Finance Analyst

Background Founded in 1919, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is a membership organisation comprising 186 member Red Cross and Red Crescent societies governed by a Governing Board and with management support provided by a Secretariat with more than 65 delegations strategically located to support activities around the world. The IFRC maintains an office in Beirut, Lebanon from which it coordinates and supports the efforts of its members to improve and scale up work aimed at addressing the increasing number of humanitarian and development challenges in the world.  Purpose:  The Finance Analyst is part of the finance team responsible for provision of accounting services, ensuring financial control, and providing advice and support to relevant stakeholders within a comprehensive financial management structure in MENA. Specifically the Finance Analyst will take a key role in : implementing and maintaining standard IFRC financial policies, processes and procedures; providing expertise, advice and support on financial management including IFRC operations and programmes; Supporting member National Society capacity building and development in matters of technical financial expertise (i.e. Accounting & Financial Management). Key tasks and responsibilities  The key tasks and responsibilities of the Finance Analyst, MENA include: Risk Management & Internal Controls Ensure that a rigorous internal control environment is maintained; Support the application of IFRC finance policies, processes and procedures; and, Participate in the design and development of financial policies, processes and procedures as requested. Financial Management and Controllership Support IFRC field finance staff and budget holders in the preparation of operational and programme budgets; Support IFRC field finance staff in the month-end and year-end financial close process including ensuring deadlines are adhered to Provide advice to senior management on an ad hoc as required basis on financial management matters pertaining to operations and programmes. Financial Reporting Support in the preparation of monthly financial reports for management purposes; Support in the review and approval of donor-specific financial reports, on an ad hoc, as required basis; and, Support programme and year-end audits including preparation of financial statements in compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Treasury Management Ensure field offices submit accurate and timely cash requests as necessary and that they manage cash and foreign currency balances in the most efficient manner; Human Resources Management Provide technical support to finance staff, in other locations, both from a distance and undertakng field trips as necessary; Provide/coordinate training on financial management matters for various stakeholders as requested/required, (including finance staff, programme managers and non-finance staff); and,    Provide temporary coverage to the Zone Office and its country and regional representations at short notice and provide temporary on-site financial management services during times of disaster response in the region. Support the development of a high quality team through actively building relations with field finance staff Act for MENA zone finance manager as and when required  Finance Development Support and actively encourage member National Society development in matters of financial expertise, to include development and facilitation of workshops as well as one to one trainings, with the support of MENA zone finance manager Duties applicable to all staff Actively work towards the achievement of the IFRC’s goals. Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross/Red Crescent principles. Perform any other work related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager.   Person specifications Education/Qualifications Required Preferred Relevant university degree X   Internationally recognise professional qualification in accounting X   Relevant professional training courses (Red Cross/Red Crescent related, humanitarian and development sector, management, etc.)   X Experience     Minimum of 5 years work experience in an international financial role X   Minimum of 2 years work experience with an International Organisation, international non-governmental organization, NGO and/or government development agency X   Experience of working for the Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement   X Management of a team with a minimum of 3 staff members X   Experience in developing budgets and plans and financial analysis X   Experience in the management of an accounting services function X   Skills/knowledge     Ability to lead and manage in a diverse cultural context X   Highly organised X   Effective team management, often from a distance X   Advanced skills in computer productivity applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) X   Advanced accounting concepts, including International Financial Reporting Standards X   Advanced knowledge of CODA and BuSY financial software applications   X Understanding of treasury management concepts X   Strong communication skills in written and oral English X   Strong communication skills in written and oral Arabic X   Financial management skills X   Demonstrated skill in analytical and strategic thinking X   Competencies (refer to the competencies on the Annual review (AR) online tool)     Communicates clearly and effectively Upholds professional standards Results focus & accountability Teamwork National Society relations