LOCATION:  HQ JFC Naples, Italy

BRANCH: NMI J8

TITLE: NMI Staff Assistant (Budget), Consultant

GRADE:  G-10 equivalent

SECURITY CLEARANCE: NATO  S  E C  R   E T 

A.  INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND

The NATO Mission in Iraq (NMI) Headquarters (HQ) is subordinate to Joint Forces Command Naples (JFCNP) HQ. The JFCNP Financial Controller/Director of Finance (J8), in his role of NMI Operational Financial Controller, directs, oversees and has the responsibility of the overall NMI financial management, including budget, accounting and contracting activities.  The in-Theatre NMI J8 Organisation is supported by an ad-hoc NMI J8 Contingency Operations Cell, established at HQ JFCNP, to provide the bond between the Strategic, Operational and Tactical level HQs to grant a smooth application of the NATO financial rules. The Cell reports to the NMI Operational Financial Controller through the respective JFCNP FINDIR (J8) Branch Heads. Under the direction of the FINDIR (J8) Budget Branch Head, the appointed NMI Staff Assistant (Budget) will be responsible for assisting the Budget Officers on all matters related to NMI budget and fund management functions. The incumbent works under close supervision, uses minor discretion in resolving problems or enquiries without frequent reference to others. Plans and schedules own work within short time horizons. May have some influence within own domain and also have some contact with external organisations, HQs and agencies.

B.  OBJECTIVE

There is a requirement to employ one Consultant, NATO Grade 10-equivalent, to perform duties as NMI Staff Assistant (Budget).

C.  PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The NMI Staff Assistant (Budget) will be required to work as consultant for a period of ninety (90) days. If required by circumstances, the contract may be extended pending funding approval.

D.  PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The NMI Staff Assistant (Budget) will be required to perform his/her consultancy duties at HQ JFCNP, based in Lago Patria.

E.  FUNCTIONAL AREA

JFCNP Financial Controller, through JFCNP FINDIR (J8) Budget Branch Head, coordinates the work schedule and assesses the performance of NMI Staff Assistant (Budget).

F.  WORK REQUIREMENTS

The Consultant will perform the following duties:

• Assists in the preparation of the NMI budget estimates and periodic Budget Execution Reports.

• Assists in the screening/validation process of NMI budget requirements.

• Supports the JFCNP FINDIR (J8) Budget Branch Head and the Budget Staff Officers in the preparation of the Medium Term Resource Plans (MTRP) and Allied Operations and Missions Requirements Resource Plans (ARRP).

• Assists NMI-Users/Fund Managers in the translation of requirements into financial resources demands and ensure their inclusion into all NMl-financial plans.

• Monitors the execution of financial resources allocated to NMI HQ and prepares a variety of periodic financial reports.

• Ensures the proper use of allocated international funds in accordance with applicable guidance, rules and regulations.

• Collects and screens purchase requests, submitted by the NMI Theatre J8, and enters related requisitions in FinS as directed by JFCNP FINDIR (J8) Budget Branch Head.

• Prepares Budget Uploads and Budget Transfers for JFCNP FINDIR (J8) Budget Branch Head’s approval.

• May attend a variety of meetings in representation of FINDIR (J8) Budget

G.  ADDITIONAL DUTIES

The incumbent may be required to deploy or to undertake operational TDY assignments elsewhere.

The work is normally performed in a Normal NATO office working environment. Normal Working Conditions apply.  The risk of injury is categorized as: No Risk.  Risk might increase when deployed.

Budget Authority

Does not hold budget authority, unless delegated by the JFCNP FINDIR (J8) Budget Branch Head.

Decision Authority

Functional-area decision authority within the NMI Budget financial environment, as delegated by the JFCNP FINDIR (J8) Budget Branch Head.

H.  ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Higher Secondary education and intermediate vocational training in business administration, public administration, finance, economics, accounting or related discipline which might lead to a formal qualification with 2 years’ experience, or Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training in that discipline leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation with 4 years post related experience.

At least two years of demonstrable professional experience in finance, budgeting or accounting in a technical position.

Formal training in financial management.

Experience with financial Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.

Prior experience as budget assistant in international/national large organization.

Must have English Standard Language Proficiency level of “Professional” in listening, speaking, reading, and writing (SLP 3333 based on NATO standards).

DESIRABLE ASSETS

University degree or diploma in management information systems, accounting, economics, finance, business administration, management, or related field.

Advanced knowledge of modern office automated systems (e.g. Microsoft Office, Web browsers, etc.).

Experience in interpreting, planning and forecasting financial requirements for military missions.

Demonstrable and significant experience in financial analysis and statistics.

Significant analytical skills developed from an experience in NATO budget, finance and funding in order to provide appropriate analyses to the achievement of objectives.

Experience with the NATO Automated Financial System (FinS) or Oracle Financials.

Prior experience as Budget Assistant in NATO.

Italian Standard Language Proficiency level of “Functional” in speaking, reading, writing listening, (SLP 2222 based on NATO standards).

I. PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Must have demonstrable analytical skills developed from experience in budget and finance in order to provide analyses appropriate to the achievement of objectives. The incumbent must have influencing qualities to ensure that the significant data analysis can be understood by all staff officers as the data will influence their decision making. He/she must therefore be aware of management concerns (management identification) and be able to address these concerns through coherent and logical analysis techniques.

Professional Contacts

Internal contacts at all staff officer levels of the command ranging inclusive of Branch Head and up to Financial Controller level. External contacts include higher headquarters, other headquarters, and financial support suppliers, when directed. Internal and external contacts are for information and discussions.

Contribution to the Objectives

The successful analysis of the international budgets is an important contribution to the Command’s objectives and the resource planning mechanisms. The incumbent plays a significant role in this process and the performance impacts on the division, command and region achievements and helps the Financial Controller in establishing financial objectives for the Command.

J. SECURITY

The Individual will have to be eligible to obtain for a NATO SECRET Security Clearance.  Applicants are not required to possess a Security Clearance at the time of applying, but they must be eligible for a Clearance. HQ JFCNP will take action to obtain the required security clearance from the successful applicants’ national authorities.

K.  HOW TO APPLY

In order to apply for the role of Consultant, Staff Assistant (Buyer), please visit the platform at: https://nato.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en, and search for “vacancies” within HQ JFC Naples with primary duty location HQ JFC Naples, Italy.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A NATO security clearance and approval of the applicant’s medical file by the NATO Medical Advisor are essential conditions for engagement with this role.

The basic monthly fee will be defined in the contract of employment, based on the incumbent’s personal status.