We are
The European External Action Service (EEAS) supports the work of the High Representative in defining and implementing an effective and coherent EU foreign policy. The EEAS supports his tasks of conducting the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy and chairing the Foreign Affairs Council. It also supports the High Representative in his capacity as Vice President of the Commission with regard to his responsibilities within the Commission in the external relations field including the coordination of other aspects of the EU’s external action. The EEAS works in close cooperation with Member States, the Council and relevant services of the European Commission.
The Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC) is the permanent EEAS structure supporting the Civilian Operations Commander. The Civilian Operations Commander is the overall commander at the strategic level of currently 11 civilian CSDP crisis management missions and provides strategic guidance and direction to the Heads of Mission. The Civilian Operations Commander reports directly to the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and through him to the Council of the EU. Under the political control and strategic direction of the Political and Security Committee and the overall authority of the High Representative, the Civilian Operations Commander ensures the effective planning and conduct of civilian CSDP crisis management missions, as well as the proper implementation of all mission-related tasks.
In particular, the Missions Operational Support Division (CPCC.4) is responsible for Logistics, Communication and Information Systems (including cyber) and IT development, at Headquarters level. The Division develops related policies, provides guidance and advice to Missions. Following an agreement between the Commission, the EEAS and the Council, the Mission Support Platform (MSP) was created in 2016. In its conclusions on the MSP the Council stated that “The MSP will be established in coordination between the Commission and the European External Action Service to provide support and bring forward greater efficiencies, flexibility and economies of scale to civilian CSDP missions.” It aims to support the Missions and mitigate the difficulties identified during the start-up phase and improve rapid deployment and achieve greater efficiency.
It consists of two cells within the Commission/FPI and the EEAS/CPCC supervised by the Director of FPI and the Civilian Operations Commander.
We propose
The position of Finance Officer – contract agent FGIV as per article 3b of the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union (CEOS) is part of the Mission Support Platform (MSP).
We look for
The person to be recruited will work within the CPCC.4 under the overarching guidance of the Head of the Missions Operational Support Division. The position entails the following tasks:
- Assist the Head of Division in managing the budget of the Mission Support Platform/CPCC.4, including on possible reallocations, and related Human Resources issues;
- Prepare, together with FPI.3, the annual MSP budget and ensure its proper implementation;
- Support operational colleagues in the Division in launching their procurement procedures, either through own tendering or by using existing Framework Contracts, warehousing capacity;
- Act as Financial Initiation or Verification Agent in the Division’s circuits;
- Ensure the timely reporting of exceptions, derogations and non-compliance events;
- Assist in the reporting of yearly accounts;
- Implement audit recommendations and ensure the effectiveness of internal controls;
- Liaise and coordinate as appropriate with counterparts in Missions, relevant EEAS Services and FPI on financial and budgetary matters;
- Assist in preparation of reports linked to Mission Support activities;
- Monitor and follow up the allocation and use of CFSP budget;
- Assist CPCC concerning the EU Finance and Procurement policies and procedures
- Assist the Missions and train Missions’ staff on the use of the Finance and Procurement modules of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system;
- Support CSDP mission staff selection panels as appropriate;
- Undertake any other related tasks as requested by the Head of Division;
Legal basis
The vacancy is to be filled in accordance with the conditions stipulated under the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union (CEOS). 1
The successful candidate will be offered a contract agent position (Function group IV); renewable contract for a maximum duration of 6 years (with a valid CAST exam).
Eligibility criteria
Candidates for this contract agent IV post should:
- – (i) have passed a valid EPSO CAST in FG IV ;
or
- – (ii) be registered in the EPSO Permanent CAST in FG IV https://epso.europa.eu/apply/job-offers_en?keyword=&contract=37&grade=Al…
- have completed university studies of at least three years attested by a diploma;
- have the capacity to work in languages of CFSP and external relations necessary for the performance of their duties. Knowledge of other EU languages would be an asset;
- be a national of one of the Member States of the European Union and enjoy full rights as a citizen.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
The ideal candidates should demonstrate:
- Proven relevant professional experience (minimum 3 years) in the area of Financial and Budgetary Management, preferably in large private or in public institutions, international organisations such as OSCE and the UN, NGOs or other similar actors;
- Good knowledge of current accounting rules and principles, and of EU financial procedures
- Good skills in word processing, spreadsheets, presentations software, Internet/Intranet, use of email systems and capacity to adjust to in house IT applications;
- Thorough command of written and spoken English;
- Sound reporting skills;
- Ability to work professionally as a member of the Division, in multicultural task forces and working groups with mixed composition (other Mission-support related functions as well as with police, judicial, civilian and military staff);
- Resilience in case of crisis that implies unpredictable working hours and a considerable workload;
- A strong service attitude.
Furthermore:
- Procurement and financial management experience, in an EU context;
- Training or certification in accounting software, particularly ABAC;
- Working knowledge of French;
would be considered as strong assets.
Specific conditions of employment
The signature of the contract will be subject to prior favourable opinion of the Medical Service.
The successful candidate might be required to undergo security vetting if she or he does not hold already a Personal Security Clearance to an appropriate level, in accordance with relevant security provisions.
Equal Opportunities
The EEAS is committed to an equal opportunities policy for all its employees and applicants for employment. As an employer, the EEAS is committed to promoting gender equality and to preventing discrimination on any grounds. It actively welcomes applications from all qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds and from the broadest possible geographical basis amongst the EU Member States. We aim at a service which is truly representative of society, where each staff member feels respected, is able to give their best and can develop their full potential.
Candidates with disabilities are invited to contact CONTRACTAGENTS-HQ@eeas.europa.eu in order to accommodate any special needs and provide assistance to ensure the possibility to pass the selection procedure in equality of opportunities with other candidates. If a candidate with a disability is selected for a vacant post, the EEAS is committed to providing reasonable accommodation in accordance with Art 1d.4 of the Staff Regulations.
Application and selection procedure2
Please send your CV and cover letter (with your EPSO CAST number) via email to
cpcc.administration@eeas.europa.eu
Deadline for sending application: 25/03/2020 at 18.00 (CET).
Candidates shall draft their CV following the European CV form which can be found at the following internet address:http://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/en/documents/curriculum-vitae.
Late applications will not be accepted.
The selection panel will make a pre-selection on the basis of the qualifications and professional experience described in the CV and motivational letter, and will produce a shortlist of eligible candidates who best meet the selection criteria for the post. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be informed about the outcome of the pre-selection phase.
The candidates who have been preselected will be invited for an interview by a selection panel. The panel will recommend a shortlist of candidates for a final decision by the Authority Empowered to Conclude Contracts of Employment. The Authority may decide to interview the candidates on the final shortlist before taking this decision.
Place of employment: EEAS Headquarters, Brussels, Belgium
Post available: immediately
CONTACT: Anne MARCHAL, Head of Division CPCC.4 Tel: +32 2584 1830 Email: Anne.Marchal@eeas.europa.eu
1 Staff Regulations of Officials (SR) and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Union (CEOS). For reference, see https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?qid=1570023902133&uri=CE…
2 Your personal data will be processed in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1725, as implemented by ADMIN(2019)8 Decision of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The privacy statement is available on the Europa website: (http://eeas.europa.eu/data_protection/rights/index_en.htm) and on the EEAS Intranet: (https://intranet.eeas.europa.eu/page/eeas-work/data-protection/privacy-s…).