Budget/ Accounting Assistant

We offer

The post of Budget/ Accounting Assistant (Local Agent Group II) in the Foreign Policy Instruments (MENA) Section. The team consists of 11 people and there are occasional atypical working hours.
Under this post, the recruited person will be attributed functions depending on the needs of the Delegation, and on the changes of these needs. The successful candidate will serve under the supervision and responsibility of the Head of Foreign Policy Instruments (MENA) Section; act as Financial Initiation Agent on Foreign Policy Instruments financial and contractual transactions related to projects implemented in the Delegation of assignment, ensuring their compliance with the applicable rules, regulations, procedures and the principle of sound financial management.

The expected start date will be on 01/10/2024. 

Following main tasks and duties are currently required: 

• Ensure compliance of the financial transactions with the regulatory environment (e.g. basic acts, Financial Regulation, implementing rules, internal rules, financing decisions, instructions,…). Ensure the legality, regularity and correctness of agreements, procurement contracts and grant agreements, invoices and recovery orders by performing a standard set of checks and control procedures;
• Implement and monitor internal control principles with respect to financial procedures;
• Assess and ensure the successful completion of the financial circuit for payments/recovery orders in the accounting system. Assess and ensure the validity of bank guarantees;
• Ensure compliance with the Early Detection and Exclusion System (EDES) procedures;
• Ensure that the Results Acceptance Note (or equivalent in OPSYS) includes the relevant OECD Gender Equality Policy Marker (G-Marker) information before proceeding with final payment
• Participate as secretary in evaluation committees;
• Assist in the preparation and control of the financial aspects in the calls for tenders and calls for proposals;
• Assist with the reporting, planning, budgeting and audit actors as regards required information;
• Manage Functional Mail Boxes as assigned;
• Backstop for other staff (initiators), particularly during absences;
• Provide support on finance and contracts issues to EU Delegations by replying to questions/ issues raised;
• Occasionally provide back up for financial initiation tasks to EU Delegations in the region in order to ensure business continuity;
• Manage correspondence on financial issues with external and internal actors within the tasks and topics assigned;
• Check and ensure the correctness and authenticity of the originals of signed contracts and other original financial documents;
• Ensure the quality and consistency of financial data in the different databases and systems;
• Participate in the risk assessment of contracts with the aim to identify cases that require an additional ex-ante control (e.g. supporting documents, on-the-spot control, external audit, …);
• Cooperate with the operational and audit actors so as to provide additional information needed in the scope of the performed audits;
• Provide comments on draft audit and expenditure verification reports. Carry out on-the-spot checks.

• Minimum requirements / eligibility criteria

• Experience: At least 5 years working experience in the Administration and Financial management of projects.
• Fluent knowledge of English & Arabic (minimum level C1);
• Good computer skills on MS Office tools, and ability to learn quickly how to use new IT tools;
• Medically fit to perform the required duties;
• Enjoys civil rights and permits for employment under local law;
• Good standing as citizen/resident.

• Assets / selection criteria (basis for awarding points to select the best applicant)  

• Knowledge of the European Union;

• Past experience in management of European Commission’ (EC) funded programmes would be an advantage. Previous experience in the EC dealing with cooperation projects (contract and finance matters) would be a plus.