Business Grants Assessment Expert

HRF Purpose

For over thirty years, Human Relief Foundation has been providing humanitarian assistance to those affected by natural disasters, armed conflicts, and poverty across the world. Our focus is on providing assistance in the areas of emergency response, education, orphan care, healthcare, and sanitation. Established in 1991, HRF was founded in Bradford,  United Kingdom with a mission to provide assistance to those affected by conflicts, natural disasters, and poverty around the world. We operate on the principles of compassion, solidarity, and sustainability, aiming to alleviate suffering and empower communities to build a better future.

Job Purpose

The Business Grants Assessment Expert will be responsible for evaluating the financial feasibility of entrepreneurial projects, monitoring the disbursement and utilization of grants, and ensuring financial compliance with donors guidelines. The role includes financial risk assessment, verification of business plans, and ensuring efficient use of project funds by young micro-entrepreneurs in Mosul.

 

Key Responsibilities

Financial Assessment and Business Evaluation

• Evaluate the financial feasibility of entrepreneurial projects submitted by youth micro-entrepreneurs.
• Review business plans for accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and financial sustainability.
• Conduct financial risk assessments to identify potential weaknesses in business proposals.
• Ensure that financial projections align with market trends and business feasibility in the targeted sectors (cultural and creative industries).
• Provide recommendations on financial structuring and budget optimization for young entrepreneurs.

Grant Disbursement and Compliance Monitoring

By closely working with HRF’s fiduciary expert,

• Monitor the disbursement and utilization of start-up grants to ensure funds are used as per the approved business plans.
• Track financial transactions and expenses of supported businesses to ensure adherence to grant conditions.
• Verify receipts, invoices, and procurement records of grant beneficiaries.
• Conduct site visits to monitor financial sustainability and compliance of micro-enterprises.
• Identify and report financial irregularities or misuse of project funds.
• Collaborate with the Project Management Unit (PMU) Financial Officer to ensure proper fund tracking and reporting.

Financial Reporting and Compliance

• Prepare periodic financial assessment reports detailing fund utilization, compliance status, and key risks.
• Ensure compliance with donors regulations and financial policies.
• Maintain an updated database of financial records, reports, and risk assessments.
• Provide financial insights to project management to improve future grant allocations.
• Work closely with the Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) team to integrate financial data into impact assessment reports.

 Financial Literacy and Capacity Building

• Train young entrepreneurs on financial management, budgeting, and financial reporting.
• Provide guidance on cost-effective procurement, revenue forecasting, and cash flow management.
• Develop simple financial tools and templates to help entrepreneurs track expenses and profits.
• Organize financial workshops and mentoring sessions on financial sustainability.

Person Specifications

Essential:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in financial analysis, grant management, or financial monitoring in development projects.
• Experience in assessing business plans and financial viability of small enterprises.
• Knowledge of international development agencies’ financial regulations and grant management, and procurement policies.
• Strong skills in financial risk assessment.
• Proficiency in Excel.
• Fluency in English and Arabic (Kurdish is an advantage).

Desirable:

• Experience in microfinance, entrepreneurship programs, or SME development.
• Prior experience working with international organizations, NGOs, or government institutions.
• Proficiency in QuickBooks, or financial management software.
• Certification in Finance (ACCA, CPA, CFA) or Project Management (PMP, PRINCE2) is a plus.

How To Apply

Please send the following in English to:  recruitment-iq@hrf.co.uk 

• CV. (please mention in your CV or cover letter: titles, objectives, description, and duration of at least 2 similar projects that you were responsible for).
• Covering Letter indicating earliest date of availability.
• Details of 2 references.

Please put ‘Business Grants Assessment Expert’ in the email subject line. Note that due to the volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Due to the urgency to fill this role, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we reserve to close this advert before the confirmed closing date. 

IMPORTANT: Applicants are applying to be part of a roster of pre-qualified candidates for a future project. Being on the roster means you may be considered for a role as it becomes available, based on your skills and experience. Inclusion in the roster does not guarantee immediate placement but allows for expedited hiring when suitable positions arise.

 

Submission Deadline Extended – 02/04/2024

Position Title Change – Business Grants Assessment Expert