Budget Assistant

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, combating human trafficking, 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. ODIHR’s assistance projects and other activities are implemented in participating States in accordance with ODIHR’s mandate.

The Budget Assistant’s post is located in the Finance Unit, Budget and Internal Control Sub-unit. Finance Unit is a part of the Common Services Department of Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). The objective of the Finance Unit is to provide quality support services to ODIHR programmatic departments in the areas of budgetary planning and control, management of travel-related finance, maintenance of general ledger accounts, and provision of treasury and cash management services.

The Budget and Internal Control Sub-unit provides project support services in the areas of Budget & Forecasting, Financial Oversight & Control and Budget Advisory. The sub-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 overall supervision of the Associate Finance Officer the selected candidate will perform the following functions and duties:

• Ensuring effective utilization of budgeted resources by reviewing proposed expenditures for authorization and availability of funds, and for compliance with regulations;
• 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;
• Supporting the execution of programmatic objectives by preparing budgets for programmatic activities based on data obtained from programmatic staff, official data sources and knowledge of previous project issues and requirements with respect to budget preparation and by understanding programmatic objectives, guiding programmatic staff with regard to budgeting considerations, coordinating with Finance Unit colleagues with regard to assumption utilization and standard formats and using knowledge of OSCE budgeting and documentation procedures;
• Supporting management decision making regarding the efficient and effective use of budgetary resources by monitoring budget utilization, forecasting expected results, proposing alternate funding sources as needed and preparing budget utilization reports and by communication with programmatic staff with regard to programme changes, Finance Unit colleagues with regard to financial updates and knowledge of ODIHR reporting standards;
• Supporting compliance with donor funding conditions by ensuring expenditures are consistent with donor requirements and limitations, preparing donor-specified financial requests and reports, preparing ODIHR annual donor reports and assisting Project Coordination Unit with financial aspects of donor communication;
• 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.

Necessary Qualifications:

• Completed secondary education; supplementary training in accounting or administrative courses is desirable;
• Minimum five years of relevant experience in finance, budget or related areas;
• Experience using financial modules of Enterprise Resource Planning systems;
• 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 is desirable;
• Ability to work with people of different nationalities, religions and cultural backgrounds.

Source: https://vacancies.osce.org/jobs/budget-assistant-g5-3891