Associate Extra-budgetary Contributions Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is an intergovernmental organization established to promote peace, stability, and democracy in Europe. Founded in 1975, the OSCE has grown to include 57 participating States, encompassing a wide geographical area from Vancouver to Vladivostok. The organization employs approximately 3,500 staff members and operates in various countries, focusing on a comprehensive approach to security that includes politico-military, economic, environmental, and human aspects. The OSCE Secretariat, located in Vienna, plays a crucial role in supporting the Chairpersonship and providing operational and administrative support to field operations and other institutions. The Department of Management and Finance (DMF) within the OSCE is responsible for managing the organization's material and financial resources, ensuring efficient and effective management of non-staff resources in support of OSCE programmatic activities. DMF also develops and maintains the OSCE Financial Regulations and Rules and Financial Administrative Instructions, ensuring compliance and effective financial management across the organization.

Job Overview:
The Associate Extra-budgetary Contributions Officer is a pivotal role within the OSCE Secretariat, specifically within the Integrated Resource Management Unit of the Department of Management and Finance. This position is designed for individuals who are seconded from their respective national authorities and is classified at the P2 level in the UN common system. The primary function of this role is to act as a financial analyst, responsible for reviewing cost and program data, analyzing financial information, preparing reports, and actively supporting the administration of extra-budgetary contributions. The officer will work closely with Programme and Project Managers to ensure the accurate development and submission of extra-budgetary financial reports to donors, as well as the review of project proposals and donor agreements. The role requires a proactive approach to improving extra-budgetary administration and integrated resource management processes, leveraging new technologies and best practices. The officer will report directly to the Chief of the Integrated Resource Management Unit and will collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure compliance with financial regulations and effective resource management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Extra-budgetary Contributions Officer will undertake a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: preparing recurring and ad-hoc extra-budgetary financial reports and analyses as requested by donors and senior management; providing support to Programme and Project Managers in developing and facilitating the submission of financial reports to donors; administering extra-budgetary pledges from donors and ensuring proper allocation of funds to projects; guiding Programme and Project Managers through the pledge acceptance process in accordance with OSCE Financial Regulations; reviewing donor agreements and providing support in negotiating terms to mitigate potential risks; supporting the review of draft project proposals; advising on fulfilling donor requirements; developing and implementing procedures to enhance integrated resource management; facilitating end-year closure activities; and administering the Projects and Grants Accounting modules within Oracle. The officer will also be expected to contribute to team efforts and collaborate with colleagues from diverse backgrounds while maintaining impartiality and objectivity.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree in financial management, accounting, business administration, or a related field. Certification from a recognized international professional accountancy body is considered an asset. Additionally, candidates should have at least four years of professional experience in budgeting, accounting, or finance within an international governmental or commercial organization. Experience in reviewing extra-budgetary agreements and assessing risks in contracts is also advantageous. A solid understanding of the European Union legal framework and contracting modalities would be beneficial. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are mandatory, and knowledge of another language from the OSCE region is desirable. Proficiency in computer applications, particularly Excel spreadsheets, is essential, along with extensive experience with ERP systems such as Oracle or SAP. Candidates should demonstrate gender awareness and sensitivity, with the ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a first-level university degree, which is equivalent to a Bachelor's degree, in financial management, accounting, business administration, or a related field. This foundational education is crucial for understanding the complexities of analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">financial analysis and management within an international organization. Additional qualifications, such as certification from a recognized international professional accountancy body, would enhance a candidate's profile and demonstrate a commitment to professional standards in finance and accounting.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of four years of professional experience in budgeting, accounting, or finance. This experience can be reduced to two years if the candidate holds a relevant second-level university degree. The ideal candidate will have a background in international governmental or commercial organizations, which will provide them with the necessary skills and understanding of the financial landscape in such environments. Experience in reviewing extra-budgetary agreements and assessing risks in contracts is also highly valued, as it directly relates to the responsibilities of the role.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the OSCE. Candidates should possess excellent oral and written communication skills in English to effectively engage with stakeholders and produce high-quality financial reports. Additionally, knowledge of another language from the OSCE region is considered desirable, as it can enhance communication and collaboration with diverse teams and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a seconded role, meaning that candidates must be nominated by their respective national authorities. The OSCE Secretariat retains the discretion to re-advertise or cancel the vacancy, and only candidates selected for further stages of recruitment will be contacted. The position is full-time and fixed-term, with a maximum service period of 10 years. Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials are expected to conduct themselves in a manner befitting their status as international civil servants, maintaining integrity, independence, and impartiality. The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. Additionally, candidates should note that OSCE appointments are subject to medical clearance, and the organization does not request payment at any stage of the application process.