Budget & Investment Analyst - Hoofdinhoud

Function

The Directorate General Human Resources, Budget and Organisation (DG-H) is responsible for developing the ECB’s framework for strategic, medium-term and annual business planning, for assessing and evaluating projects and investments across the ECB, and for developing the ECB’s business controlling frameworks. Furthermore, it is responsible for the ECB’s policy on internal rules and procedures, for the organisational development function and for the operational risk management and business continuity framework. It also develops HR policies and tools, and organises and supports recruitment, staff administration and staff development.

Inside the Directorate General, the Budget, Controlling and Organisation (BCO) Division is responsible for:

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  developing, advising on and preparing the strategic planning process, medium-term and annual work programmes and project portfolios. In doing so it supports managers in the annual budgeting of all ECB resources in cooperation with relevant business areas, and supports submissions to the ECB’s decision-making bodies regarding projects in preparation;
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  establishing and implementing the ECB’s business controlling framework: developing cost-benefit and investment frameworks for the analysis, appraisal and evaluation of all new investment activities, giving advice on the efficient use of all ECB resources and developing the project assessment framework with a general appraisal methodology;
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  developing a framework for performance management, providing management information and monitoring reports; and
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  developing the ECB’s organisational framework and putting related policies and tools in place. Where required, it conducts organisational development projects that provide analysis and recommendations to enhance the organisational efficiency and effectiveness and related business processes.

To ensure a qualitative and timely performance of the Division’s output, we are organised in two sections, each with a distinct set of tasks and responsibilities, namely (i) the Operational Resource Controlling and Organisation Section, and (ii) the Projects and Investment Controlling Section.

The BCO Division is seeking an analyst with a pro-active mentality to join a team responsible for supporting budget preparation and monitoring processes with regard to the ECB project activities and the ECB business areas. Within that team, the successful candidate will be a member of the Analyst group, the responsibilities of which relate primarily to:

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  the analysis of budget and project-related information and the provision of both comprehensive analytical support and complex & sensitive management information that will feed into the decision-making process,
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  the highlighting of potential critical developments;
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  the provision of early warning signals to support the Budget and Investment Experts; and
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  the provision of information and the maintenance of corresponding systems, ensuring that those data and systems, mainly SAP are accessible, accurate, complete and up to date.

The Analyst group also provides support and advice to the end users regarding the correct operational use of budget-related applications (the ECB’s ERP system, based on SAP) and related procedures. It monitors and controls the financial expenditure and human resources for all ECB activities, including projects on a routine, as well as ad-hoc, basis, and generates relevant information and reports for management.

The successful candidate is a team player able to work within the full spectrum of the division, although he/she will be given a main focus of either business area controlling or project controlling depending on experience and team fit. He/she shows solid experience in composing comprehensive yet concise and meaningful management information, both topical as well as cross-organisational, from data delivered through multiple sources and within sometimes tight deadlines. He/she is aware of the organisational and political dimensions and sensitivities that can be connected to the work of the division and understands how to cater for the potential impact of this setting on the operations and output of the division.

Qualifications and experience

The successful candidate must have the following knowledge and competencies:

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  University degree in a relevant subject (e. g. business administration, information management, financial accounting or a related field).
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  At least two years’ professional experience in the field of (resource) controlling, management accounting or of developing related systems and processes.
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  Proven ability to understand the financial implications of business needs and the ability to communicate and advise on these issues in a clear way.
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  Proven experience in preparing/analysing complex and comprehensive cross-functional management information and reports for decision-makers, stemming from multiple data sources.
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  Excellent knowledge of standard MS Office applications in use at the ECB, in particular advanced use of Excel, Access and PowerPoint. Ability to build simple VBA programmes would be a distinct advantage.
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  Solid conceptual and practical knowledge and experience of the software tools used at the ECB for planning, controlling and monitoring, particularly SAP. Ability to prepare complex test scenarios in SAP.
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  Excellent command of spoken and written English with proven drafting ability. A working knowledge of at least one other official language of the EU is also required.

Behavioural Competencies

The successful candidate will have the following behavioural competencies:

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  The successful candidate will have a proven track record of being able to work effectively in a team.
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  An ability to analyse complex data sets from diverse sources as well as an ability to assess current solutions and recommend alternatives for improvement in terms of efficiency and effectiveness.
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  An ability to communicate in clear and concrete terms and to handle sensitive information in a discreet and confidential manner. Cultural awareness, diplomatic, tactful and tolerant when dealing with colleagues, customers and stakeholders.
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  Full understanding of who his/her clients are and what their expectations are. An ability to ensure timely and responsive actions.
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  An ability to manage own workload without close supervision, but ready to involve others when necessary. Willingness to share information and support team members. An awareness of the impact of actions on others.
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  A conscientious attitude and an ability to prioritise tasks and pay attention to detail, also under time pressure. Commitment to deliver results within tight time frames.

Duration of contract / Closing date

Fixed-term contract until 31 January 2013, which may be extended subject to individual performance and organisational needs. Over the duration of the contract, the percentage of full work time may vary on a monthly basis between 50% and 100%, depending on organisational requirements.

Closing date for applications: 12 January 2012.

Further Information

Applications are to be made in English and submitted using our online application form. An “Applicants’ Guide” can be downloaded from the “FAQs & Help” page.

The recruitment process may include a written exercise, presentation, and interviews.

Further information on the ECB’s conditions of employment for fixed-term positions can be found at http://www.ecb.europa.eu/ecb/jobs/html/index.en.html

Applications are accepted from nationals of Member States of the European Union.

This position has been allocated to salary band E/F.