Financial Support Officer (FAP-RPC-EG-2024-82-LD)

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter - fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. Find out more on http://home.cern.

Introduction

Are you a highly analytical Financial Support Officer understanding the financial follow up of EU projects? CERN, take part!

You will join the Resource Planning and Control Group, which is responsible for the Organization's financial management of the Member and non-Member States funding as well as the research funding for international scientific collaborations. As part of the FAP Department, the Group interacts with all the Organization's Departments in the allocation of resources.

Within the Group, the External Grants Section is responsible for the financial and budgetary implementation and follow-up of projects financed by the European Commission (EC, EU projects). Participating in EU projects strengthens CERN's existing collaborations and creates new links with European Universities, laboratories and industrial partners, complementing the main R&D Programmes of the Organization.

CERN currently takes part in 29 projects funded under Horizon 2020 and 45 projects funded under the Horizon Europe Programme. For more information see here: H2020, HE.

Functions

As a Financial Support Officer, you will have a unique opportunity to become an expert in applying European Commission (EC) H2020 and HE financial rules, and to oversee all financial aspects of your assigned projects.

You will also take part in analysing the impact in the application of the new EC’s 9th Framework programme - Horizon Europe - financial rules to CERN.

You will:

• Follow up EC projects end-to-end from a financial standpoint;
• Analyze EC project proposals from their funding scheme perspective under the Horizon Europe program in order to develop appropriate budgets; 
• Define, manage and monitor EC project budgets and expenses and propose corrective actions if needed; 

All the above ensuring compliance with EU financial rules and CERN internal rules and regulations. 

• Provide specialist financial advice and guidance on grant related financial matters to the members in CERN departments as well as partners outside the Organization;
• Prepare financial reports on a regular basis and in accordance with imposed deadline for both, internal and external audiences such as the European Commission and external auditors;
• Propose improvements to internal financial procedures.

Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Finance, Accounting, Treasury or a related field.

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in financial services in multicultural environment; 
• Experience in applying EC H2020 and/or HE financial rules would be a serious advantage

Technical competencies:

• Financial reporting and analysis
• Use of office software packages
• Knowledge of Funding Programmes

Behavioural competencies:

• Solving Problems: assimilating large quantities of information, identifying key issues and formulating conclusions clearly and concisely.
• Working in Teams: gaining trust and collaboration from others
• Communicating Effectively: expressing opinions, ideas and suggestions with conviction and in a logical/structured manner; keeping to the point
• Managing Self: working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting Using time efficiently and effectively

Language skills:

• Spoken and written English: ability to understand and speak in professional contexts, to draft texts for publications and/ or official communications and/or to give oral presentations.
• Spoken French: ability to understand and speak French in professional contexts would be an advantage.

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN's mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We welcome applications from all Member States and Associate Member States.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than 22.09.2024 23:59h CEST. 

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Job grade: 4-5

Job reference: FAP-RPC-EG-2024-82-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Financial Support Officer

Please make sure you have all the documents needed to hand as you start your application, as once it is submitted, you will not be able to upload any documents or edit your application further