Senior Financial Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
The European Space Agency (ESA) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the exploration of space. Established in 1975, ESA has grown to include 22 member states and employs over 2,200 staff members. The agency's mission is to shape the development of Europe's space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. ESA operates in multiple countries across Europe and collaborates with various international partners to advance space science and technology.

Job Overview:
The Senior Financial Advisor will play a crucial role in the Finance, Planning and Controlling Department within the Directorate of Resources and Services at ESA. This position is responsible for overseeing the management of the Pension Buffer Fund, ensuring compliance with governing rules, and providing secretariat services to the Pension Buffer Fund Management Board. The advisor will also supervise the management of fund assets and expenditures, propose investment opportunities, and organize the selection of external service providers. Additionally, the role involves preparing annual financial statements, liaising with external auditors, and conducting reporting to the Management Board and Administrative and Financial Committee. The advisor will manage the agency's social security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and post-employment healthcare system, coordinating periodic studies and representing the department in joint working groups. The position requires a proactive approach to risk management and quality assurance, as well as providing financial expertise to support the Head of Human Resources on pension-related matters.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Financial Advisor include:

• Managing the Pension Buffer Fund, including providing secretariat services to the Management Board and ensuring compliance with governing rules.
• Supervising and monitoring the management of fund assets and expenditures, proposing investment opportunities, and organizing the selection of external service providers.
• Ensuring proper accounting of fund assets and preparing annual financial statements in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Liaising with external auditors and conducting appropriate reporting to the Management Board and Administrative and Financial Committee.
• Managing relationships with fund asset portfolio managers and monitoring portfolio management agreements.
• Coordinating periodic Asset Liability Management studies on ESA Pension Schemes and maintaining a risk register for operations.
• Overseeing the agency's social security and post-employment healthcare system, including organizing treasury and investing resources.
• Monitoring and reporting on the results and evolution of the healthcare system.
• Representing the Head of Department in joint working groups on social security matters. 1
• Providing financial expertise and supporting the Head of Human Resources on pension scheme contributions and actuarial calculations. 1
• Coordinating the Department's risk management process and acting as the contact point for agency-level risk management. 1
• Participating in management meetings and relevant boards, preparing agendas and follow-ups for departmental meetings and events.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong expertise in accounting for complex financial instruments, particularly IPSAS 30 and IPSAS 4

• Additionally, candidates should have a good knowledge of financial management and accounting principles, as well as investment management approaches. Proficiency in SAP Financial modules and Microsoft Excel is essential. Strong written and oral communication skills are also required, along with competencies in result orientation, operational efficiency, fostering cooperation, relationship management, continuous improvement, and forward thinking.

Educational Background:
A master's degree in finance or a relevant discipline is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to perform the duties of the Senior Financial Advisor effectively.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of their master's degree. This experience should ideally be in financial management, accounting, or a related field, with a strong emphasis on managing complex financial instruments and pension funds.

Languages:
The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these languages is mandatory, while knowledge of another Member State language would be considered an asset. This linguistic requirement is crucial for effective communication within the agency and with external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is a four-year appointment, which is extendable to indefinite. Recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4), but if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant experience, the position may be filled at A1 level. During the recruitment process, applicants may be required to undergo selection tests, and successful candidates will need to undergo basic screening before appointment. The agency is committed to diversity and inclusiveness, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. ESA values diversity and seeks to accommodate individuals with disabilities in the workplace.