Associate Finance Officer, Elections

The OSCE has a comprehensive approach to security that encompasses politico-military, economic and environmental, and human aspects. It therefore addresses a wide range of security-related concerns, including arms control, confidence- and security-building measures, human rights, national minorities, democratization, policing strategies, counter-terrorism and economic and environmental activities. All 57 participating States enjoy equal status, and decisions are taken by consensus on a politically, but not legally binding basis.

The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) is the principal institution of the OSCE responsible for the human dimension. ODIHR is active throughout the OSCE area in the fields of election observation, democratic development, human rights, tolerance and non-discrimination, and the rule of law. ODIHR's assistance projects and other activities are implemented in participating States in accordance with ODIHR's mandate.

This position is located in the Finance Unit of the Common Services Department in OSCE ODIHR and will become vacant as of 18 November 2019. The Finance Unit is responsible for budgetary planning and control in line with Financial Rules and Regulations and Programme objectives.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Finance and the overall supervision of the Second Deputy Director, the incumbent provides financial management support to the Elections Programme of ODIHR. In particular, as Associate Finance Officer, Elections, you will be responsible for:

1. Co-ordinating financial matters related to the operations of the ODIHR EOMs (Election Observation Missions);
2. Providing advice and guidance, including training to ODIHR and field staff on OSCE and ODIHR budgetary and financial policies and procedures, including project budgeting, efficient management of financial resources and regular reporting;
3. Supervising Budget Assistants, and co-ordinating, with the Elections Department, the assignments to Elections activities in the field;
4. Developing, monitoring and revising budgets for the Elections Department, including advice on budget implementation - verification of disbursements, expenditure reviews, reallocation of funds, and preparation of internal and external reporting both on regular basis and as requested;
5. Liaising with relevant parties to ensure follow-up actions on budget implementation, funds management and reporting;
6. Monitoring and keeping up-to-date on OSCE/ODIHR policies and decisions, procedures and donor requirements that have a bearing on matters related to project budgets. Interpreting and implementing such for the use of Elections Department and staff deployed at ODIHR EOMs (Election Observation Missions). Ensuring compliance with OSCE/ODIHR financial and administrative policies and procedures;
7. Carrying out other related duties as required.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, please see: https://www.osce.org/odihr

• First-level university degree in accounting, finance, business administration, economics or in a related field and/or supplemental education (certificate or advanced degree) in accounting, finance or business administration. Certification from a recognized professional accountancy institution, such as Certified Public Accountant or Chartered Accountant, is desirable;
• Four years of professional experience in budget, accounting or finance, including some in an international organization, and some experience in inter-governmental, governmental or commercial organization.;
• Established supervisory experience, with a good understanding of the procedures and requirements for the management and control of budgets;
• Computer literate with practical experience with Microsoft applications, ERP systems and database software;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Knowledge of another official OSCE language would be an asset;
• Ability to work with people of different nationalities, religions and cultural backgrounds;
• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities.

• Commitment: Actively contributes to achieving organizational goals
• Diversity: Respects others and values their diverse perspectives and contributions
• Integrity: Acts in a manner consistent with the Organization’s core values and organizational principles
• Accountability: Takes responsibility for own action and delegated work

• Communication: Actively works to achieve clear and transparent communication with colleagues and with stakeholders of the Organization
• Collaboration: Works effectively with others on common goals and fosters a positive, trust-based working environment
• Planning: Works towards the achievement of goals in a structured and measured manner
• Analysis and decision-making: Analyses available information, draws well-founded conclusions and takes appropriate decisions
• Initiative-taking: Proposes and initiates new ideas, activities and projects
• Flexibility: Responds positively and effectively to changing circumstances

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, builds trust and creates an enabling environment
• Strategic thinking: Identifies goals that advance the organizational agenda and develops plans for achieving them
• Managing performance: Helps to maximize team performance by providing active feedback and skill development opportunities

Monthly remuneration is approximately EUR 4,170 depending on post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Poland. Social benefits will include possibility of participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. The Organization contributes an amount equivalent to 15% of the employee's salary to this Fund and the employee contributes 7.5%. Other allowances and benefits are similar to those offered under the United Nations Common System.

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://jobs.osce.org/vacancies.

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 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.

The OSCE is a non-career organization committed to the principle of staff rotation, therefore the maximum period of service in this post is 7 years.

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