Regional Finance Senior Officer - Norwegian Red Cross

Job purpose

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world's largest humanitarian network, reaching 150 million people each year through its 188-member National Societies. The Organisation acts before, during and after disasters and health emergences in order to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people. Our work is guided by seven fundamental principles (humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality) and by Strategy 2020, which voices our collective vision and determination to move forward in tackling the major challenges that confront humanity in the present decade.

Norwegian Red Cross, together with its partners the Red Cross/Red Crescent National Societies (NSs) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, supports projects and programmes on health, water and sanitation, and disaster management. The overall goal is improving community resilience and reaching the most vulnerable people, while achieving greater and more measurable impact. An important part of this support is linked to contribute to partner National Societies organisational development, including capacity building in planning, monitoring, evaluation and reporting.  In MENA, NorCross supports Red Cross/ Red Crescent partners in Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Iraq, Yemen, Libya and Turkey. 

The purpose of the senior Regional Finance Officer is to support the management of a strong internal control environment, including segregation of duties, and the application of finance policies, processes and procedures throughout the MENA region. 

Strategic responsibilities 

• Coordinates the accounting and administrative functions of the regional office in line with Norwegian Red Cross rules and procedures. 
• Supports the regional and country offices in all aspects of financial management enabling humanitarian programs. 

Operational tasks/responsibilities:

Budgeting 

• Coordinate and assist in the preparation of the office and NS programme and project budgets consistent with plans.
• Assist Regional Finance Manager to during periodic revision of budgets in the region, including mid-term budget analysis for the regional and country offices.

Accounting 

• Ensure that all the offices’ bonafide transactions are appropriately processed into Agresso using the correct account, activity and donor code. 
• Ensure monthly closure of accounts within required deadlines and the preparation of the office cash request. 
• Quality assure all cash requests in the region. 

Reporting 

• Prepare accurate, regular and timely donor financial reports. 
• Prepare weekly, monthly and quarterly reports as may be determined by the Regional Finance Manager. 
• Assist Regional Finance Manager in providing feedback on the tertial reports  
• Prepare monthly reconciliations for bank, and accruals of the regional office 
• Review cash and advance reconciliations of all country offices in the Region. 
• Prepare weekly, monthly and quarterly reports as may be determined by the Regional Finance Manager. 
• Assist Regional Finance Manager in providing feedback on the tertial reports  
• Prepare monthly reconciliations for bank, and accruals of the regional office 
• Review cash and advance reconciliations of all country offices in the Region. 

Compliance and audit 

• Coordinate all work that will facilitate and enhance successful audit of the regional office operations and programmes, including Preparing financial statements for interim and annual audit in line with the annual audit engagement instructions from external auditor for the region. 
• Support the Regional finance manager in the implementation of internal and external audit recommendations (based on Annual Management Letter)  

Monitoring 

• Ensure that all project expenditure authorization process is as per approved Accountability Matrix. 
• Ensure that all procurements are in line with Norwegian Red Cross policy and procedures at the point of clearing the payments. 
• Review and analyse the monthly financial analysis report prepared and take appropriate measures to clear issues of concern raised by country programme managers/Case holders. 
• Responsible for the review the NS returns, provide feedback where necessary to both country manager and the NS in the areas of concerns.  
• Perform delegated responsibilities on all financial matters to ensure that internal control is in line and effective as required. 
• Perform mid-year expenditure review against approved budgets. 
• Monitor and follow-up of finance and admin related issue in Country Offices, and work with the Regional Finance Manager on the remedial actions where applicable.  
• Review financial statements for interim and annual audit in line with the annual audit engagement instructions from external auditor for regional office. 
• Review general ledgers of Country Offices on monthly basis and advise relevant staff in case of irregularities. 

Modality 

• Ensure that programme advances to the NS are controlled and cleared with acceptable documentation and vouchers.  
• Work closely with the National Societies/country finance officers to ensure timely and quality reporting of advances 
• Support the Regional Finance Manager in evaluating and rolling out the new financial working modality within the supported NSs.

Duties applicable to all staff

1.

Actively work towards the achievement of NorCross’ goals

2.

Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent principles

3.

Perform any other work related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager

Position Requirements

Education

A degree in accounting or Business Administration

Professional qualification in accounting (Chartered accountant, CPA or equivalent)

Experience

Minimum of 7 years work experience in the INGO/Audit

Developing budgets, plans and financial analysis

Management of an accounting services function

Preparation for, conduct of and/or support to external financial audit

Knowledge and Skills

Advanced knowledge of accounting concepts, financial management and use reporting applications (e.g. Agresso and Advanced use of excel) 

Understanding of internal control and treasury management concepts 

Proven ability to engage discretely and tactfully with internal and external stakeholders

Proven ability to engage discretely and tactfully with internal and external stakeholders

Advanced skills in computer productivity applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) 

Languages

Fluently spoken and written English

Good command of Arabic

Competencies

Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment, Flexibility, patience, dedication and creativity, Good listening skills.