Director Of Finance And Support Services

Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in need around the world. Save the Children has been operating in Lebanon since 1999 and is recognized for its commitment to accountability, innovation and collaboration.  Save the Children currently implements programs in Child Protection, Education, CRC, Health and Nutrition, Food Security & Livelihood, Shelter, and Emergency Response throughout Lebanon.   Save the Children is seeking qualified candidates to fulfill the following positions,12 month contract for its Lebanon Country Office, in the following locations Beirut, Tripoli, Akkar and Bekaa: ROLE PURPOSE:  As a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) in Lebanon, the Finance and Support Services Director shares in the overall responsibility for the direction and coordination of the Country Office (CO).  The Finance and SS Director in his/her capacity is responsible for finance administration, fiscal management, grant management, financial and grant reporting, Office administration and IT infrastructure, support and management in both emergency and development programming contexts KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY: As a member of the Senior Management Team, contribute to: Leadership of the Lebanon Country Office Support the development of an organisational culture that reflects our dual mandate values, promotes accountability and high performance, encourages a team culture of learning, creativity and innovation, and frees up our people to deliver outstanding results for children and excellent customer service for our Members and donors Help design and implement a coherent organizational structure that is consistent with agency practices and appropriate to programme needs Help establish, maintain, and improve active and regular working relationships with: host government authorities, partner agencies including humanitarian and development donors, and local and international NGOs Ensure LCO complies with all Save the Children Management Operating Standards and Standard Operating Procedures Ensure that all required support is provided promptly, at scale and in line with the rules and principles during emergencies, working closely with the Regional Office Planning and Budgeting Assist the Country Director (CD) in the management /administration of the Country Office resources including (a) the formulation of country work program and resource allocation, (b) providing effective support and guidance to the Senior Management Team and other key program staff during planning and allocation exercises; (c) monitoring implementation of donor agreements and resource utilization. Highlight variances, provide analyses and recommend resolution or reallocation of resources Work alongside the SMT in developing plans to meet funding and programming needs. This includes diversification of funding resources Identify and effectively manage all key risks, especially financial, related to delivering the Country Office program.  Develop mitigation plans at proposal stage Ensure correct level of budget authority exists within Country Office Manage financial aspects of budget development for new proposals Ensure appropriate and adequate emergency finance and grants procedures are detailed in the Country Office Emergency Preparedness Plan in order to enable rapid scale up Ensure budget holders understand their responsibilities (e.g., through training) Financial Accounting, Reporting, and Control Manage the Country Office financial systems and provide the SMT and all budget holders a monthly update on the budget variance analysis Ensure with SMT and Finance staff, that systems are in place for the control of all assets, funds, equipment, property, and facilities; submit timely financial reports to centre, Regional Office and donors as required Ensure that effective systems are put in place, and regularly reviewed, to allow adequate financial management and control including: Annual accounts and tax statement preparation; Accounting and management information systems; Cash and cash flow management and control in particular gain/losses on currency exchange; Financial procedures during emergency responses, including meeting all relevant responsibilities in the Rules and Principles for Emergency Response; Expenditure procedures, especially around procurement; Documentation of all controls and procedures; Finance training for staff in the field and partners as necessary; Availability of funds for sub-offices and the Country Office Monitor accurate and timely submission of financial reports and attachments to members, donors and government regulatory agencies Ensure quarterly effort reporting is prepared with major variances discussed with Regional Office and centre Coordinate submission of control reports, respond to findings and recommend resolutions or action plans Lead and participate in the development of finance policies and procedures to be able to maintain a well-financially controlled environment in both development and emergency contexts Coordinate and assist CD during any internal or external audits  Ensure monthly financial reviews (MFRs) are prepared, reviewed with SMT, and submitted to Regional Office regularly Grants Management Monitor completion of financial reports for grants/contracts. Ensure proper accounting and closing of books upon receipt of completed reports and documents from various sub-offices Coordinate the release of donor fund summaries from the members to ensure accurate and systematic accounting of grant transactions Provide guidance to finance and non-finance staff and coordinate efforts to ensure compliance with donor requirements Work with budget holders to estimate funds request on a timely basis to ensure resources are in place for carrying project activities Ensure Country Office treasury operations are adequately managed Ensure timely and accurate information is provided through Grants Management systems Oversee and monitor sub grantees/ grants as required per SC