Financial Control Officer

CTA - Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation

Wageningen, Netherlands

Status: International staff
Type of contract: Fixed term, level 2 D
Indicative starting date: 1st July 2015
Closing date for application: 30th May 2015 or until the position is filled.

ABOUT CTA

The Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation (CTA) is an international institution of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States and the European Union (EU). Its mission is to advance food and nutritional security, increase prosperity and encourage sound natural resource management in ACP countries.

CTA promotes information and knowledge sharing; supports the development and implementation of evidence-based, multi-stakeholder policies and strategies; promotes inclusive value chain development and use of ICTs; and strengthens the capacities of agricultural and rural development institutions and communities across the ACP. CTA operates under the framework of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement and is funded by the EU.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE POST

The Financial Control Officer (FCO) shall be responsible for the prior approval of the commitment and authorisation of all items of expenditure, revenue and advances. He/she is responsible to ensure that the expenditures or revenues are consistent with CTA's Financial Regulations & Budget and that the principles of sound financial management are applied. He/she will undertake periodic audit of the financial and administrative systems and processes.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Financial Control Officer will:

• Ensure that the expenditures or revenues are consistent with the budget and Financial Regulations of CTA;
• Ensure that the principles of sound financial management referred to in article 6 of the Financial Regulations are applied;
• Perform checks in accordance with rules and internal procedures;
• Refer in writing via a written statement to the Director any refusal to endorse expenditure or revenue;
• Provide to the Director feedback related to the analysis, organisation and improvement of the Centre's internal procedures;
• Review documents to ascertain whether operations financed by CTA were carried out properly;
• Participate as a member of the Property Survey Committee and other committees as requested by the Director;
• Draw up an annual report giving an opinion on the financial administration and implementation of the budget;
• Perform audits of the Centre's financial and administrative systems, procedures and processes.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Internationally recognized professional Accounting qualification such as Chartered Public Accountant, Chartered Accountant (CA) or equivalent;
• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business administration, finance, accounting or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree;
• A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in auditing, finance, accounting, budget or related area;
• Proven experience of financial monitoring and reporting;
• Experience with the European Development Fund (EDF) or other EU-funded projects is an asset;
• Fluency in English or French with working knowledge of the other;
• Proficiency in relevant software packages (Microsoft Word, Excel), excellent knowledge of accounting software and a competency in deploying information technology to improved efficiency and effectiveness.

Competencies:

• Excellent analytical skills;
• Ability to communicate and present clearly and precisely both verbally and in writing;
• High level of interpersonal skills;
• A well organized and self-directed individual with high ethical standards;
• An excellent team player.

APPOINTMENT AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The candidate must be a national of one of the ACP or EU States signatory to the Cotonou Agreement (79 African, Caribbean and Pacific States – http://www.acp.int/content/secretariat-acp and the European Union Member States).

The Financial Control Officer will be appointed by the Director of CTA upon recommendation of the Selection Committee.

• Duration of the contract: 1 year (renewal possible);
• Gross annual salary of € 69,005 mostly tax free;
• Comprehensive benefits package, including pension, medical insurance, education and home leave.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates having the relevant qualifications and experience stated in section 4, are required to send the documents listed below via email to the Human Resources Officer at hr4@cta.int.

• A letter of motivation (maximum one page);
• An up-to-date CV, preferably EUROPASS format;
• Copies of the highest diploma/degree as well as training certificates related to the position. Original documents are to be presented once a candidate is selected.

Please indicate in the 'Subject' of the email the title 'application for the post of 'Financial Control Officer'.

Deadline for applications: 30th May 2015 or until the position is filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.