Financial and Administrative Officer EUSR for the Horn of Africa

Brussels, Belgium

BACKGROUND:

The mandate of the EUSR for the Horn of Africa (Council Decision 2011/819/CFSP) calls intel alia for the EUSR for the Horn of Africa to:

• advise and report on the definition of EU positions in international fora in order to promote proactively the EU’s comprehensive policy approach towards the Horn of Africa;
• maintain an overview of all activities of the Union and cooperate closely with all relevant Union delegations;
• represent the Union in relevant international fora and ensure visibility for EU support to crisis management and prevention;
• encourage and support effective political cooperation and economic integration in the region through the EU’s partnership with the African Union (AU) and sub-regional organisations;
• closely follow the regional dimension of the Somali crisis, including terrorism, arms smuggling, refugee and migration flows, and maritime security, piracy and related financial flows.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• ensure day-to-day administration of EUSR administrative affairs in close collaboration with the Council Secretariat and the Commission, as well as other relevant actors on office related administrative issues (i.a. maintain updated inventory lists, purchase and maintain office equipment, furniture, telephones, computers and IT-connections);
• carry out effective administrative and financial procedures and control spanning the EUSR team (Brussels, Nairobi), including taking into account the particular requirements and safe-guards that these locations call for; provide periodic evaluation of trends and suggestions for improvement;
• manage budgetary and financial resources management for all EUSR Brussels/Nairobi offices, liaise with the financial authorities of the Council Secretariat and the Commission, assure standards and timeliness, establish monthly financial reports concerning the financial and budgetary situation in all offices;
• act as the EUSR Accountant, including mission bookkeeping on a daily basis, bank accounts, credit cards, payments etc. and other financial issues at EUSR offices;
• advice management and monitor and support field offices on the validity and conformity of administrative and financial procedures with the standing rules and regulations, ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements;
• perform any other tasks to help fulfil the mandate of the EUSR as requested by the EUSR.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

• Educational background in Finance/Accounting is strictly required;
• Minimum of 5 years experience relevant to the job description;
• Fluency in English (written and spoken);
• Working knowledge in French;
• Proven experience in working with an accounting software;
• Fulfilled obligations imposed by the applicable laws concerning military service;
• Physically fit to perform the duties linked to the post.

DESIRABLE:

• Experience with SAGE accounting software would be an asset.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

• Only those candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will be considered;
• This is a full time position;
• An initial contract under the Belgium law is offered until 30th of June 2012 with a possibility of renewal;
• If employed, the employee is required to present a valid certificate with the necessary level of security clearance (EU SECRET or equivalent) from the country of permanent residency;
• The EUSR for the Horn of Africa office is based in Brussels. However travel to Africa (Nairobi, Kenya) may be required (not on a regular basis);
• Starting date as soon as possible;
• Competitive salary package according to experience

PROCEDURE:

The deadline for applications is 17/02/2012. The selection procedure will take place immediately after the expiry of the deadline for submitting the applications. The candidates considered to be most suitable will be short-listed and, if needed, interviewed in Brussels or by phone. Interviews may be scheduled during second part of February. The EUSR will be responsible for the final selection and notify the candidate selected.

APPLICATIONS:

Please download and complete the application form here.

E-mail address to send completed job application forms only is:

anna.karagiavouroglou@ext.eeas.europa.eu

Please do not send at this stage recommendation letters. Only shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide such letters.