as managing procurement budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness, and negotiating contracts. They require expertise in procurement procedures and regulations.
• Finance/Administrative Manager: Oversees the financial and administrative operations of a specific UN office or project in Kenya. Requires extensive experience in financial management, administrative leadership, and team management.

Key UN Agencies Employing Finance Professionals in Kenya:

• UN Environment Programme (UNEP): Based in Nairobi, UNEP offers finance roles related to environmental conservation and sustainable development projects.
• UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat): Also headquartered in Nairobi, UN-Habitat employs finance professionals to manage the financial aspects of urban development initiatives.
• World Food Programme (WFP): WFP operates a significant humanitarian aid program in Kenya, requiring finance staff to manage the financial resources allocated to food assistance programs.
• UN Development Programme (UNDP): UNDP supports various development projects in Kenya, necessitating finance personnel to oversee budget management and financial reporting.
• UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR): UNHCR employs finance staff to manage the financial aspects of refugee assistance programs in Kenya.
• Other Agencies: Other UN agencies such as UNICEF, WHO, and UNFPA also have operations in Kenya and may occasionally offer finance positions.

Recruitment and Application Process:

UN finance jobs are typically advertised on the UN Careers website (careers.un.org) and the websites of individual UN agencies. The application process usually involves submitting an online application, including a cover letter, resume/CV, and academic transcripts. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for written tests, interviews, and other assessments. Fluency in English is essential for most positions, and knowledge of other UN languages may be an advantage.

Salaries and Benefits:

Salaries for UN finance jobs in Kenya are generally competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. The UN also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, pension, and paid leave.

Working in a UN finance role in Kenya can be a rewarding experience, offering the opportunity to contribute to important development and humanitarian efforts while working in a diverse and multicultural environment.