Associate Budget Officer (P2)

Job Posting Organization:
The Organization for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is a regional security organization founded in 1975, with a mission to promote peace, stability, and democracy in Europe. The OSCE has 57 participating States and operates in various countries across Europe, Central Asia, and North America. The organization focuses on a comprehensive approach to security that includes politico-military, economic, environmental, and human aspects. The OSCE Secretariat, based in Vienna, provides operational and administrative support to the Chairpersonship and field operations, ensuring effective management of resources and adherence to financial regulations.

Job Overview:
The Associate Budget Officer plays a crucial role in the financial management of the OSCE, acting as a financial analyst and liaison between various departments. This position requires a strong understanding of budgeting processes, financial regulations, and the ability to analyze and interpret complex financial data. The Associate Budget Officer will be responsible for reviewing budget proposals, ensuring compliance with established guidelines, and providing support to program managers throughout the budget implementation process. This role also involves drafting financial reports, overseeing budget forecasting, and maintaining the Hyperion system for accurate budgeting and forecasting. The position demands collaboration with diverse teams and the ability to integrate gender perspectives into financial tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Budget Officer will undertake a variety of tasks including:

• Participating in the formulation, analysis, verification, and consolidation of budget proposals, including drafting and revising budget texts such as Programme Outline and Unified Budget.
• Ensuring compliance of budget proposals with Permanent Council Decisions and Financial Regulations.
• Analyzing budget proposals to maintain standard costs and prevent over-budgeting.
• Liaising with Missions and Institutions to finalize budget submissions.
• Conducting thorough reviews of Unified Budget implementation to ensure expenditures align with approved activities.
• Overseeing monthly forecasting of budget implementation to identify resource allocation issues.
• Drafting financial reports for Senior Management and OSCE delegations.
• Acting as the focal point for technical issues and maintaining the Hyperion system.
• Certifying expenditures against approved budgets and advising on fund availability. 1
• Proposing improvements to budget processes and workflows.

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. Extensive experience with ERP systems, particularly Oracle or SAP, is required. Proficiency in computer applications, especially Excel, is essential. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are mandatory, and knowledge of at least one other OSCE region language is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate gender awareness and the ability to work in diverse teams while maintaining impartiality.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a first-level university degree, which is equivalent to a Bachelor's degree, in financial management, accounting, business administration, or a related field. Candidates with a second-level degree may qualify with two years of relevant experience instead of four years. Certification from a recognized international professional accountancy body is advantageous and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of professional experience in budgeting, accounting, or finance. Candidates with a relevant second-level degree may qualify with two years of experience. Experience in international governmental or commercial organizations is preferred, particularly in roles involving financial analysis and budget management. Familiarity with ERP systems, especially the budget module of Oracle or SAP, is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills. Knowledge of at least one additional language from the OSCE region is desirable, as it enhances the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders and contributes to the organization's commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract at the P2 level, with a full-time schedule. The monthly remuneration is approximately EUR 6,100, subject to post adjustment and family status. OSCE salaries are exempt from taxation in Austria, and social benefits include participation in the Cigna medical insurance scheme and the OSCE Provident Fund. The OSCE is committed to diversity and encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds. Appointments are subject to medical clearance, and the maximum period of service in this post is seven years. The mandatory retirement age for contracted positions is 65 years.