policies and procedures Develop sub-grantees through training and capacity building Ensure that donor financial reports and additive reports align Information Technology Ensure that sophisticated, efficient, cost effective Information Technology Systems are in place and in compliance with SCI MOS Ensure maintenance, licensing and efficient support to users within LCO; including but not limited to computer network, hardware and software. Administration Supervise administrative function to ensure the effective management of capital assets and other inventory Supervise administrative function that ensures sophisticated, efficient, cost effective Information Technology Systems are in place which is also in compliance with SCI MOS Ensure that sophisticated, efficient, cost effective Information Technology Systems are in place and in compliance with SCI MOS Facilities Management Oversee the overall maintenance of the office premises, facilities assets and equipment (physical work environment) and ensure that these are secure and efficiently utilized Review and annually update all contracts and leases before forwarding them to the Country Director for signature Ensure adequate insurance cover and keep up to date with suitability and types of cover available Staff Management, Mentorship, and Development – Finance, Grants and Admin Ensure appropriate staffing within finance, Grants and admin Ensure that all staff understand and are able to perform their role in an emergency Manage staff members reporting to this position, define expectations, provide leadership and technical support as needed, and evaluate direct reports regularly Ensure the recruitment, training, and promotion of staff as appropriate and ensure availability of appropriate professional development opportunities for staff. Incorporate staff development strategies and Performance Management Systems into team building process. Establish result based system and follow up Ensure adequate segregation of finance duty within Country Office. Manage the performance of all staff in the finance, grants and admin work areas through: Effective use of the Performance Management System including the establishment of clear, measureable objectives, ongoing feedback, periodic reviews and fair and unbiased evaluations; Coaching, mentoring and other developmental opportunities; Recognition and rewards for outstanding performance; Documentation of performance that is less than satisfactory, with appropriate performance improvements/ workplans  QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE 5 years of management experience in a      corporate or an NGO environment, of which three at a management level      within the finance department of a national or international organization Recent experience working in an emergency      context CPA or equivalent degree (CA, ACMA, ACCA)      strongly recommended Excellent understanding of business and      financial planning including strategic modelling Excellent analytical skills – the ability to      analyse complex financial data and design and produce effective management      information Excellent experience of budgeting and budget      management Excellent understanding of financial systems      and procedures Strong business acumen and the ability to      contribute to strategic decisions Knowledge of IT system management  Excellent experience of computerised accounts      packages, Excel, PowerPoint and Word Strong communication and interpersonal skills Ability to manage a complex and diverse      workload and to work to tight deadlines Ability to build a small, proactive team,      motivating staff and working collaboratively with colleagues and providing      support and advice as necessary Willingness      and ability to dramatically change work practices and hours, and work with      incoming surge teams, in the event of emergencies People management skills A full appreciation of the value of      co-operation, both internationally and within a team environment Understanding of Save the Children’s vision      and mission and a commitment to its objectives and values Written and verbal fluency in  English and Arabic Desirable:                                                                                        Familiarity with local labor law, and social security systems.   APPLICATION PROCESS   Please note that the closing date for applications is : For Internal applicants (Save the Children Staff) on March 7th. For External applicants on March 12th.   The selection committee will review all applications as they are received. All applicants must meet the minimum requirements described above, and those unable to meet these requirements will not be considered. No further information will be given over the phone.   Please note: due to the critical nature of this recruitment, applications will be reviewed as they are received and successful candidates contacted on an on-going basis.  Internal Applicants are given priority in the recruitment process.   STARTING DATE: Immediate.  We’re looking for people who can start as soon as possible or within the next few weeks.   Each application package should include the following: •           Job title for the role you are applying for in subject header of the email •           Cover letter with the applicant’s current contact information •           CV (including detailed work experience, education/degrees)  –  3pages maximum •           Professional References (minimum of three, with complete contact information) •           Kindly do not send supporting certificates and documents at this stage •           Letter and CV should be saved into one Word or PDF document and sent to Lebanon.vacancies@savethechildren.org   Applications not including all of the above information will not be reviewed. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.   We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.  All applicants will also be subject to Save the Children’s usual Child Safeguarding Policy and reference checking process.