Branch Head (Budget & Finance)

NATO Defense College; Roma; In loco; EUR 90.000 - 110.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

A NATO institution in Rome is seeking a Head of Budget & Finance to manage all budgetary and financial operations. This role requires at least 10 years of experience in finance or accounting and a relevant degree. The successful candidate will oversee budget management, ensure compliance with financial regulations, and provide financial guidance to senior management. Fluency in English and French is essential, alongside a strong knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

Competenze

• At least 10 years of experience in finance, accounting, or related fields.
• Knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).
• Automated accounting knowledge.
• Fluency in English and French.

Mansioni

• Manage all budgetary and financial management operations.
• Prepare the Medium-Term Resource Plan and yearly Budget Estimates.
• Oversee disbursement activities and authorizations.
• Act as financial advisor to the Commandant.

Conoscenze

Financial analysis

Budget management

Accounting

Strategic planning

Risk management

Communication skills

Formazione

University degree in Economics, Accounting, Business Administration, Finance

Strumenti

Microsoft Office Suite

Oracle Financial Systems

Descrizione del lavoro

Primary Location

Italy-Rome

NATO Body

NATO Defense College (NDC)

Schedule

Full-time

Application Deadline

18-Jan-2026, 5:59:00 PM

Salary (Pay Basis)

8,412.64

Grade

NATO Grade G20

About the Role

The Budget & Finance Branch (BFB) is responsible for all budgetary and financial management operations of the NDC, ensuring adherence to the principles of sound financial management as laid down in the NATO Financial Regulations (NFRs). The Head BFB administers the budgetary and financial internal control systems of the NDC and manages financial risk in accordance with applicable policies. In accordance with the NFRs, the Head BFB submits the annual NDC budget estimates, the end/in‑year reports and the annual financial statements and controls the implementation of the approved budget by the NAC. The Head BFB reports to the Director of Enablement (DOE) for all administrative matters and to the IMS Financial Controller for the functional ones, acting as financial advisor with direct access to the Commandant of the NDC.

Principal Duties

• All matters relating to budget, finance, purchasing and contracting.
• Carrying out financial duties within the limits of the authority delegated by the IMS Financial Controller.
• Managing the preparation of the Medium‑Term Resource Plan, yearly Budget Estimates and In‑Year Reviews.
• Providing all the College’s budgetary and managerial accounting reports and supporting the IMS Financial Controller in presenting them to the Budget Committee.
• Managing all international funds allocated to the College.
• Processing and recording requests for authorization to commit funds, prior approval and management of commitments in accordance with article 25 of the NFRs and transferring approved credits under article 26, within limits established by the IMS Financial Controller.
• Supervising disbursement activities and countersigning all payment orders and checks.
• Organizing effective internal control of activities with financial implications, including those financed with non‑appropriated funds.
• Chairing the College’s Contract Award Committee.
• Assisting the DOE in establishing expenditure priorities, including them in Budget Estimates and planning.
• Managing the activities of the Budget and Finance Branch.
• Ensuring that funds are expended in line with the approved budgets.
• Providing advice on the effective and efficient allocation of budget resources.
• Conducting budgetary and financial studies and rendering budget and fiscal reports as required.
• Controlling the write‑off and disposal of property.
• Advising and consulting on the correct application of rules and regulations governing tax exemptions and customs clearance for local acquisition, importation and exportation of official and private tax‑exempted goods and other international privileges for the College and the wider local NATO community, interfacing with relevant Host Nations authorities.
• Checking agreements / MoUs with NATO / National institutions with regard to financial aspects.

Special Requirements and Additional Duties

Flexibility Clause: The incumbent may be required to perform other related duties as directed. ‘Other duties’ should be similar, albeit in a different organisational element, to that which the individual normally works.

Essential Qualifications

• Professional/Experience: At least 10 years related professional experience in economics, accounting, business administration, finance, procurement and contracting, management or related discipline.
• Knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).
• Automated accounting knowledge.
• Education/Training: University degree in Economics, Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, Management or related discipline.
• Standard Automated Data Processing (ADP) – good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Language Requirements:
  • English – SLP 333, STANAG 6001
  • French – SLP 2222, STANAG 6001

Desirable Qualifications

• Familiarity with NATO financial regulations.
• Attendance at a NATO or equivalent Executive Development Programme, and the NATO Resource Management Education Programme (RMEP) Course.
• Working experience within an international organization staffed by both civilian and military personnel.
• Demonstrated abilities in financial analysis and reporting; prior service with NATO; good knowledge of Microsoft Office Application Suite.
• Knowledge of NATO Financial Regulations and Procedures; background knowledge of social activities associated with senior officers.
• Several years in a NATO environment or other international organisations.
• Training: Oracle Financial Systems or equivalent.
• Language Requirements:
  • English – SLP 4444, STANAG 6001
  • Italian – SLP 3333, STANAG 6001

Attributes and Competencies

Personal Attributes

The incumbent must be highly articulate and persuasive, possessing tact and diplomacy. He/she should be able to deal with a wide range of problems and be capable of analytical and original thought, applying sound judgement. He/she must be capable of working in a demanding environment, reacting quickly to problems/issues in the area of competence, and presenting clearly, concisely and convincingly in written and oral communication.

Managerial Responsibilities

The incumbent has a high level of general managerial responsibilities, including specific financial budgeting and equipment responsibilities, and provides financial guidance to Fund Managers for optimising the use of NDC resources.

Professional Contacts

The incumbent maintains an adequate level of contact with financial national, NATO and partner authorities.

Contribution to the Objectives

As the principal financial advisor to the Commandant, the incumbent has a fundamental role in achieving the objectives related to the College mission.

Security Clearance

Security Clearance: The successful applicant will be required to apply for and receive a NATO Secret Security Clearance prior to final confirmation of contract and commencement of employment.

Contract

Serving NATO International Civilian will be offered a contract according to the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations. Newly recruited staff will be offered a definite duration contract of normally two (2) plus three (3) years. If the successful applicant is seconded from a national administration, he/she will be offered a two‑year definite duration contract that may be renewed for a further period not exceeding five (5) years and/or the length of the approved secondment.

Additional Information

Appointment will be subject to receipt of a security clearance (provided by the national authorities of the selected candidate), approval of the candidate’s medical file by the NATO Medical Adviser, verification of the candidate’s studies and work experience, and the successful completion of the accreditation and notification process by the relevant authorities.

Only applications from nationals of NATO member countries can be accepted. Current and previous civilians working for NATO or any coordinated organisation shall indicate their last grade and step held, and specify the name of the employing NATO body or coordinated organisation. The candidature of NATO redundant staff at the same grade will be considered with priority.

Candidates are kindly requested NOT to upload their Curriculum Vitae on the NATO Talent Acquisition Platform. Only attachments specifically asked for as part of the application process will be considered. All applications must include an uploaded copy of the qualification/certificate covering the highest level of education required by the job description.

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To follow the status of the vacancy, please refer to the NDC webpage: www.ndc.nato.int/about/jobs.php

For any queries, please contact the NDC Recruitment Team at [e-mail]

Equal Opportunities Statement

NATO is an equal opportunities employer and does not discriminate on the grounds of gender, race or ethnic origin, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation or age, according to the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations.

AI Policy

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 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.