National Finance Officer (NP2)

Background:

The work of the Programme Office in Bishkek (POiB) focuses on a range of security issues including countering terrorism, border security and transnational threats such as human trafficking, to developing the country’s regions, strengthening efforts to combat corruption on all levels, as well as supporting the reform of the justice sector, implementation of election reform, gender equality and building open and resilient societies.

The post is located in the Finance Unit of the Fund Administration Unit (FAU), which is responsible for managing the financial operations of the Office, ensuring compliance with the OSCE Common Regulatory Management System (CRMS), maintaining accurate accounting records, and preparing financial reports and analyses. The Unit oversees budget implementation, financial planning, expenditure control, and cash management; reviews financial transactions for accuracy and compliance; provides guidance and training to programme and administrative staff on financial procedures; supports project budgeting and monitoring; and ensures the timely and accurate processing of payments and reimbursements. The Finance Unit also plays a key role in coordinating audit responses, maintaining internal financial controls, and contributing to the efficient use of the Mission’s resources in line with OSCE financial standards and best practices.

Main Purpose:

Support the management and oversight of the financial operations of the Office and ensure the effective implementation of OSCE Financial Regulations, Rules, and Instructions. The incumbent will be responsible for maintaining the accuracy and integrity of financial records, overseeing budget execution and expenditure control, and ensuring the timely processing of payments and financial reporting. The National Finance Officer is also responsible for monitoring compliance with internal controls, coordinating financial planning and forecasting, providing advice on financial matters to Programme Managers, and supporting the efficient and transparent use of the Office’s financial resources.

Working under the overall supervision of the Chief of the Fund Administration Unit (P3), the incumbent supports financial management, control, and reporting within the POiB. The incumbent provides advice and technical guidance on budget implementation, financial
planning, and compliance with OSCE Financial Regulations and Rules, and monitors financial performance, analyses trends, and recommends improvements to strengthen internal controls and procedures. The National Finance Officer remains abreast of developments in accounting standards and financial management practices and proposes solutions to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of the POiB’s financial operations.

Work Relationships:

The National Finance Officer (NP2) reports directly to the Chief of Fund Administration Unit (P3), while the Head of Programme Office acts as second-level supervisor. The National Finance Officer directly supervises one (1) Finance Associate (G6), two (2) Finance Assistants (G5), one (1) Treasury Assistant (G5) and one (1) Travel Assistant (G5).

Internal contacts are primarily within the FAU to ensure coordination and consistency in financial management, budgeting, and reporting. The incumbent also maintains regular communication with the Department of Management and Finance (DMF) of the OSCE Secretariat for guidance on financial policies, accounting standards, and compliance matters. The National Finance Officer maintains close communication with programme departments within POiB to provide financial advice, support accurate budgeting and its implementation, and facilitate project-related financial activities. External contacts include suppliers and contractors to verify financial information, ensure compliance with contractual terms, and resolve payment-related issues; representatives of the tax authorities on taxation and statutory reporting matters; and external experts or consultants to address finance-related queries and support administrative and financial arrangements for the effective implementation of project activities.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of the Fund Administration Unit (P3), the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

1. Monitoring and supporting the correct application of the OSCE CRMS, in particular the Financial Regulations and Financial Administrative Instructions; advising Programme Managers on the efficient and compliant use of financial resources; reviewing and verifying financial transactions and obligations; and ensuring that financial operations are accurately recorded and reported.
2. Supporting the maintenance of efficient financial services, including treasury, accounting, budget operations, and travel management. Reviewing existing procedures related to financial and travel management and contributing to the development and proposal of internal control procedures, tailored to the specific needs of the Office. Reviewing and proposing changes in the allocation of financial functions performed by the finance mission members;
3. Supporting the preparation, costing, and consolidation of the Office’s Unified Budget (UB) and Extra-Budgetary (ExB) project proposals; monitoring expenditures against approved project budgets and allotments; initiating budget revisions and adjustments; and monitoring and supporting compliance of project proposals and Purchase Requests with OSCE budgetary policies and donor requirements.
4. Preparing periodic financial reports and analyses for internal and external stakeholders, including management, the OSCE Secretariat, donors, and auditors; consolidating financial data for risk assessment and decision-making; and contributing to the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of financial reporting.
5. Verifying accounting entries in the General Ledger; conducting regular account reconciliations and reviewing unliquidated obligations and clearing accounts; contributing to the accuracy of payroll-related postings; and supporting the implementation of corrective accounting measures, as required.
6. Maintaining and updating Project Handler and other financial databases; guiding the entry and adjustment of project budgets; liaising with the OSCE Secretariat and Project Managers on the financial implementation of the UB and ExB projects; and supporting the consistency of data across all financial and project management systems.
7. Under the guidance of the CFA, maintaining and updating the Office’s risk management database; monitoring the implementation of risk mitigation measures; providing advice to Programme/Project managers on financial compliance and audit follow-up; following up on internal control established by the OSCE to support the alignment of financial practices with OSCE internal control requirements.
8. Delivering advice and on-the-job training to programme and administrative staff on financial policies, Oracle/IRMA systems, and reporting standards; representing FAU in internal meetings and consultations, as requested by the CFA; and coordinating with the Secretariat’s DMF, auditors, tax authorities, suppliers, and consultants on financial matters.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, please see: https://www.osce.org/ru/programm-office-in-bishkek.

Necessary Qualifications:

• First-level university degree in finance, accounting, business administration or economics.
• Certification from a recognised professional accountancy body, such as Certified Public Accountants or Chartered Accountants, would be an asset.
• A minimum of four (4) years (two (2) years with a second-level university degree) of progressively responsible professional experience in accounting, finance or budget, part of which preferably in an international organization;
• Computer literacy with advanced practical experience in Microsoft applications and experience in using ERP systems (e.g. Oracle, SAP);
• Extensive experience in Unified Budget (UB) and Extra-Budgetary (ExB) planning and forecasting, financial reporting, and programme-based budgeting; experience with IPSAS accrual-based accounting is desirable, and IPSAS certification would be an asset;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities.
• Ability and willingness to work as a member of team with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds, different genders, and diverse political views while maintaining impartiality and objectivity.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and local languages (Russian/Kyrgyz).

Remuneration Package:

Monthly remuneration, subject to social security deductions is 1818.92 Euro/month. Social benefits will include Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. Appointments are normally made at step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment, to offer an appointment at a lower grade or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration. 

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

Candidates interviewed and found suitable in the recruitment process for this vacancy notice will be placed on a roster of suitable candidates (valid for three years) for fixed-term posts, should a suitable opportunity arise. The placement on a roster does not guarantee a future appointment or assignment.

Please note that vacancies in the OSCE are open for competition only amongst nationals of participating States, please see https://www.osce.org/participating-states.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization.

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

Please note that for this position the OSCE does not reimburse expenses such as travel in connection with interviews, tests, visas and relocation.

Please be aware that OSCE appointments are subject to medical clearance. 

The mandatory retirement age at the OSCE is 65 years for contracted positions at the general service, professional and director level. The Organization shall apply an age limit of 62 years at the time of appointment as the incumbent selected is normally expected to carry out the contractual obligation of two years. 

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.