Branch Head (Finance and Accounting)

Headquarters Joint Support and Enabling Command (JSEC) provides a resilient operational-level Joint Headquarters capable of supporting 24/7 operations to coordinate enablement (at the operational level) and on order the execution of reinforcement by forces (RbyFo) and sustainment flow in order to contribute to the Alliances ability to project and sustain combat power into across and from the Area of Responsibility (AOR) and if required into a Joint Operations Area (JOA).

The Finance Directorate (J8) is responsible for drafting managing and executing the HQ allocated budgets as well as accounting purchasing and contracting goods and services.

The Finance and Accounting (F&A) Branch provides accounting services and financial management to the HQ and supported entities.

The incumbent is responsible for directing and managing daily operations related to F&A services needed by JSEC and advises the Director of Finance/Financial Controller on accurate financial reporting.

Principal Duties

The incumbents duties are:

1. Executes and oversees all necessary activities and procedures related with the fiscal year financial closure as well as preparing the Financial Statement inputs to be provided to the SHAPE Corporate Accounting Branch.

2. Responsible for the control of commitments and invoices as well as for maintaining the financial accounts. Ensure accounts are properly controlled and reconciled and appropriate internal controls is in place.

3. Responsible for the overall management of fiscal accounts and the preparation of related reports showing: budget allocations commitments expenditures collections and outstanding commitments to achieve maximum effective utilisation of resources.

4. Oversees and maintains the JSEC asset register up to date and ensure proper accounting for such property which includes ensuring the effective management of the disposal of assets and material procured by JSEC in compliance with all applicable regulations.

5. Oversees and directs processing of commitments payments and collection.

6. Reviews documents for eligibility propriety accuracy and completeness as well as ensuring availability of budgetary credits.

7. Authorises commitment of funds on behalf of the Financial Controller along with increases and decreases to existing commitments as required.

8. Oversees and directs the activities of the travel office.

9. Authorised to approve all invoices to be paid on behalf of the HQ.

Special Requirements and Additional Duties

The incumbent may be required to undertake deployments in support of military operations and exercises and/or TDY assignments both within and without NATO boundaries up to 180 days. The employee may be required to perform a similar range of duties elsewhere within the organization at the same grade without there being any change to the contract.

Essential Qualifications

A. Professional/Experience

1) Experience in all activities related to control of accounts and financial activities: reconciliation of accounts preparation of payroll and examination of vouchers; records and controls commitments obligation and expenditure of funds.

2) Experience in financial management with a special focus on ensuring compliance with all governance legal and regulatory requirements.

B. Education/Training

University Degree in accounting finance management business administration public administration economics or related discipline and 4 years post related experience or Higher Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training in that discipline leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation with 7 years post related experience.

C. Language

English - SLP 3333 (Listening Speaking Reading and Writing)

Desirable Qualifications

A. Professional Experience

1) Experience as chief accountant/finance and accounting officer in an international/multi-national organization with a minimum of 6 years in a management position.

2) Experience in tax related issues with a specific focus on the Host Nation.

3) At least two years of documented experience and knowledge in International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) or IFRS.

4) Extensive experience in operating automated financial systems.

5) In-depth knowledge of office automation software packages (i.e.- Microsoft Office).

6) Experience and knowledge of NATO financial regulations and regulations.

Attributes/Competencies

1. Personal Attributes: Must have analytical skills and a broad experience in NATO finance and accounting in order to recommend optimum solutions to a variety of Finance related issues. Independent judgement is required in the analysis of non-recurring and changing issues. The formulation of recommended solutions includes the application and modification of existing procedures as well as the development of new procedures and directives/supplements. They must be able to exercise the appropriate control mechanisms to ensure that assigned goals are reached within the parameters established by applicable regulations and policy. This presumes that the incumbent is equipped with sound consistent judgement and a forward-thinking approach. High level of integrity strong ethics and sound business judgement are essential. Also communication skills both oral and written are integral to the principal duties of this post.

Must have leadership skills tact and the ability to motivate others.

2. Professional Contacts: Internal contacts at all working and managerial levels of the command up to COM level. External contacts include higher HQs members of the Budget Committee and related working groups as well as Ministerial Representatives of member nations. This includes representing the HQ on stakeholders forums and meetings.

3. Contribution to Objectives: Makes a significant direct contribution to the work and objectives of the Financial Resources Branch by recommending course of action on the implementation of accounting financial and IPSAS policies. The incumbent is responsible for JSECs end of the year procedures and the Financial Statement.

4. Supervisory Responsibilities: Has the overall responsibility for the F&A branch and evaluates the performance of assigned staff. This requires the post holder to have leadership qualities and the ability to foster teamwork.

REMARKS:

Duration of contract: Serving staff members will be offered a contract according to the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations (NCPR). Newly recruited staff will be offered a definite duration contract of three years normally followed by an indefinite duration contract.

The salary will be the basic entry-level monthly salary defined by the NATO Grade of the post which may be augmented by allowances based on the selected staff members eligibility and which is subject to the withholding of approximately 20% for pension and medical insurance contributions.

NATO is committed to diversity and inclusion and strives to provide equal access to employment advancement and retention independent of gender age nationality ethnic origin religion or belief cultural background sexual orientation and disability. NATO welcomes applications of nationals from all member Nations.

Building integrity is a key element of NATOs core tasks. As an employer NATO values commitment to the principles of integrity transparency and accountability in accordance with international norms and practices established for the defence and related security sector. Selected candidates are expected to be role models of integrity and to promote good governance through ongoing efforts in their work.

Applicants who prove to be competent for the post but who are not successful in this competition may be offered an appointment in another post of a similar nature which might become vacant in the near future albeit at the same or lower grade provided they meet the necessary requirements.

We believe that all people are capable of great things. Because of this we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the criteria listed within this job description.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A NATO CIVILIAN POST AT SHAPE:

Applications are to be submitted using NATO Talent Acquisition Platform (NTAP) ( Applications submitted by other means (e.g. mail e-mail fax etc) are not accepted.

More information to be found on these links:

6 Tips for Applying to NATO

Application Process

Shortlisted candidates will be requested to provide original documentary evidence and a set of copies supporting statements in their applications. Appointment is subject to obtaining a NS security clearance and a medical certificate.

Remarks:

a. Only nationals from the 32 NATO member states can apply for vacancies at SHAPE.

b. Applications are automatically acknowledged within one working day after submission. In the absence of an acknowledgement please make sure the submission process is completed or re-submit the application.

c. Qualified redundant staff of the same grade interested in this post should inform this office via their HR/Personnel Office by not later than vacancys closing date.

d. NATO will not accept any phase of the recruitment and selection prepared in whole or in part by means of generative artificial-intelligence (AI) tools including and without limitation to Chatbots such as Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (Chat GPT) or other language generating tools. NATO reserves the right to screen applications to identify the use of such tools. All applications prepared in whole or in part by means of such generative or creative AI applications may be rejected without further consideration at NATOs sole discretion and NATO reserves the right to take further steps in such cases as appropriate.