Post Context/Post Summary

Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) provides an integrated Strategic Effects framework, employing a multi-domain and multi-region focus to create a 360-degree approach, with the flexibility to enable, upon direction, a seamless transition from Baseline Activities and Current Operations (BACO) up to the Maximum Level of Effort (MLE). SHAPE supports SACEUR in fulfilling his terms of reference, as directed by the North Atlantic Council.

The Finance and Acquisition Directorate is responsible for international and multinational appropriated and non-appropriated funds and the Internal Control and Risk Management activity. It develops financial, budgetary, accounting, treasury, internal audit and procurement policies, develops and executes plans for the financial support of operations, missions and exercises. It executes reimbursable support to external NATO bodies and agencies and training on NATO financial rules and procedures.

The ACO Corporate Accounting and Control Branch is responsible for ACO-wide corporate finance, accounting, and treasury functions. It is also responsible for the establishment of policies and procedures for finance and accounting, and cash management, as well as the preparation of the ACO consolidated financial statements, ensuring compliance with NATO financial rules and procedures.

The ACO Cash Management Section is responsible for all cash management matters.

The Staff Officer (ACO Cash Management) is responsible to perform day-to-day activities of the Corporate Cash Management section. The incumbent supervises and performs cash and investment management activities, manages relationships with banks, is involved in the production of relevant financial reporting information in accordance with agreed standards, and contributes to the production and preparation of financial statements. The Staff Officer (ACO Cash Management) also plays an active role in the period closing process and provides support on key projects within their area of expertise. The incumbent also ensures that applicable financial regulations, accounting standards, internal control rules and principles of sound financial management are applied.

Principal Duties

1. The incumbent is responsible to perform day-to-day activities of the Corporate Cash Management section.

2. Monitor and manage the daily cash positions to ensure optimal liquidity, and report to the Section Head on the cash flow situation ACO-wide on a regular basis.

3. As member of the bank signatory panel, validate and initiate and/or sign bank transfers on the banking platforms.

4. Ensure proper execution payments for all ACO HQs and entities serviced by SHAPE, and maintain accurate records of all transactions for all the banks managed by SHAPE including those related to entities served by SHAPE. Handle all operations and queries relating to payments and receipts, treasury processes, calls for contributions and financial reporting on cash and investments.

5. Advice the Section Head (ACO Cash Management) on investment of surplus funds of ACO and other entities served by SHAPE at the highest and safest rate of return with due regard to security, liquidity and convertibility and in accordance with the established NATO policy and procedures.

6. Define and implement risk mitigation strategies to protect the organization from adverse financial impacts, including foreign currency exposures.

7. Develop and enforce internal controls related to treasury operations to safeguard assets, ensuring proper segregation of duties is in place and accuracy in financial reporting.

8. Manage relationships with international banks, and review performance measures and maintain scorecards.

9. Ensure proper application of agreed terms and conditions for banking services and monitor services received. Review bank fees and propose actions to reduce them to the Section Head (ACO Cash Management).

10. Review the calls for contributions calculations related to ACO and other entities served by SHAPE.

11. Contribute to the end-of-year closing and the preparation of the different set of financial statements under the responsibility of Corporate Accounting and Control branch.

12. Actively participate and support implementation projects such as the development and implementation of business processes to meet treasury needs, and the implementation and utilization of Treasury Management Systems to enhance both cash flow, cash forecast analysis, reporting and risk management capabilities

13. Build and maintain efficient working relationships with internal departments, including Accounting, Human Resources and Financial Management Systems office to ensure alignment with overall financial objectives and efficient and timely operations.

14. Provide guidance to ACO HQs including missions and operations on treasury-related matters.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND ADDITIONAL DUTIES

The incumbent may be required to undertake deployments in support of military operations and exercises, and/or TDY assignments, both within and without NATO boundaries up to 180 days.

The employee may be required to perform a similar range of duties elsewhere within the organization at the same grade without there being any change to the contract.

The risk of injury is categorised as No risk / risk might increase when deployed.

Essential Qualifications

a. Professional/Experience

1. Minimum of 4 years of proven experience in treasury management, out of which at least 2 years in a managerial role.

2. Experience in managing and controlling banking operations, international cash management, forecasting, risk management, internal controls, investments and treasury accounting.

3. Proven skills in cash and foreign currencies management, including an understanding of all related accounting treatments.

4. Familiarity with international banking practices and regulatory compliance.

5. Proven experience in the use of ERP systems such as Oracle e-Business Suite or SAP, as well as Treasury Management Systems and banking tools/electronic banking systems.

b. Education/Training

University Degree in accounting, finance, management, business administration, public administration or related discipline and 2 years function related experience, or Higher Secondary education and completed advanced vocational training in that discipline leading to a professional qualification or professional accreditation with 4 years post related experience.

In case of ambiguity the required job specific experience has priority over the standard education and training levels and experience described here.

c. Language

English – SLP 3333 (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing)

Desirable Qualifications

a. Professional Experience

1. At least 2 years of corporate level cash management experience with automated centralized accounting and payment systems.

