Admin & Finance Consultant

DAWRIC – Direct Action for Women: Reform, Inclusion and Confidence Admin and Finance Consultant Terms of Reference   Background   The British Council is implementing a two-year European Union funded project entitled DAWRIC: Direct Action for Women: Reform, Inclusion and Confidence, aiming to improve women’s political and economic participation at a National level.   Project Overall Objective   DAWRIC overall objective is to build the capacity of women and broad-based support for their active involvement in public life to: -       Combat poverty among Lebanese women -       Ensure gender equality in political life and decision-making processes   Project Specific Objectives   DAWRIC specific objectives are:   -       Women are actively involved in local decision-making processes supported by local communities. -       Greater connection between concerns of urban/ rural women and the strategies of local authorities is established. -       National and emerging coalitions are better able to progress women’s participation in public life. -       Women participation in public life” advocacy campaigns are better designed and managed through evidence-based data.   Purpose of the Consultancy   The British Council is seeking an Admin and Finance consultant to ensure DAWRIC project financial planning and expenditures are carried-out in compliance with British Council and European Union standards   Expected Results/Description of Responsibilities   -      Coordination with PM to stay updated on planning and  forecasting  key budget lines, reforecasting plans to present to the EC,  monthly cashflow forecasts for Lebanon -       Ensure the timely payment of all invoices, including vendor set-up and adherence to payment terms as per contracts -       Ensure compliance to internal procurement policies -       Manage all tax related arrangements in Lebanon ensuring all taxes are reflected in the budget; ensure VAT, Stamp duty and income tax requirements are reflected in contracts and paid on time, where necessary. -       Ensure all original expenditure evidence is stored according to internal policy and project IKM plan and protocols -       Ensure that all the required financial and non-financial information is available prior to the audit -       Liaise with auditors and manage the audits -       Receive the audit report, follow-up on findings and forward to the relevant internal stakeholders -       Monthly reconciliation and internal checks on correct GL codes and WBS’s -       Checking procurement has been followed and documentation is saved -       Support with preparation of 6 monthly EC invoice which UK will raise -       Manage G-drive storage of all finance related documentation -       Manage storage of hard copies of all financial related documents -       Flag any financial risks, issues immediately to Project Manager   Timeline The Admin and Finance consultant should be available from August 2017 until September 2018. The number of days will be agreed upon with the Senior Project Manager   Management   The assignment will be carried out under the overall guidance of DAWRIC Senior Project Manager based in Beirut, Lebanon in coordination with the British Council Regional Finance.   Technical Competencies and Experience Requirements   Only consultants with the following competencies and experience will be considered:   -       A minimum of four years of experience of working with international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) and/or government agencies in Finance -       Good knowledge and experience in EU financial compliance -       Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting or related field required -       Proficient in Microsoft Excel -       Demonstrated creative and critical thinking skills -       Able to work on multiple assignments simultaneously -       Strong communication and presentation skills