Senior Officer, Finance

Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC or “the Federation”) is the World’s largest volunteer-based humanitarian network.  The Federation is a membership organization established by and comprised of its member National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.  Along with National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Federation is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The overall aim of the IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.” It works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.

The Federation is served by a Secretariat based in Geneva, with regional and country offices throughout the world. The Secretariat is led by the IFRC Secretary General and provides the central capacity of the International Federation to serve, connect, and represent National Societies. The Secretariat’s focus includes providing support to the IFRC governance mechanisms; setting norms and standards; providing guidance; ensuring consistency; coordination and accountability for performance; knowledge sharing; promoting collaboration within and respect for the RCRC Movement; and expanding engagement with partners. The Secretariat’s headquarters is organized in three main business groups: (i) Partnerships, including Movement and Membership; (ii) Programs and Operations; and (iii) Management. The Secretariat has five regional offices, distributed in the world as follows: Americas (Panama City); Africa (Nairobi); Asia/Pacific (Kuala Lumpur); Europe (Budapest); Middle East and North Africa (Beirut).

Job Purpose

Under the supervision of the Corporate Services Coordinator, the Senior Finance Officer is responsible for leading a finance team in the provision of accounting services, ensuring financial control, financial reporting, training, and providing advice and support to relevant stakeholders within a comprehensive financial management structure of the Cluster.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Risk Management & Internal Controls

• Ensure that a rigorous internal control environment is maintained, including ensuring proper segregation of duties;
• Support the application of finance policies, processes, and procedures;
• Support the implementation of internal and external audit recommendations;
• Participate in the design, development and review of financial policies, processes and procedures as requested, and;
• Ensure that a financial risk assessment is conducted for project proposals.

 Financial Management and Controllership

• Coordinate the preparation of operating and program budgets.
• Provide advice to managers on budgetary matters;
• Manage the day-to-day processing of transactions in accordance with established procedures;
• Oversee the provision of accounting services;
• Oversee budget review and revision process;
• Oversee the month-end financial close process;
• Support the year-end financial close process;
• Provide expertise and advice to senior management on an ad hoc as required basis on financial management matters pertaining to operations and program; and,
• Monitor financial key performance financial indicators on a monthly basis and provide advice and/or instruction to managers as to how to improve.

Financial Reporting

• Prepare quarterly and ad hoc financial reports for management purposes;
• Review and approve donor financial reports, on an ad hoc, as required basis; and,
• Support program and year-end audits including preparation of financial statements in compliance with the IFRC’s financial regulations and International Financial Reporting Standards.

Treasury Management

• Effectively manage the funds available for programs and operations consistent with organizational policies and with a view to minimizing risk of loss.
• Monitor field bank account balances;
• Review and submit accurate and timely cash requests;
• Ensure timely reporting/invoicing and collection of receivables; and
• Manage bank account balances to minimize foreign exchange volatility on cash held for program and operations.

 National Society Development

• Supporting, as necessary, member National Society capacity building and development in matters of expertise (i.e. records keeping, accounting, financial reporting and financial management, green and sustainable office, mobility, building management).

Job Duties and Responsibilities (continued)

• Actively work towards the achievement of the Federation Secretariat’s goals
• Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent principles
• Perform any other work-related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager

Education

• Relevant university degree (bachelor’s degree in business & administration or equivalent)
• Professional qualification in accounting (Chartered accountant, CPA or equivalent)

Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience
  Minimum of 5 years in finance and administration management position
  Minimum of 2 years work experience with an International Organization,

• International non-governmental organization, NGO and/or government development agency
  Experience working with the International Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement

• Experience in Team Management and remote support
  Experience in plan & budget, financial analysis & statements, reporting & treasury management, external financial audit.
  Experience working in multicultural environment

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

• Experience in Team Management and remote support
• Experience in plan & budget, financial analysis & statements, reporting & treasury management, external financial audit.
• Experience working in multicultural environmentKnowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards or equivalent
  Advanced knowledge of financial management and reporting applications (e.g. CODA and Business Objects)

  Ability to effectively provide training on finance & administration management matters, contributing to a learning culture, sharing knowledge and engaging partners

• Understanding of internal control and treasury management concepts
  Financial management skills
• Fluently spoken and written French and good basis knowledge of English

Competencies, Values and Comments

• Communication; Collaboration and Teamwork; Judgement and Decision Making; National Society and Customer Relations; Creativity and Innovation; Building Trust;
• Managerial Competencies: Managing Staff Performance; Managing Staff Development
• Functional Competencies: Strategic Orientation; Building Alliances; Leadership; Empowering Others

Female applications are highly encouraged