Vacancy Notice No. 2008/024
Position and Grade: Finance Officer (Financial Monitoring) (P-4)
Organizational Unit: Division of Programme Support and Coordination
Department of Technical Cooperation
Duty Station: Vienna, Austria
Issue Date: 16 April 2008
Application Deadline: 29 May 2008
Type/Duration of Appointment: Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting
The Department of Technical Cooperation (TC) comprises a Division of Programme Support and Coordination and four regional Divisions. The objective of the Division of Programme Support and Coordination is to develop strategies, policies, standards and tools to support the technical cooperation (TC) programme. Expected outcomes include: the development of a technical cooperation programme (TCP) which meets Member States' needs and is in line with best practices; expanded cooperation through existing and new partnerships; mobilization of extrabudgetary funds; and greater recognition of the IAEA as a partner in development.

The TC operating environment is interactive, participative and dynamic with continuous inputs received from the IAEA Board of Governors, the IAEA General Conference, policy- and decision-makers as well as technical counterparts in Member States, other parts of the Secretariat and the international development community.

The Finance Officer reports to the Head of the Programme Coordination Section.

Main purpose
As a member of a team led by the Section Head, and in close cooperation with TC Directors and programme managers at all levels, as well as senior staff in the Division of Budget and Finance (MTBF), the Finance Officer is responsible for ensuring compliance with existing financial regulations, rules, policies and accounting practices. He/she is also responsible for the development and further enhancement of monitoring procedures, tools and reporting mechanisms for the allocation and usage of the TCP resources as well as for advice on their efficient use. He/she assists the Deputy Director General and Directors to discharge their responsibilities for overall financial management of the TCP and is responsible for the integrity of TCP financial data.

Role
The Finance Officer is: (1) a Specialist in providing in-depth knowledge and information on all aspects of TC financial resources and their use in implementing the TCP; (2) an Adviser and Trainer to other TC professionals and senior GS staff on the financial management and use of TC resources, and to all stakeholders, both in house and in the Member States, in developing programmes to assure they have the necessary information to effectively use TCP financial resources and (3) an Innovator in reviewing monitoring approaches, reports and developing new or enhancing existing procedures to increase efficiency and effectiveness of resource allocation and use.

Partnerships
The Finance Officer works closely with senior management, professionals and senior GS staff in the TC Department, professional and senior GS staff in MTBF, internal and external auditors and Member State representatives. These contacts focus on effective use of TC resources, provision of required financial information, and development and enhancement of existing procedures.

Functions / Key Results Expected
  • Develop and maintain a framework for financial resource allocation for the technical cooperation programme, analysing past trends and future prospects and setting financial parameters in consultation with programme managers; provide management with forecasts of available resources for the TCP and recommend innovative solutions and appropriate corrective actions when required.
  • Continually review approaches and processes regarding the allocation, management, monitoring and reporting of TCP financial resources, recommending enhancements as appropriate to increase efficiency and effectiveness; ensure that TC-specific financial requirements and procedures are understood and incorporated into the IAEA's corporate systems.
  • Monitor and assess the financial performance of the TCP; analyse financial data to establish the extent to which Member States can receive assistance from the Technical Cooperation Fund (TCF), and to cost proposed activities, including preparation of standard rates and maintenance of regional allotments for the TCF.
  • Ensure the availability of sound and accurate financial information and data and provide such information as needed to senior management through effective monitoring and reporting.
  • Liaise with internal and external auditors to ensure recommendations related to financial controls improvement are implemented.
  • Ensure compliance with IAEA financial regulations, rules and procedures and accounting policies and procedures.
  • Coordinate reporting on financial issues of the TCP, including issues relating to funding provided by other UN organizations; oversee the preparation of financial aspects of the TC Annual Report and documentation for governing bodies relating to financial aspects of the TCP.
  • Advise external and internal stakeholders on financial aspects of the TCP, promoting effective and efficient use of TCP resources; act as focal point and/or resource person for TCP financial aspects in training, as well as for cross-departmental financial management issues.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Commitment to integrity in the use of TCP resources.
  • Understanding of the interrelations between financial resources, programmatic needs and IT systems, as well as the needs of Member States.
  • Knowledge of and/or capability to apply and interpret the Financial Regulations and Rules of the IAEA, specifically with regard to the TC programme and financial resources.
  • Ability to work with staff at all levels to ensure compliance with policies, procedures and financial regulations/rules.
  • Commitment to working in teams and excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Open to change and actively seeking improved methods, mechanisms and best practices with regard to financial aspects of the TCP.
  • Ability to communicate with and train TCP stakeholders in financial matters affecting the TCP.
  • Analytical skills and knowledge of current trends and issues related to financial management.
  • Knowledge and understanding of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).

Education, Experience and Language Skills
  • University degree in accounting, business management or economics.
  • At least 7 years of relevant working experience in programme and project support at the national or international level, preferably in a UN agency.
  • Proven experience in the management of financial resources and understanding of related IT systems.
  • Fluency in written and spoken English essential. Working knowledge of other official IAEA languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) and German desirable.

Remuneration
The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $63 052 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $48 739*, 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

* 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. 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 to make an appointment with a modified job description or for shorter duration than indicated above. Testing may be part of the recruitment process.