We are

The European Union (EU) is an economic and political partnership between 27 European countries. It plays an important role in international affairs through diplomacy, trade, development aid and working with global organizations. Abroad, the EU is represented through more than 140 diplomatic representations, known also as EU Delegations, which have a similar function to those of an embassy.

The EU Delegation to Lebanon, Beirut works in close coordination with the Embassies and Consulates of the 27 EU Member States. We are a fully-fledged diplomatic mission and represent the European Union in dealings with the Lebanese government in areas that are part of the EU’s remit.

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.

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.

1 year employment contract (subject to renewal) starting with a 3-month probationary period. The base salary will depend on relevant and verified employment experience; the exact salary range will be communicated upon finalizing the recruitment. There is a competitive benefits package, subject to certain conditions, including personal leave days and public holidays, health insurances and a retirement savings plan.

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

Minimum requirements / eligibility criteria

• Diploma: To have a baccalaureate attested by a diploma, or a secondary education in accounting or relevant discipline attested by a diploma;
• 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.

How to apply

Please submit your application, consisting of a cover letter, a Europass format CV and a declaration on honor (no specific format) regarding the good standing/work rights/medical fitness/work experience by email to eeasjobs-108@eeas.europa.eu no later than 24:00 24/07/2024. Only complete applications received on time via the above-indicated email will be considered.

The successful candidate will be subject to a (medical check, background check, etc.).

The process

After the deadline for applications, the eligible applications will be admitted to the Selection by the Committee set up for this purpose.

Depending on the number of applications received, successive phases of Selection may include shortlisting of candidates based assessment of the information provided in the cover letter, CV; practical testing and interviews. At least three best candidates will be invited to the final interview and written test.

Only candidates admitted to each successive selection phase will be contacted individually. The Delegation will use the same means of publication as for this job advertisement to inform the remaining candidates once the recruitment procedure has been completed and that a candidate has (or has not) been recruited.

The Delegation will not supply additional information or discuss the selection procedure. During the selection process, please do not contact the members of the Selection Committee, but address your questions and comments to the Delegation’s Administration.