Head of Corporate Services

The Head of Corporate Services is a key middle manager in the organization, directly reporting to the Executive Director of EU-RAIL. S/he is responsible for leading the corporate services activities of the JU. S/he is expected to provide quality, efficiency, effectiveness and enhancement of the processes and outputs s/he is responsible for.With a service-minded approach s/he is expected to lead a team of indicatively eleven colleagues, including the Back Office for Accounting for Joint Undertakings.

More specifically, the Head of Corporate Services is responsible for the following activities:

Business Management and Planning

• Support to the Executive Director by providing sound advice on administrative, IT, and financial matters, and by contributing to the overall strategy and policies.
• In collaboration with the Head of Programme and of the System Pillar Unit, prepare and manage the different steps needed to implement the Programme (e.g., calls for proposals and/or tenders, from budget planning to administrative conclusion of relevant agreements/contracts; ensure subsequent periodic monitoring and follow-up of projects; prepare financial reports for reporting to the Governing Board).
• Ensure the proper implementation of the administrative aspects for EU-RAIL.
• Ensure business continuity of the operations within the unit.
• Ensure the effective implementation of the Internal Control Standards and follow-up of recommendations issued by the Court of Auditors; promote a risk management culture in the JU.
• Maintain constructive and professional relations with the EU-RAIL Members and stakeholders, as relevant.

Budget and Finance – Management and Planning of Budgetary and Financial Activities

• Manage the EU-RAIL budget in accordance with the EU Financial Rules and Regulation (annual budget preparation and presentation, follow-up and coordination, monitoring of expenditures, preparation of reconciled financial reports, etc.).
• Ensure effective planning and management of budget resources throughout the JU in agreement with the Executive Director; act as a sub-delegated authorising officer where appropriate.
• Contribute to the development of effective and efficient budgetary and financial resources management procedures of the JU.
• Ensure the smooth implementation of the accounting system and its technical evolution in coordination with the European Commission services (e.g., DGs BUDG/MOVE/SRD).
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure follow-up of budget execution and discharge procedure.
• Liaise with the Central Support Service and follow-up on ex-post control results.

Management of Unit Staff

• Supervise and ensure effective planning and implementation of the activities of the Corporate Service Unit (including monitoring of deadlines, progress, and objectives achievement).
• Develop, motivate, and manage a diverse and multidisciplinary team.
• Foster a culture of leadership by example – tone at the top – starting from the EU-RAIL values, towards a culture promoting the highest ethical standards in the workplace.

Back Office Arrangements for Accounting Services

• In collaboration with the Executive Director and with the support of the EU-RAIL Accounting Officer, responsible for the smooth and effective coordination, supervision, and implementation of the BOA for Accounting Services, of which EURAIL has the lead.

More information and application process here.

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