Back Budget Assistant

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 Budget and Internal Control Unit within Finance Unit provides project support services in the areas of Budget & Forecasting, Financial Oversight & Control and Budget Advisory. The Unit activities include the preparation of budgets for all activities regardless of funding source, processing of certain invoices, routine forecasting of operating results and business advisory support to programmatic staff and departments as well as management.

Tasks and responsibilities:

Under the general supervision of the Associate Finance Officer, by applying and interpreting OSCE and ODIHR financial rules and regulations in the context of the ODIHR operating environment, the incumbent performs the following functions:

1. Ensuring effective utilization of budgeted resources by reviewing proposed expenditures for authorization and availability of funds, and for compliance with regulations;
2. Supporting the effective utilization of budget funds by providing support and guidance to colleagues on approaches to effectively manage budgets, providing training and advice on policies/procedures and donor requirements, communicating issues and initiating corrective actions in relation to expenditures;
3. Supporting the execution of programmatic objectives by preparing budgets for programmatic activities;
4. Supporting management decision making regarding the efficient and effective use of budgetary resources by monitoring budget utilisation, forecasting expected results, proposing alternate funding sources as needed and preparing budget utilization reports;
5. Supporting compliance with donor funding conditions by ensuring consistency of expenditures, preparing donor-specified financial requests and reports, preparing ODIHR annual donor reports and assisting Project Coordination Unit with financial aspects of donor communication;
6. Ensuring accuracy of financial records by recording transactions in the general ledger system; analysing results, investigating discrepancies and recording correction transactions; reviewing, reconciling and taking action on outstanding balances; and providing information for reviews and audits;
7. As required, supporting the financial functions of Election Observation Missions by deploying to assist or replace Budget Assistant, Elections in conducting finance activities in the field;
8. Carrying out other related duties, as required by the Supervisor.

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.

Education and Experience:

• Completed secondary education. Supplementary training in accounting or administrative courses is desirable;
• At least 4 years of relevant experience in finance, budget or related areas;
• Computer literate with practical experience with Microsoft application and with large computerized accounting/financial systems.
• Work experience within a donor-funded and/or international organisation;
• Established knowledge of budget management process;
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English. Knowledge of Polish/Russian languages desirable;
• Ability to work with people with different national, religious 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 6.900. 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 46 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 made at step 1 of the applicable OSCE salary scale.