Budget and Finance Officer

Position and Grade:	Budget and Finance Officer (P-4)
Organizational Unit:	Section for Safeguards Programme and Resources Department of Safeguards
Duty Station:	Vienna, Austria
Issue Date:	23 April 2014
Application Deadline:	21 May 2014
Type/Duration of Appointment:	Fixed term , 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting

The Department of Safeguards is the organizational hub for the implementation of IAEA safeguards. The IAEA implements nuclear verification activities for some 180 States in accordance with their safeguards agreements. The safeguards activities are undertaken within a dynamic and technically challenging environment including advanced nuclear fuel cycle facilities and complemented by the political diversity of the countries. The Department of Safeguards consists of six Divisions: three Operations Divisions: A, B and C, for the implementation of verification activities around the world; three Technical Divisions: Division of Concepts and Planning, Division of Information Management, and Division of Technical and Scientific Services; as well as two Offices: the Office of Safeguards Analytical Services and the Office of Information and Communication Services. The Section for Programme and Resources is part of the Office of the Deputy Director General, and is a service and coordination section for the whole Department. It deals with programme analysis and resource management, including budget and financial control, management information, human resources, designation of inspectors, travel, as well as a variety of other management and administrative issues.

Main purpose

To plan, implement, monitor and control the efficient and effective utilization of financial resources for the Department of Safeguards.

Role

The Budget and Finance Officer plays several key roles: (1) the liaison point - working closely with relevant managers in the Department and with administrative staff, coordinating and synthesizing budget submissions, advising on overall budget envelopes and parameters including implementation, and assisting in the monitoring of their financial resources; (2) the adviser - explaining to managers the range of options and promoting the best solution; (3) the analyst - exercising insight, judgement and skill in the investigation and analysis of financial data, methods of implementing managerial and financial tasks, and recommending improvements; (4) the advocate - representing the views and needs of the Department; and, (5) as an approving/certifying officer within delegated authority.

Partnerships

The Budget and Finance Officer engages managers in the Department of Safeguards on budgetary and financial issues, from planning to monitoring and reporting. He/she advises staff members at all levels and consults with them to find creative and proactive solutions to complex matters. The incumbent seeks clarification and advice from the Division of Budget and Finance and advocates the administrative requirements of the Department. He/she interacts with Mission representatives on budgeting and funding issues relevant to the Department of Safeguards.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Preparation of the budget and financial plan: Coordinate and advise on the preparation of both, a results-based budget and financial plans with senior managers at the Division and project levels; consolidate all proposals at the Department level, preparing justifications and explanations, proposing alternatives, and coordinating the mid-year review of the financial plan. Monitoring of the utilization of funds: Evaluate the implementation of the financial plan for the Department; investigate major deviations from planned results suggesting corrective action, and issue monthly expenditure reports. Continued improvement of procedures in the administrative and financial areas: Provide guidance on the implementation of accrual budgeting in conjunction with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) to managerial and administrative staff at all levels in the Department of Safeguards. Review current practices, define objectives, design new or improved methods, establish and implement new procedures, and update and maintain the financial segment of the Department's Equipment Management Information System. General management tasks: Participate as an ex officio member of the departmental Equipment Coordination Committee; advise managers and administrative staff on procurement issues; exercise expenditure control within the Department within delegated authority.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Solid technical knowledge: Thorough knowledge and understanding of results-based budgeting and the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS); a complete, in-depth grasp of cost accounting, financial concepts and principles; Strong knowledge of financial regulations and rules/administrative procedures, and their application in an international organization is essential. Strong conceptual, evaluative and analytical skills: Demonstrated sound judgement in applying technical expertise to anticipate problems and propose innovative solutions/new approaches to enhance the management of resources and the implementation of mandates; Ability to conduct independent research, identifying issues, formulating options and making conclusions and recommendations. Communication skills: Proven ability to write reports and deliver presentations in a clear and concise manner. Interpersonal skills: Ability to lead and gain the assistance/cooperation of others; Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of differing cultural and professional backgrounds with sensitivity and respect for diversity; A high degree of tact, diplomacy and discretion, and proven ability to maintain confidentiality. Effective organizing skills: Excellent time management; ability to plan and prioritize own work and that of others under tight deadlines; Ability to work under pressure and to tackle numerous projects simultaneously.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in accounting, business/public administration or finance; recognized professional certification in accountancy highly desirable. Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in budget, accrual accounting and financial management, preferably in an international organization. Demonstrated experience and proficiency in computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing and complex computerized financial systems. Fluency in written and spoken English. Working knowledge of another official IAEA language (i.e. Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) desirable.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $67 611 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $46 043*, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; 6 weeks' annual vacation, home leave,pension plan and health insurance. How to apply to the IAEA Complete an Online Application * Subject to change without notice

Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are encouraged Applicants should be aware that IAEA staff members are international civil servants and may not accept instructions from any other authority. The IAEA is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. As part of the United Nations common system, the IAEA subscribes to the following core ethical standards (or values): Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for diversity. Staff members may be assigned to any location. The IAEA retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade or with a different contract type, or to make an appointment with a modified job description or for shorter duration than indicated above. Testing may be part of the recruitment process.