Organizational Context
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the worldโs largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 191-member National Societies (NSs). The overall aim of IFRC is โto inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by NSs with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.โ IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.
IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.
IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services.
IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. IFRC also has country cluster delegations and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.
IFRC has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and lack of integrity (including but not limited to financial misconduct). IFRC also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles.
Job Purpose
The purpose of the Country Finance Coordinator is to ensure development and control related to financial management and other financial support functions for Norwegian Red Cross operations.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic responsibilities
Managing annual finance processes and financial support functions and ensuring compliance according to donor requirements and Norwegian Red Cross rules and systems. Ensure internal control and financial risk management, including mitigating actions and management of suspected and confirmed cases of fraud and corruption. Support Host National Societiesโ (HNS), including financial risk management on matters pertaining to Norwegian Red Cross programs. Manage the finance team in the countryOperational responsibilities
Supports and provides finance and progress analysis to the Head of support and Country Manager for good decision making. Responsible for quality and timely financial and procurement planning in the country, including yearly donor and project budgets, prognosis, and mid-term budget reviews, informing project adjustments, including the reallocation of financial resources. Responsible for correct and updated quality finance information in NorCross accounting and reporting systems. Ensure sound financial management of the country offices, including timely accounting and reconciliations, budget monitoring and analysis, and forecasting. Ensure daily accounting when required. Administer the petty cash and monthly reconciliation, including bank reconciliation of the Norwegian Red Cross according to Norwegian Red Crossโs procedures. Ensure timely single donor reports according to the donor requirements and NorCross rules and processes. Review and quality assure expenditure and supporting documentation to ensure compliance, including control and monthly clearance of advances to the HNS with required documentation. Prepare and facilitate the annual audit process, as well as following up on remarks and recommendations from the annual audit. Communicate with auditors and national society to resolve any further issues for regional office and NO on matters relating to audit. Update the inventory list for the Field Office plus Norwegian Red Cross residence every time there is a change, at least twice annually. Make sure that every item is properly tagged. Ensures that procurement and logistics policies and procedures are documented, disseminated and consistently followed in the country. Consult Regional logistics Coordinator when relevant. Ensure relevant administrative tasks is performed, including travel arrangements, organization of events and support minor purchases for Field Office staff and visitors. Ensures that a strong internal control environment is maintained in line with Norwegian Red Cross rules and regulations, including proper segregation of duties. Contributes to risk register and partner mapping related to financial and administration function with the country.14 Ensure transparency and ethical conduct in financial and administrative practices.
Job Duties and Responsibilities (continued)
15. Develop and maintain relationships with external partners and stakeholders aligned with the NorCross missions.
16. Quality assures cash disbursements in accordance with Norwegian Red Crossโ partnership calendar.
17. Train new staff in Norwegian Red Cross rules and regulations, and the correct use of available finance management tools, in coordination with RO and NO.
18. Work closely with the logistic officer to implement strategies for effective inventory management. Oversee and guide in the managing day-to-day administrative tasks, including office facilities, equipment, and general services.
19. Provide insights and recommendations for cost-saving measures within the country, including administrative and logistical cost-effectiveness.
20. Provide support to HNS on all finance matters, including budget and budget revision support relevant for Norwegian Red Cross programmes.
21. Ensure finance monitoring visits and spot checks of the National Societies to identify the gaps and provision of recommendations.
22. Provide, if needed, finance management support and capacity building to HNS where relevant
Line manages the finance team
1. Contributes to human resources planning for personnel in the country, analyzing and identifying improvement initiatives, as well as ensuring follow up to enable continuous development.
2 Ensures that all finance staff have yearly work and development plans and follow up on performance regularly.
3 Set objectives for the finance team, delegate tasks and authority, involve, motivate, and follow up colleagues in line with Norwegian Red Cross leadership development model.
Collaboration
Engage with the National Societies/country finance officers to ensure timely and quality of financial support Engage with the Technical Unit to ensure consistent accountability towards Norwegian Red Cross rules and regulations, guidelines, and deadlines. Collaborate with the Finance and Grants Unit, and regional office to implement Norwegian Red Crossโ guidelines, rules, and regulations in country. Regular communication with colleagues at the Global Disaster Management Unit, as relevant. Collaborate with fundraising teams to provide financial insights for grant applications and donor reporting.Duties applicable to all staff
โ1.โ Work actively towards the achievement of the Federation Secretariatโs goals. โ
โ2.โ Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent principles.โ
โ3.โ Perform any other work-related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager.โ
Education
Relevant university degree (Chartered Auditor, Business Administration, Finance Management or Finance Degree, Chartered Accountant or equivalent)
Experience
Relevant experience 4-5 yearsโ Ability to work towards achieving objectives and results.โ Ability to cooperate and share competency Ability to convince and gain acceptance Ability to communicate effectively.โ Ability to be solution oriented Collaborates well with others and supports others in the pursuit of team goals.โKnowledge, Skills and Languages
Successful track record of managing international finance and administrative teams, โincluding remote support.โ Five years of relevant experience Proven experience in financial planning and budget analysis.โ Working proficiency of regional languages is an asset Track record of managing humanitarian teams in complex humanitarian setting.โ Advanced understanding of internal control and treasury management concepts.โ Knowledge of relevant accounting concepts, International Financial Reporting Standards โor equivalent.โFluent spoken and written English
Competencies, Values and Comments
VALUES: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability.โ
CORE COMPETENCIES: Communication; Collaboration and Teamwork; Pro-activity; National Societies and Customer โRelations; Creativity and Innovation; Building Trust.โ