We are

The European Union (EU) is an economic and political partnership between 27 European countries. It plays an important role in international affairs through diplomacy, trade, development aid and working with global organizations. Abroad, the EU is represented through more than 140 diplomatic representations, known also as EU Delegations, which have a similar function to those of an embassy.

The EU Delegation to the Kyrgyz Republic, Bishkek works in close coordination with the Embassies and Consulates of the 27 EU Member States. We are a fully-fledged diplomatic mission and represent the European Union in dealings with the Kyrgyz government in areas that are part of the EU’s remit.

We offer

The post of Budget Assistant (Local Agent Group II) in the Delegation’s Finance, Contracts and Audit Section in the Kyrgyz Republic, which covers also the Delegations in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. The team consists of 10 people in Bishkek and 6 people in other Delegations in the region and there are occasional atypical working hours.
Under this post, the recruited person will be attributed functions depending on the needs of the Delegation and on the changes of these needs. The successful candidate will serve under the supervision and responsibility of the Head of Finance, Contracts and Audit Section, providing support, expertise and assistance.

Following main tasks and duties are currently required: 

• MANAGEMENT OF PROCUREMENT, CONTRACTS AND FINANCES: Ensure procurement procedures and contracts are coherent and compatible with regulations in force; Assist in the preparation of tenders/calls for proposals/contract dossiers while respecting standard procedures; Assist in analysis and verification of requests for derogation and regularization; Using internal systems as “Financial Initiator”; Assist in preparation, analysis and processing of documents for financial operations, including commitments, advance/interim/final payments, de-commitments, recovery orders and closures; Manage third party files; Archiving; Assist the review of proposed contracts and addenda to the commitments for compliance with financial regulation;
• TECHNICAL ANALYSES AND ADVICE: Assist with Tenders and Call for proposals dossiers received from Operational Sections; Advise on clarity and precision of Contract Forecasts, Terms of Reference, Technical Specifications, Procurement Notice, Tender dossier;
• LOGISTIC SUPPORT: Act as a Secretary in the shortlist and evaluation committees; Draft shortlist and evaluation reports; Prepare invitations for external evaluator; Organise meetings by booking room and preparing dossiers;
• CONTROL AND INSPECTION - MONITORING AND REPORTING: Prepare reports including those for calls for tenders and calls for proposals, contract signature and financial statistics; Ensure that project timelines which record tender and contract data are correct; Ensure contractual data is correct;
• INTER-SERVICE COORDINATION AND CONSULTATION: Ensure publication of Contract Forecasts, Procurement Notice, Shortlist Notice, Award Notice and Cancellation Notice; Liaise with Press and Information section to ensure publication in local press/internet; Assist in liaising with HQ on specific queries on application of Practical Guide or Financial Companion;

Provide support to HQ services in case of internal audit;

• EXTERNAL RELATIONS: Drafting clear and concise correspondence with Contractors; Participating in clarification meetings with Contractors;
• EXTERNAL AUDIT: Assist in audit tasks; Participate in control/audit missions on the spot;
• Other tasks that are in the interest of the service that are attributed by the Head of the Delegation or the Head of Finance, Contracts and Audit Section and their substitutes can also be required.

The base salary will depend on relevant and verified employment experience, typically starting from 1079 EUR (basic salary).  There is a competitive benefits package, subject to certain conditions, including personal leave days and public holidays, health insurances and a retirement savings plan.

Please note that about 28% of the basic salary is transferred directly to the Social Fund and Tax authorities (income tax) in accordance with the local legislation.

The expected start date will be 15 March 2024. 

Minimum requirements

• University degree in Business, Accounting, Finances or equivalent;
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in Finances/Accounting/Auditing or similar tasks
• Excellent knowledge (C1) of English language
• Excellent knowledge (C1) of Russian language
• Good knowledge of Kyrgyz language
• Previous working experience with international organization or embassy
• Right to residence and work in Kyrgyz Republic
• Fully computer literate and mastering Word, Excel, Outlook software

Assets / selection criteria (basis for awarding points to select the best applicant)

• Good knowledge of the EU and its external policies
• Ability to work in a team in a multicultural environment
• Strong sense of responsibility and reliability
• Capacity to communicate clearly and concisely
• Positive and service-minded attitude
• Commitment to quality, speed and accuracy
• Knowledge of EU internal systems (CRIS, ABAC, OPSYS,…)

The process

After the deadline for applications, the eligible applications will be admitted to the Selection by the Committee set up for this purpose. The Selection Committee will prepare a short-list of candidates who are considered to be the most suitable for the post on the basis of assessment of the information provided in the cover letter, CV and supporting documents. The short-listed candidates will be invited to an assessment phase which may include an interview and written test – during this phase, the Selection Committee will assess the suitability of the candidates for the post. At least 3 best candidates will be invited to the final interview.

Only candidates admitted to the interview will be contacted individually. The Delegation will use the same means of publication as for this job advertisement to inform the remaining candidates once the recruitment procedure has been completed and that a candidate has (or has not) been recruited. The Delegation will not supply additional information or discuss the selection procedure.

During the selection process, please do not contact the members of the Selection Committee, but address your questions and comments to the Delegation’s Administration.