Finance Assistant (G4)

Background:

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.

The Accounts and Treasury Unit within Finance Unit is responsible for the accounting and treasury activities of ODIHR and ensures all transactions are processed and recorded in accordance with the OSCE Financial Rules and Regulations and Common Regulatory Management System. The Unit activities include the oversight and management of the cash needs of ODIHR and all disbursements from ODIHR’s bank accounts.

Tasks and responsibilities:

Under the general supervision of the Senior Finance Assistant and the Chief of Finance and in accordance with financial rules and regulations and established financial procedures, the incumbent performs the following functions:

1. Ensuring accuracy of financial records by verifying authorization of invoiced expenditures against approved purchase orders; recording transactions in the general ledger system; analysing results, investigating discrepancies and recording correction transactions; and maintaining contact with suppliers on the status of their accounts;
2. Supporting proper ODIHR recovery of VAT by organizing and verifying relevant documents, completing claim forms, following up with suppliers for missing documentation, and maintaining contact with Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the status of the claims. Ensuring accuracy of financial records by processing reimbursement entitlements, and reconciling relevant general ledger accounts;
3. Managing organization of hard-copy financial records by maintaining files in coordination with Documents and Records Management Unit. Ensuring that rotation of files is properly managed so that Finance Unit staff can access relevant records at all times;
4. As required, supporting and acting as backup for Treasury Assistant by verifying wire transfers or accuracy and approving wire transfers with limits prescribed by regulations and banking relationships, cash recovery of Cigna insurance and telecommunication costs for Seconded Staff Members;
5. Performing other duties as assigned.

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

Necessary qualifications:

• ComRemuneration:
• pleted secondary education;
• Three years of experience in bookkeeping, accounting, financial operations or comparable work;
• Knowledge of computer applications (MS Office), and relational databases, experience in Oracle is an asset; 
• Familiarity with local banking practices is an asset;
• Good command of English is essential; working knowledge of Polish is strongly desirable; 
• Accuracy, reliability and integrity are required;
• Ability to work with people of different national or cultural backgrounds; Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities.

Remuneration:

Monthly remuneration, subject to social security deductions, is approximately PLN 5,800. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Poland.

Social security will include participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme (current approximate deduction for a staff member is 56 Euro) and OSCE Provident Fund. The Organization contributes an additional amount equivalent to 15% of the employee's salary to this pension-style fund while the employee contributes 7.5%. Other allowances and benefits are similar to those offered under the United Nations Common System for general services employees.
Appointments are normally made at step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale. 

How to apply:
 

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.

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 the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.