Staff Officer (Internal Control & Coordination)

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by NATO, specifically the Joint Warfare Centre (JWC), which is an integral part of NATO's operations. NATO, established in 1949, is a military alliance of 30 member countries from North America and Europe, dedicated to mutual defense and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security cooperation. The JWC focuses on enhancing NATO's operational capabilities through training and exercises, ensuring that member nations can effectively collaborate in various military operations. The organization emphasizes international cooperation, strategic planning, and operational readiness, and it operates in multiple countries across Europe and North America, with a significant presence in Norway.

Job Overview:
The Staff Officer (Internal Control & Coordination) position is crucial for maintaining the integrity of financial management systems within NATO. This role involves overseeing the internal control processes related to international funds, ensuring that the Joint Warfare Centre (JWC) operates efficiently and effectively. The officer will be responsible for establishing and maintaining a robust internal control system, conducting assessments, and providing recommendations to enhance financial operations. The position requires collaboration across various NATO networks, allowing the officer to impact and improve financial processes significantly. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring that financial resources are utilized in a cost-effective manner, aligning with NATO's mission and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will have a comprehensive set of duties, including initiating and maintaining an internal control system within the Office of Budget & Finance (BUDFIN). Responsibilities include conducting internal control assessments, managing financial risk evaluations, and analyzing the effectiveness of existing controls for both appropriated and non-appropriated funds. The officer will serve as the Executive Officer for BUDFIN, acting as the primary contact for cross-sectional coordination tasks, ensuring effective communication across departments. Additionally, the role involves coordinating annual audits, overseeing internal control processes, and ensuring compliance with formal approval processes for transactions. The officer will also review working practices within BUDFIN, identify opportunities for automation, and lead the drafting and revision of relevant policies and procedures. Monitoring National Support Elements and ensuring adequate controls for duty-free privileges and VAT reimbursements are also key responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a University Degree in accounting, finance, management, business administration, public administration, economics, or a related discipline, along with at least 2 years of relevant experience. Alternatively, candidates with Higher Secondary education and advanced vocational training leading to a professional qualification or accreditation must have 4 years of post-related experience. Extensive experience at a middle management level in governmental budgetary administration and financial control operations is essential. Familiarity with Automated Data Processing (ADP) financial management systems is also required, along with strong communication and negotiation skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a University Degree in fields such as accounting, finance, management, business administration, public administration, economics, or related disciplines. Candidates with higher secondary education and advanced vocational training leading to professional qualifications are also considered, provided they have the requisite experience. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of financial management and internal control systems within NATO.

Experience:
Candidates should have extensive experience, ideally at least 4 years, in finance and control functions, particularly within an international military headquarters or similar international organizations. Experience in governmental budgetary administration and financial control operations is critical, as is familiarity with the working practices of major international organizations. The role demands a strong understanding of internal control and auditing practices, as well as experience in departmental and cross-functional management.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, with an upper-intermediate to advanced proficiency required. This is essential for effective communication within NATO, as the work environment primarily operates in English. While not mandatory, proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly for candidates who may engage with diverse international teams.

Additional Notes:
The successful applicant will be offered a three-year definite duration employment contract, with the possibility of extension based on performance and organizational needs. The position is full-time, and the starting salary is NOK 93,933.00 per month, which is tax-free. Additional allowances may apply based on personal circumstances. The role may require irregular working hours, especially during exercises or events, and regular travel on temporary duty may be necessary. NATO is committed to diversity and encourages applications from all NATO member states, particularly from women. Applications must be submitted in English through the NATO Talent Acquisition Platform, and candidates are advised to attach relevant qualifications and certificates to support their applications.