Support Programme Financial Officer (P-2)

Organizational Unit:	Support Programme Coordination Team Strategic Planning and External Coordination Section Division of Concepts and Planning Department of Safeguards
Duty Station:	Vienna, Austria
Issue Date:	14 March 2013
Application Deadline:	25 April 2013
Type/Duration of Appointment:	Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting

The Department of Safeguards (SG) 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 Division of Concepts and Planning is responsible for strategic planning, the development and promotion of safeguards concepts and policy, the coordination of research and development activities, the implementation of the quality management system of the Department, and the provision and development of training. The Strategic Planning and External Coordination Section is responsible for Departmental strategic planning; coordination of research and development, including Member State Support Programmes, in line with the Department's Long-term Strategic Plan; external relations and coordination of Departmental participation at outside events; provision of support to advisory and policy-making bodies; and the provision of advice on implementation of safeguards agreements, protocols and policies.

Main purpose

As a member of a team led by the Support Programme Coordination Team Leader, the Support Programme Financial Officer supports the Section for Strategic Planning & External Coordination in all programme and budget matters. He/she manages Member State Support Programme (MSSP) contributions to safeguards research and implementation support projects and tasks from the initial stage of pledges, through acceptance, allotments and monitoring up to the final stage of reporting and evaluation. He/she advises managers on the use of MSSP contributions and related processes and provides guidance to facilitate their implementation.

Role

The Support Programme Financial Officer assists the Section Head in all programme and budget matters, is a manager of MSSP contributions, an adviser to programme and project managers on a range of budgetary issues associated with these extrabudgetary contributions to ensure the correct and consistent application of financial rules, regulations, policies and procedures, and a facilitator of MSSP contributions implementation.

Partnerships

The Support Programme Financial Officer engages with the Team Leader and Section Head on the status of assignments and builds strong relationships with line and project managers responsible for implementation of R&D activities funded through MSSP contributions. In relation to financial rules, regulations, policies and procedures, he/she provides guidance and mentoring to managers, professionals and senior GS staff throughout the Department, as well as MSSP representatives. Close cooperation with staff in the Division of Budget and Finance is required in order to effectively manage the extra budgetary resources and implement the required processes.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Supports the Section on all programme and budget matters, including the use of the Agency-wide Information System for Programme Support (AIPS). Manages MSSP contributions through the lifecycle: initiate and follow-up the acceptance process, monitor and process MSSP funds authorizations, handle allotments and transfers in AIPS, monitor the MSSP tasks budgets and take appropriate actions as necessary. Consults and provides guidance and support to project managers and relevant staff on the MSSP related budget processes, to ensure that guidelines, policies, rules and regulations are fully understood and correctly applied. Contributes information and documentation for programme and budget briefings, for IAEA documents and for the compilation of various reports required by Member States. Carries out any special studies and analyses requested by supervisors with respect to MSSP contributions related issues and makes appropriate recommendations on the application of the results. Contributes to the effective and efficient coordination of MSSP activities by contributing to the processes associated with planning, monitoring and evaluation of R&D activities funded through MSSP contributions. Provides guidance and support to project managers and relevant staff on International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) related issues to ensure IPSAS-compliant accounting and reporting.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Professional skills: Knowledge of financial regulations, rules and procedures, preferably in an international organization. Knowledge of IAEA financial policies and effectiveness in their interpretation is an advantage; Knowledge of programme and project management techniques; Advanced computer skills, including spreadsheets and database applications; Hands-on experience in the use of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. Knowledge of Oracle is an advantage; Ability to communicate tactfully with staff at all levels in the organization as well as with external counterparts. High degree of accuracy to ensure the correctness of financial information; and Demonstrated ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor his/her own work. Communication skills: Ability to prepare reports and conduct presentations on key issues by clearly formulating positions on issues and making and defending recommendations; and Ability to communicate tactfully with staff at all levels in the organization as well as with external counterparts. Interpersonal skills: Ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; and Ability to establish and maintain good relationships with managers and staff from different parts of the organization as well as with external counterparts.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

University degree in business administration, accounting or finance. Advanced university degree an advantage. Minimum of two years of relevant experience contributing to programme and budget matters. Experience working in an international organization is an advantage. Fluency in spoken and written English is essential. Knowledge of German, French, Russian or Spanish an advantage.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $46 730 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $26 963*, 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.