Chief Operating And Finance Officer

Operational ContextThe Chief Operating and Finance Officer (COFO) is a newly created position reporting to the International Director. The COFO will have overall responsibility for setting the direction and priorities for the functions of finance, IT and HR. The immediate priority will be leading work which aims to improve Finance, IT and HR policies, procedures, processes, infrastructure (including systems) and team capabilities, enabling JRS to grow and fulfil its mission. A particular priority is the Finance work stream, with the goal to improve financial capability and systems, especially donor reporting. The COFO plays a key role in creating and implementing JRS’s vision of a global organization, promoting an environment of shared resources, decision-making and responsibility. The COFO will play a key role in supporting cross-functional and cross-cultural teams to coalesce around initiatives and projects. The COFO will be a member of the International Office Management Team, and will provide direction, support and expertise to the Regional Directors in ensuring that the Finance, IT and HR functions are delivered to meet the needs of the organisation. The COFO will contribute in the designing of strategy and implementation of change initiatives to effectively respond to unprecedented global forced displacement and will play a leadership role in guiding the organization through significant growth and transformation. The COFO will work closely with the Assistant International Director, and the Directors of each Department in the International Office: Finance, Programmes, Human Resources, Development, Advocacy and Communications. S/he will also collaborate closely with Regional Directors in their multiple responsibilities. Duties and Responsibilities:Under the general supervision of the International Director and in collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the Chief Operating and Finance Officer will be responsible for the international finance, human resources, and IT functions. The COFO will be accountable for ensuring that the organization has the proper financial systems, processesand organization capabilities to meet financial and donor requirements. The COFO responsibilities include: For global JRS:1- In close cooperation with the International Director and following the directions of astrategic review currently underway, develops goals and plans for theimplementation of JRS’ global strategic direction, particularly in the areas of finance,information technology (IT), human resource management (HR) and organizationalstructure:o Leads the development and implementation of the strategic review and upgrade of organizational financial   management, with particular attention to compliance, donor reporting and outcomes assessment.o Leads the development and implementation of an information technology upgrade for the organization, including real-time sharing of key information among regions and the international office.o Leads the development and implementation of initiatives to support more consistent and effective global human resources and talent management.o Leads the development and implementation of other organizational initiatives, which emerge from the strategic review.2- Assists regional directors in the review and analysis of regional financial functionality, including structured participation in the hiring, evaluation and training of regional financial officers and in the implementation of regional financial systems.3- Provides analysis and recommendations to strategically enhance financial performance, organisational efficiency, and on-going renewal of JRS-wide internal processes.4- Plans and serves as a financial and operational resource for regional directors during the preparation of regional annual audits.5- Serves as a resource person for meetings and actions of the Senior Leadership Team (Regional Directors in their shared responsibility function). For the JRS International Office (IO):1- Oversees and coordinates all operational/internal functions of JRS, including Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology and Administration; develop strategies and provide the necessary leadership, management, and vision to create a coherent and collaborative work environment in these areas.o Oversees the Finance Department, to ensure appropriate planning, budgeting, and reporting, including the administration of financial plans, policies, accounting practices and operational controls; preparation and review of an annual budget and audit; review of financial reports; and the advising of the International Director on performance metrics, financial decision-making, financial and operating efficiency, and risk management.o Oversees the Human Resources Department, to ensure effective talent management and data-driven strategies. These include recruitment; orientation, training and personnel development; performance management, compensation and benefits-administration; retention practices. Ensure adequate staffing levels, regulatory oversight, and the processing of employment-related entitlements and documentation.o Oversees the Information Technology process to ensure successful and costeffective strategies which improve the communication, efficiency and shared vision of the IO and all of JRS.o Oversees Administration in the IO to ensure and maintain highly efficient services for the IO itself and internal and external partners.2- Evaluates and advises on the impact of long range planning, introduction of new programs/ strategies and regulatory action.3- Develops and implements an investment policy for the IO and oversee the performance and use of investment instruments.4- Performs any other similar duties as requested by the International Director. Qualifications:Experience- Minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in financial/operations management, with a pattern of increasing responsibilities and at least five (5) years in senior management positions, ideally with a global/ international organization.- Previous experience with a faith-based NGO (as staff, volunteer, board member) is a significant asset.- Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, financial planning and analysis with previous experience overseeing human resources and information technology.- Financial reporting capabilities including budgeting, cash flow management, and investment policies.- Deep understanding of the important role of Talent and Human Capital Management in a service organization. Strong cross-cultural and cross-border human capital management skills.- Demonstrated experience in leading teams through change and in building team performance and capabilities.- Experience in implementing IT systems including documenting systems requirements, working with third parties and project management is highly desirable. Leadership Behaviours- Track record in effectively leading teams to high performance.- Ability to positively influence others and successfully reconcile differences.- A team player who can effectively collaborate, and stand alone when necessary.- Ability to get to root causes when solving problems and to apply creative thinking to determine solutions.- Excellent interpersonal, listening and communication skills.- Ability to exercise sound judgment and business acumen and make decisions based on accurate and timely analyses.- Demonstrated ability to work and deliver under pressure and tight deadlines.- A self-starter with a strong results orientation and with high levels of integrity, credibility and dependability.- Demonstrated track record as a trusted advisor to senior leadership. Languages- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are required; a professional working knowledge of French is strongly preferred; professional Italian and/or Spanish is helpful. Core values- Commitment to JRS mission, vision and values, and the ability to convey with enthusiasm JRS’s role in accompanying and serving forcibly displaced people and in advocating for their right to protection and a life in dignity.- High integrity, honesty and confidentiality; ability to deal tactfully and discreetly with situations, people and information.- Acceptance of diversity and inclusion as a core value. Willingness to work in flexible, sub-optimal and multi-cultural environments; successful experience in such environments is a plus. Travel- The job will require travel to JRS locations around the world, with a focus on visiting all ten regional offices in the first two years. ConditionsNon-European Union nationals must be in possession of an Italian work visa and right of abode in Italy. Applicants will not be considered unless they meet this requirement. Reports to: International Director