Senior Extra-Budgetary Contributions Officer

This is a short-term position valid for 5 months 29 days with the possibility of extension subject to budget availability.

The Department of Management and Finance (DMF) is the largest department in the OSCE Secretariat and is responsible for managing the material and financial resources of the Organization. It provides policy guidance on the management of OSCE financial and material resources and develops and maintains OSCE Financial Regulations and Rules and Financial Administrative Instructions. The Budget and Finance Services Section consists of the Accounts Unit, Budget Unit and Treasury.

The Budget and Finance Services section is responsible for co-ordinating and supporting the programme planning and budgeting process in general, including providing advice to relevant stakeholders.  It is also the focal point for support to the field Finance Administration Units, providing on-site assistance and training in business application systems and associated controls which are designed to strengthen the internal control environment and reduce risk through effective mitigation measures.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief, Treasury and Extra-Budgetary (ExB) Contributions and the overall supervision of the Deputy Director of the Department of Management and Finance, as well as in close coordination with other Units, the incumbent carries out the following functions:

1. Reviewing business processes with the view to improve efficiency in the ExB unit;
2. Participating in negotiations pledge letters and grant agreements with Donors and other OSCE units to ensure that they are in line with OSCE Rules and Regulations;
3. Liaising with the Legal Services on the grant agreement review;
4. Providing guidance and advice to Donors and OSCE delegations regarding pledges for ExB projects;
5. Providing guidance and advice to OSCE Project Managers regarding fulfilling Donors’ requirements set forth in grant agreements, pledge letters and Diplomatic Notes;
6. Being involved in the on-going projects including involvement with the finalisation of the Indirect Common Cost (ICC) automation project;
7. Reviewing donor reporting and communications and suggesting improvements in line with best practices;
8. Proactive involvement in the DMF/Office of Legal Affairs (OLA) initiative to better engage with the EU and provide recommendations on how to ensure legal and financial exposures are mitigated and contractual compliance is assured;
9. Ensuring that the relevant system aspects/components are functioning properly and that the information concerning extra-budgetary resources is accurate and that it is properly channelled to those persons requiring such information;
10. Performing other related duties as assigned such as providing training to finance staff OSCE wide on extra-budgetary activities.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Secretariat, please see http://www.osce.org/secretariat.

• Second-level university degree in business administration or other related fields or certification from a recognized professional accountancy institution;
• Eight years of professional experience in budgeting, accounting or finance in an intergovernmental, governmental or commercial organization;
• Strong experience in process review, documentation and analysis and familiarity with continuous improvement approach with a view to maximise efficiencies;
• Experience reviewing agreements and assessing risks in contracts;
• Understanding the EU legal framework and contracting modalities;
• Ability to work in complex decision making and governance systems;
• Ability to work under time pressure and with tight deadlines;
• Professional fluency in English; knowledge of other OSCE languages would be an asset;
• Ability to operate standard computer applications including word processing and email;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;
• Experience of working in a multilateral/multicultural environment; and ability to establish and maintain effective work relations with different cultural and national backgrounds.

Monthly remuneration is approximately EUR 7,404 depending on post adjustment. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Austria. Social benefits will include possibility of participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme. Other allowances and benefits are similar to those offered under the United Nations Common System.

Appointments are 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://jobs.osce.org/vacancies.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise 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 applicants who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

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

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