2. Knowledge and experience with the US banking system and USD bank transfers.

3. Knowledge and experience with IFRS and/or IPSAS.

4. Knowledge of the NATO Financial regulations and procedures.

5. Professional certification on cash or treasury management from a recognized professional association (e.g. Certified Treasury Professional or equivalent).

b.Education/ Training

Master’s degree or equivalent in accounting, finance, management, business administration, public administration or related discipline is highly desirable.

Attributes/Competencies

• Personal Attributes:

As the Staff Officer of the ACO Corporate Cash Management office, the incumbent performs day to day interface with commercial banks, Authorizing Officers and other key persons in the area of Cash management and disbursing ACO and NATO-wide. High level of integrity and ethical conduct is essential for success in this role.

The incumbent is required to exercise a high level of professional knowledge of commercial banking procedures and government accounting standards and, in this capacity, the incumbent will be expected to apply technical expertise and sound judgment to solve the majority of problems which emerge on a routine basis.

He/she will deal with both professionals and non-professionals, which requires patience and sound judgment.

The incumbent must be a mature, tactful individual possessing sound judgment and flexibility, he/she must be able to express himself/herself clearly and persuasively, both orally and in writing and capable of managing the staff assigned to the Cash Management Section.

The incumbent will need also to have excellent analytical skills, the ability to cope with multiple tasks effectively and demonstrated management skills in a multi-cultural environment.

• Professional Contacts:

The incumbent will routinely interface with a variety of individuals and organizations, including the following:

a) commercial banks in connection with the contractual agreements signed.

b) with a variety of users at all professional levels to provide advice and guidance, and informational/decision briefings. These include Senior Financial Officers in grades up to G22, and senior staffs in other Divisions within SHAPE and other NATO HQ & agencies.

c) with specialist activities within the organization to solicit information and guidance on technical aspects affecting the operation of the tools in use.

d) with User Groups from the commercial world to keep abreast of latest developments and to exchange information.

• Contribution To Objectives:

The incumbent is responsible for ensuring the integrity of financial data used in reporting and decision making by the Branch Head. The incumbent contributes to mission objectives by proactively identifying problems for resolution by the Branch Head, ACO CAC, thereby ensuring solvency of the ACO organisation. The incumbent provides direct support to operational mission objectives through accurate operation of complex contingency funding mechanisms.

The incumbent must be able to advise on revised methods and plans to achieve the financial management obligations and objectives of the organizations participating in the system.

REMARKS:

Duration of contract: Serving staff members will be offered a contract according to the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations (NCPR). Newly recruited staff will be offered a definite duration contract of three years normally followed by an indefinite duration contract.

The salary will be the basic entry-level monthly salary defined by the NATO Grade of the post, which may be augmented by allowances based on the selected staff member’s eligibility, and which is subject to the withholding of approximately 20% for pension and medical insurance contributions.

NATO is committed to diversity and inclusion, and strives to provide equal access to employment, advancement, and retention, independent of gender, age, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, cultural background, sexual orientation, and disability. NATO welcomes applications of nationals from all member Nations.

Building integrity is a key element of NATO’s core tasks. As an employer, NATO values commitment to the principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability in accordance with international norms and practices established for the defence and related security sector. Selected candidates are expected to be role models of integrity, and to promote good governance through ongoing efforts in their work.

Applicants who prove to be competent for the post but who are not successful in this competition may be offered an appointment in another post of a similar nature, which might become vacant in the near future, albeit at the same or lower grade, provided they meet the necessary requirements.

We believe that all people are capable of great things. Because of this, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the criteria listed within this job description.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A NATO CIVILIAN POST AT SHAPE:

Applications are to be submitted using NATO Talent Acquisition Platform (NTAP) (). Applications submitted by other means (e.g. mail, e-mail, fax, etc) are not accepted.

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Application Process

Shortlisted candidates will be requested to provide original documentary evidence and a set of copies supporting statements in their applications. Appointment is subject to obtaining a NS security clearance and a medical certificate.

Remarks:

A. Only nationals from the 32 NATO member states can apply for vacancies at SHAPE.

B. Applications are automatically acknowledged within one working day after submission. In the absence of an acknowledgement please make sure the submission process is completed, or, re-submit the application.

C. Qualified redundant staff of the same grade interested in this post should inform this office, via their HR/Personnel Office by not later than vacancy’s closing date.

D. Candidates’ individual telephone, e-mail or telefax enquiries cannot be dealt with. All candidates will receive an answer indicating the outcome of their application.

NATO will not accept any phase of the recruitment and selection prepared, in whole or in part, by means of generative artificial-intelligence (AI) tools, including and without limitation to chatbots, such as Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (Chat GPT), or other language generating tools. NATO reserves the right to screen applications to identify the use of such tools. All applications prepared, in whole or in part, by means of such generative or creative AI applications may be rejected without further consideration at NATO’s sole discretion, and NATO reserves the right to take further steps in such cases as appropriate.