Country Finance Officer TALENT POOL 2021 – Anglophone countries

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is ministry of the Society of Jesus, incorporated as an international non-governmental organisation with a mission to accompany, serve, and advocate for the rights of refugees and forcibly displaced people. The organisation was founded in November 1980 and now has a presence in over 50 countries. JRS undertakes services at national and regional levels with the support and guidance of an international office (IO) in Rome. JRS service is human and spiritual, working in situations of greatest need, seeking the long-term well-being of refugees and displaced people while not neglecting their immediate or urgent needs. The main services provided are in the field of education, emergency assistance, and psychosocial support and livelihood activities. Currently, more than 724,000 individuals are direct beneficiaries of JRS projects.

The Talent Pools serve to ensure a source of external qualified candidates for core positions that are regularly recruited for and/or for which a sudden need may arise.

JRS Talent Pools will be opened every year. Applications to this Talent Pool will be received at any time within the indicated deadline of 31st December 2021. Expression of interest for this Talent Pool is valid for the calendar year in which the application is submitted and for the following calendar year, until 31st December 2022. After this period, candidates need to re-apply in order to be re-included. 

Within this time frame, if and when a relevant job opportunity becomes available, pre-screened candidates will be contacted for a test and/or an interview. Assignments may be offered in various locations worldwide. JRS is present in more than 50 countries with operations especially located in the African continent.

Only pre-screened candidates will be contacted. JRS regrets it cannot respond to all applicants.

Application information

All applicants are requested to submit the following documents:  

1) Curriculum Vitae (CV) in English, including three (3) professional references with contact information, phone and email address;

2) A cover letter describing the candidate’s desire and motivation to work for JRS and how her/his qualifications and experience are a good fit for this position;

3) Copy of academic qualifications.

OPERATIONAL CONTEXT/ROLE

The Country Finance Officer (CFO) is the overall responsible person for finance in the JRS Country Office. The CFO oversees all the financial aspects of the Country Office. S/he is directly accountable to the Country Director and works as part of the Country Office Team in close collaboration with the Country Programs Officer. S/he works with senior management personnel in each project (Project Directors and Finance Officers) at the same time liaising with relevant staff in the International Office and Regional Office. This position embraces a range of responsibilities from initiating needs assessments to ensuring adequate and ongoing funding, periodic project evaluations and final closure of projects.

Key Responsibilities

• In co-operation and consultation with the Country Director, take overall responsibility for the financial management of the Country;
• Consolidate financial reports for the country and provide analysis so as to advise the Country Director on the financial position of the country and alert about issues as they arise;
• Prepare the Country Office for, coordinate and supervise the external annual audit and project audits;
• Ensure adherence and implementation of JRS International Finance policies, carrying out relevant training for country and project staff;
• Advise the Country Director on budgetary and monetary strategies and cash flow as well as financial implications of new projects;
• Contribute to the real time project oversight function of the Country Office ensuring budgetary, procedural and policy compliance.

Finance and Accounting

• Oversee preparation of projects and country offices’ budgets and, in close collaboration with the Country Programmes Officer, prepare financial proposals and reports for funders;
• Prepare and develop monthly and quarterly progress reports for management;
• Identify administrative and financial-related risks and constraints, and propose mitigation measures through the implementation of best practices;
• Act as contact point for enquiries of financial nature from stakeholders;
• Prepare and elaborate country specific finance policies, in consultation with the Country Director and the International Office, to ensure adherence to JRS Finance Policy at all levels;
• Verify monthly payroll in coordination with the Country Director and Country Human Resources Officer;
• Ensure timely payment of staff salaries, contractors and other expenditures;
• Verify supporting documents to ensure completeness before payments;
• Act as public Officer for the organisation and as the contact point with taxation related matters;
• Manage all accounting operations based on accounting principles;
• Maintain proper filing system for all financial books, records, and accounting documents and prepare periodic financial reports and submit management for review;
• Manage bank and cash accounts, ensure sound liquidity plan;
• Follow up on advances and refunds;
• Provide assistance and advice to the Country Director in the recruitment of finance-related positions;
• Promote and shares ideas for improvement of the finance function.

Project-related activities

• Travel to the project locations in order to provide field support;
• In close collaboration with the Country Programmes Officer, oversee management of the Project Cycle and monitor projects for financial/budget performance, reporting to and advising the Country Director;
• Train and advice project staff in use of finance tools;
• Provide technical advice, support and assistance to project staff in field offices on finance and internal control matters, as well as financial regulations, policies and procedures;
• In coordination with the relevant project staff, ensure that project/program expenses are consistent with grant agreements and budgets.

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job.

Qualifications and experience

• University degree in accounting, finance, business and administration, or related areas; and/or a specific training, qualification or certification in finance;
• At least four (4) years of relevant professional experience working in a finance-related role;
• Experience in an NGO and/or international organization is a significant asset;
• Previous experience with a faith-based organization is a significant asset.

Languages

Excellent proficiency in written and verbal English; a professional working knowledge of a language spoken in the country and/or other JRS official language (French, Spanish) is desirable

Required Skills and competencies

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and one or more internationally recognized accounting systems;
• Prior experience in accounting, bookkeeping procedures, account reconciliation and data analysis;
• Comprehensive knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures relating to accounting, financial controls and financial information systems;
• Strong knowledge of laws and regulations that have an impact on financial analysis and management controls;
• Good ability in preparing financial reports such as statement of financial position, comprehensive income, changes in accumulated fund, cash flow;
• Knowledge of Microsoft Navision is highly desirable;
• Self-direction, creativity, and follow up skills to ensure work is accurate and deadlines are met;
• Ability to prioritize and manage tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment;
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and promote effective teamwork;
• Strong management, analytical and interpersonal skills;
• Good organizational skills and high attention to detail;
• Ability to work with and maintain good relationships with multiple stakeholders;
• Demonstrated experience in working in developing countries is highly desirable.

Travel

The position requires regular travel to JRS locations.

Core values and ethics

• Commitment to JRS’s mission, vision and values; ability to convey with enthusiasm JRS’s role in accompanying and serving forcibly displaced people and to advocate for their right to protection and a life in dignity;
• High integrity, honesty and confidentiality; ability to deal tactfully and discreetly with people, situations and information;
• Acceptance of diversity and inclusion as a core value.