Branch Head (Budget & Finance)

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

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 the implementation of the approved budget, submits the annual budget estimates, end‑in‑year reports and annual financial statements, and reports to the Director of Enablement (DOE) for administrative matters.

Responsibilities

• All matters relating to budget, finance, purchasing and contracting.
• Carry out financial duties within the limits of the authority delegated by the IMS Financial Controller.
• Manage the preparation of the Medium‑Term Resource Plan, yearly Budget Estimates and In‑Year Reviews.
• Provide colleges’ budgetary and managerial accounting reports and support the IMS Financial Controller in presenting them to the Budget Committee.
• Manage all international funds allocated to the College.
• Process and record authorization requests to commit funds, prior approval and management of commitments as per article 25 of the NFRs, and transfer of approved credits per article 26.
• Supervise disbursing activities, countersign all payment orders and cheques.
• Organise effective internal control of activities with financial implications, including those financed with non‑appropriated funds.
• Chair the College’s Contract Award Committee.
• Assist the DOE in establishing expenditure priorities for inclusion in Budget Estimates and planning.
• Manage the activities of the Budget and Finance Branch.
• Ensure that funds are expended in line with the approved budgets.
• Advise on effective allocation of budget resources.
• Conduct budgetary and financial studies, render reports as required.
• Control write‑off and disposal of property.
• Advising on tax exemption and customs clearance rules for official and private goods and international privileges, interfacing with relevant Host Nation authorities.
• Check agreements / MoUs with NATO / national institutions for financial aspects.

Special Requirements And Additional Duties

Flexibility Clause: The incumbent may be required to perform other related duties as directed. These 'other duties' should be similar, albeit in a different organizational element, to those normally performed by the individual.

Essential Qualifications

• At least 10 years related professional experience in economics, accounting, business administration, finance, procurement and contracting, or a related discipline.
• Knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).
• Automated accounting knowledge.
• University degree in Economics, Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, Management or a related discipline.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office Applications.
• 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.
• Experience in an international organization staffed by civilian and military personnel.
• Demonstrated abilities in financial analysis and reporting, with previous service with NATO.
• 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 in Oracle Financial Systems or equivalent.
• English SLP 4444 – STANAG 6001; Italian SLP 3333 – STANAG 6001.

Attributes & Competencies

Personal Attributes: Highly articulate and persuasive; tact and diplomacy; ability to handle a wide range of problems with analytical and original thought; sound judgment; flexibility in response to changing requirements; active participation in policy determination.

Managerial Responsibilities: High‑level general managerial responsibilities, including financial budgeting and equipment guidance to Fund Managers.

Professional Contacts: Adequate level contact with financial national, NATO and Partner authorities.

Contribution to Objectives: Principal financial advisor to the Commandant, fundamental role in achieving college mission objectives.

May require work outside routine office hours and travel as part of the assignment.

Security Clearance

Successful applicant must 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 under the NATO Civilian Personnel Regulations: a definite duration contract of normally 2 years plus a 3‑year renewal. If seconded from a national administration, a two‑year definite duration contract may be renewed for a further period not exceeding 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 studies and work experience, and 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 a coordinated organisation should indicate their last grade and step held (next to job title), and specify the name of the employing NATO body or coordinated organisation. Candidates are kindly requested NOT to upload their CV on the NATO Talent Acquisition Platform; only attachments specifically asked for as part of the application process will be considered.

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.

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. NATO reserves the right to screen applications to identify the use of such tools. Applications prepared by generative AI may be rejected without further consideration.