Embassy of the United States

Job Opportunities

Vacancy Announcement Number 08-0060

Position: 101079 – Financial Assistant - FSN-8, FP-6*
Open to: All interested Candidates
Opening Date: July 8, 2008 Closing Date: July 21, 2008
Work Hours: Full-time: 40 hours per week
Position Grade: Ordinarily Resident: FSN-8 (RUB 595,762+bonus RUB 25,800 p.a.-starting salary)

NOTE: ALL ORDINARILY RESIDENT APPLICANTS MUST HAVE THE REQUIRED WORK AND/OR RESIDENCY PERMITS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION. NON-RESIDENT APPLICANTS MUST PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION WITH THEIR APPLICATION THAT DEMONSTRATE THAT THEY HAVE THE RIGHT TO LIVE AND WORK IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION.

The U.S. Embassy in Moscow is seeking an individual for the position of the Financial Assistant in the FMO Section.

BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION
The incumbent is the master LES timekeeper for over 800 Russian local employees at US Embassy Moscow and its three Consulates General. The incumbent serves as Mission Russia’s payroll liaison with Financial Service Center (FSC) Charleston on all payroll-related issues. Performs a range of technical payroll-related budget and accounting duties. Acts as a back-up to Financial Assistant in charge of Mission Russia’s Local Social Security System (LSSS).

(A copy of the complete position description listing all duties and responsibilities is available in the HR Office. Contact Irina Kamenskaya, 728 5000 ext. 4693)

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

All applicants must address each selection criterion detailed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item – this is in addition to the sending of a CV/Resume.

1. Completion of University degree in the field of accounting, auditing, or finance is required.
2. Two to three years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, payroll or U.S. Government financial work is required.
3. Level IV (fluent) English language ability is required (will be tested). Level IV (fluent) Russian is required.
4. Must have detailed understanding of functions, processes, and procedures within the Financial Management office and have understanding of other Embassy sections’ operations in order to adequately meet their financial need. Thorough understanding and knowledge of Department of State payroll regulations and procedures as well as of local Russian fiscal laws and taxation regulations is required. Thorough understanding and knowledge of U.S. Government allotment and project accounting standards and principles, applicable sections of the Foreign Affairs Manual, Foreign Affairs Handbook, ICASS handbook and cable guidance, Standardized Regulations, Administrative Policies, Appropriation Law “the GAO Red Book”, and the purposes and organizations of supported agencies and their rules of operation are required.
5. Must be able to use a personal computer and other office equipment such as copier and a fax and have proficiency is computer applications such as Excel, Word, Access and Outlook. Must be well organized, show attention to detail, and be able to communicate directly and clearly, both verbally and in writing. Must be able to comprehend and logically apply complicated regulations and procedures. Must possess excellent public relations skills. Must be able to work under pressure and be an active FMO team player.

SELECTION PROCESS
When equally qualified, Appointment Eligible Family Members and U.S. Veterans will be given preference. Therefore, it is essential that all candidates address the required qualifications above in the application.

ADDITIONAL SELECTION CRITERIA

1. Management will consider nepotism/conflict of interest, budget and visa status in determining successful candidacy
2. Current employees serving a probationary period are not eligible to apply.
3. Must be able to obtain and hold a security clearance.
4. Currently employed US Citizen EFMs, who hold a FMA appointment, and currently employed NORs hired under a Personal Services Agreement (PSA) are ineligible to apply for advertised positions within the first 90 calendar days of their employment, unless currently hired into a position with a When Actually Employed (WAE) work schedule
5. AEFMs and FM/NOHs on the travel orders of a Foreign Service, Civil Service, or Military Officer permanently assigned to post and under Chief of Mission authority are not required to obtain work permits or visas for employment within a U.S. Foreign Service post in Russia.
6. Under a new Russian law on citizenship, dual citizenship is not recognized by the Government of Russia (GOR) unless a bilateral agreement exists; one does not exist between the GOR and the USG. (Bilateral agreements on dual nationality do exist between Russia and Tajikistan) Employees and/or Appointment Eligible Family Members (AEFMs) who may have dual citizenship should advise the Human Resources Office before applying for any jobs at the Embassy or at the Consulates General.

TO APPLY
Interested candidates for this position should submit the following documents in English:
A.    Note the position applying for
B.    Application for Federal Employment (SF-171 or OF-612); or
C.    A current resume that addresses the qualifications for skills and abilities. In order to be considered, applicants must submit a narrative statement on a separate page with specific responses to each of the required qualifications in this announcement.
D.    Candidates who claim U.S. Veterans preference must provide a copy of their Form DD-214 with their application.
E.     Documentation (essays, certificates, awards, copies of degrees earned) that addresses the qualification requirements of the position as listed above.

SUBMIT APPLICATION TO
Human Resources Office
Fax: 7-495-728 5105;
Email: moscowhr@state.gov
Preferred way of sending resumes is on-line.

POINT OF CONTACT
Irina Kamenskaya, Phone: 728 5147 ext. 4693

DEFINITIONS

1. AEFM: A type of EFM that is eligible for direct hire employment on either a Family Member Appointment (FMA) or Temporary Appointment (TEMP) provided s/he meets all of the following criteria:
   • US citizen;
   • Spouse or dependent who is at least age 18;
   • Listed on the travel orders of a Foreign or Civil Service or uniformed service member permanently assigned to or stationed at a US Foreign Service post or establishment abroad with a USG agency that is under COM authority;
   • Is resident at the sponsoring employee's or uniform service member's post of assignment abroad, approved safehaven abroad, or alternate safehaven abroad; and
   • Does not receive a USG annuity or pension based on a career in the US Civil, Foreign, or uniform services.
2. EFM: Family Members at least age 18 listed on the travel orders of a Foreign of Civil Service or uniformed service member permanently assigned to or stationed to a US Foreign Service post or establishment abroad with a USG agency that is under COM authority who do not meet the definition of AEFM above.
3. Member of Household: A MOH is a person who: 1) Has accompanied, but is not/not on the travel orders of a U.S. citizen Foreign or Civil Service employee or uniform service member permanently assigned to or stationed at a U.S. Foreign service post or establishment abroad; 2) Has been declared by the sponsoring employee to the Chief of Mission as part of his/her household; and 3) Resides at post with the sponsoring employee.
4. Ordinarily Resident (OR): A citizen of the host country or a citizen of another country who has shifted the main residency focus to the host country and has the required work and/or residency permits for employment in country.
5. Not-Ordinarily Resident (NOR): Typically NORs are US Citizen EFMs and EFMs of FS, GS, and uniformed service members who are eligible for employment under an American USG pay plan, on the travel orders and under Chief of Mission authority, or other personnel having diplomatic privileges and immunities.

CLOSING DATE FOR THIS POSITION: July 21, 2008
The US Mission in Russia provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. The Department of State also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs.

The EEO complaint procedure is not available to individuals who believe they have been denied equal opportunity based upon marital status or political affiliation. Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel practices, and/or courts for relief.