Administrative and Financial Support Assistant (UNEP, Nairobi) – UN Jobs 2026

About the Organization

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the international environmental agenda and promotes sustainable development worldwide.

This role is part of the UN-REDD Programme, a collaborative initiative between UNEP, UNDP, and FAO, focused on combating climate change through forest protection, restoration, and sustainable land use. The programme supports countries in accessing climate finance and implementing REDD+ strategies to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.

About the Role

The Administrative and Financial Support Assistant will provide critical administrative and financial support to UNEP’s Climate Change Division, specifically within the UN-REDD Africa team.

Job Title: Administrative and Financial Support Assistant
Job Location: Nairobi
Organization: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Category & Level: Consultant (CON)
Contract Type: Individual Contractor
Duration: 6 Months
Closing Date: 10 May 2026
Job Opening ID: 276541

This role is essential to ensuring the smooth execution of programme activities, including financial tracking, legal documentation, travel coordination, and stakeholder engagement across multiple African countries.

You will work closely with the Regional Coordinator and Operations team to support project delivery and compliance with UN rules and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

Administrative & Financial Support

Assist in preparing and tracking legal agreements (e.g., SSFA, PCA)
Support budget monitoring and financial reporting
Validate expenditure statements and review project progress reports
Prepare payment requests and ensure proper documentation

Programme Coordination

Support planning and preparation of programme and project activities
Monitor project documentation and ensure timely approvals
Liaise with implementing partners to ensure compliance with UN procedures

Human Resources & Operations Support

Assist in recruitment and contract management processes
Process personnel actions in the UN Umoja ERP system
Ensure adherence to UN administrative policies

Travel & Event Coordination

Manage travel arrangements for staff, consultants, and partners
Process travel approvals and expense reports
Organize meetings, workshops, and hybrid events
Provide logistical and technical support for events

Documentation & Reporting

Maintain proper filing of legal and financial documents
Prepare meeting minutes and administrative reports
Support knowledge management and communication activities

Required Qualifications

Education

High school diploma or equivalent (required)
Degree in finance, accounting, business, public administration, or related field (desirable)

Experience

Minimum of 5 years of experience in finance, administration, accounting, or related fields
Experience with the United Nations or international organizations (advantage)
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel

Skills

Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
Attention to detail and accuracy
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work in a fast-paced, multicultural environment
Strong teamwork and collaboration skills

Languages

Fluency in English (required)
Knowledge of French or another UN language (desirable)

Programme Context

The UN-REDD Programme supports countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Zambia, and Côte d’Ivoire in strengthening forest governance, accessing climate finance, and implementing REDD+ strategies.

This role contributes directly to advancing climate action, forest conservation, and sustainable development across Africa.