European Union Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue - Advertisement for Financial and Administrative Officer to the EUSR for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue

1. Essential Requirements

Citizenship – Citizen of a Member State of the European Union (EU) and enjoying full rights as a citizen.

Ability to communicate effectively in English – The candidates must be fully fluent in written and oral English language.

Education - Successful completion of University studies of at least 3 years attested by a diploma OR a qualification in the National Qualifications Framework which is equivalent to level 6 in the European Qualifications Framework OR a qualification of the first cycle under the framework of qualifications of the European Higher Education Area, e.g. Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in Economics, Finance or Accounting.

Professional experience - A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in the field of finance, after having fulfilled the education requirements, preferably in the EU institutions or EU CFSP operations. 

Computer Skills – Ability to operate Windows, including MS Office, and excellent knowledge of Excel, Sage Accounting or other PC based accounting systems.

Excellent analytical, research and problem-solving skills.

Ability to establish and maintain effective work relations in a multicultural environment.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

The EU strives to improve gender balance in conformity with UNSCR 1325. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

2. Essential Documents and Requirements for the Selected Candidates

Personnel Security Clearance – To have or obtain a national security clearance at “EU SECRET” level or equivalent.

3. Additional Information on the Selection Process

Deadline for applications – the deadline for applications is 20 February 2025, 17:00 Brussels time. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

Application Form – Applications will be considered only when using the standard Application Form (Annex 2).

Selection process - The candidates considered to be most suitable will be shortlisted and interviewed by VTC (Webex or Zoom), before the final selection is made.

Information on the Outcome – Candidates will be informed about the outcome of the selection process after its completion.

4. Job Description

1. Overall purpose

The Financial and Administrative Officer (FAO) for the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue is a locally recruited person with a duty station in Brussels. He/she is responsible for providing the financial, administrative and accounting support in order to ensure a smooth, cost-efficient and effective functioning of the EUSR’s office in Brussels, as well as the field offices in Belgrade and Pristina.

The FAO will be part of the EUSR’s team based in Brussels.

2. Main tasks and responsibilities

The roles, responsibilities, and tasks of the FAO include the following:

• Managing the daily administration, infrastructure and logistical needs of the EUSR and their team in close collaboration with the EEAS and the European Commission. Additionally, managing other relevant actors and office-related administrative issues (i.a. maintain updated inventory lists and archiving system/records, procure, purchase and maintain supplies and services, including office equipment, furniture, telephones, computers, and IT-connections).
• Managing the administrative and internal financial procedures and oversight in a cost-efficient and effective manner. Compiling periodical evaluation of trends and suggestions for improvement, and taking into account the field offices.
• Acting as the EUSR’s accountant, including mission book-keeping; implementation of accounting operations and postings; management of bank accounts, credit cards, and financial issues at EUSR mission offices; processing of invoices, payments, and reimbursements; maintaining of complete, accurate and well-archived accounting records; registration of all financial activities in the Sage Accounting Program.
• Ensuring expenses are authorized and processed in accordance with the agreed procedures and implementation of budgetary and financial resource management policies, in cooperation with the financial authorities of the EEAS and the European Commission.
• Compiling quarterly, interim and final reports on the financial and budgetary situation of the EUSR in all offices in a timely manner meeting all quality standards.
• Preparing annual budgets and any modifications that could be requested during the mandate.
• Monitoring and support of field offices on validity/conformity of administrative and financial procedures, ensuring compliance with financial and regulatory requirements.
• Maintaining complete audit trail for all financial operations and preparing the files for the mandate's external audit and assisting the auditors.
• Work in close collaboration with the European Commission and the EEAS as well as the relevant Belgian authorities.
• Performing any other tasks duties to fulfil the mandate of the EUSR as requested.