Ethiopia: Finance Delegate

Do you want to make a difference? Join the world’s largest humanitarian network. The Canadian Red Cross Society (CRCS), a non-profit, humanitarian organization dedicated to helping the most vulnerable in Canada and throughout the world, is currently seeking a Finance Delegate for its programs in Ethiopia.

The Canadian Red Cross has a Strategic Partnership with the Canadian Government aimed at strengthening national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies so that they are better able to respond to disasters and conflict, improve Canada's ability to respond quickly and efficiently to humanitarian crises, and increase public awareness of Canadian humanitarian efforts. A component of this partnership is the Capacity Strengthening for Emergency Response in Africa (SERA), a five year regional initiative, funded by the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs Trade and Development (DFATD), to strengthen the emergency preparedness and response capacity of four National Societies (NS) in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Mali, and South Sudan.

The SERA initiative is in its first year and CRCS is currently seeking a Finance Delegate to set-up and lead the project finance function for the SERA Regional Coordination Office in Addis Ababa and technically support local partner finance staff in each of the 4 SERA participating countries. S/he will be responsible for launching a complete project finance system based on CRC and donor guidelines. The Finance Delegate will provide professional finance and budgetary support and coaching. The Finance Delegate will need to determine the capacity of local CRC and partner finance staff, fill gaps, mentor, and make recommendations on longer term options for ensuring accurate records management over the duration of the project.

Work towards the achievement of National Red Cross / Red Crescent Society goals in the country / region of operation through effective managerial and lateral relations and teamwork.Ensure understanding of roles, responsibilities, lateral relationships and accountabilities.
Perform other work related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Set up and lead the finance and accounting function in the following areas:

• Budgeting, accounting and financial reporting. • User-friendly systems development and integration. • Project costing and analyses. • Implementing and managing internal control policies and procedures. • Working capital management. • Compile, validate and reconcile all monthly financial reports for Project Coordination Office (PCO) and Headquarters.

Manage the funds and financial systems of the PCO, under the overall direction of the Regional Representative:

• Manage all financial aspects of an operation with approximately +CAD 1,6million annually. • Management of fixed assets list. • Interpret terms and conditions of Contribution Agreement to be applied to financial reporting. • Ensure timesheets are completed. • Manage cash flow and cost control measures. • Management of the payments, cashier and bank signatory. • Coordinate the compilation of the countries budgets and financial plans, under the direction of the Regional Delegate, using budgets prepared by managers in the field. • Develop accurate financial systems for entire delegation, and ensure consistent use and maintenance of finance systems. • Compile accurate, regular and timely financial and narrative reports for the CRCS National Office.

Manage and monitor the delegation budget and oversee financial reporting:

• Monitor the budget of PCO and ensure accurate accounting, authorisation & internal control procedures. Investigate and address significant variances. • Ensure Field Returns are complete and supported by appropriate papers.

Develop and implement a capacity building and handover plan aimed at allowing national staff at Regional Coordination Office (RCO) and NS to take over finance function at the end of contract:

• Line manage, recruit, advise, support and train the locally-hired financial staff of the PCO. • Advise the Regional Delegate and other staff on financial and administrative matters. • Train, support and advise participating country specific staff in financial and administrative matters. • Provide various financial supports to project development and implementation. • Provide assessment and near close of contract recommended options to CRC on maintaining an effective financial system of duration of project.

Canadian Red Cross Society, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Mali and Democratic Republic of Congo Red Cross Societies. External: International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent, International Committee of the Red Cross, other National Societies present in-country.

University degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.Bilingual French/English.Professional certification in Accounting strongly preferred.Minimum of 5 years relevant work experience in Finance, with experience in a management role.Experience with Red Cross / Red Crescent accounting measures strongly preferred.Previous international work experience in a developing country preferred.Demonstrated experience in mentoring managers and staff in Finance policies, systems, and procedures.Demonstrated experience in the development and implementation of financial systems.Strong commitment to the Principles of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.Strong initiative, diplomacy, flexibility, and sound decision making skills are required.Demonstrated experience in staff supervision, management, and development.

This is an unaccompanied position based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This position will involve travel to all four countries. Time spent outside country of primary residence expected to exceed 30%.

Interested parties may submit their application online through the Canadian Red Cross Career Website by midnight EST on 19 January, 2015.

This position requires a successful Canadian criminal record reference check, valid provincial driver’s license and First Aid Certification. The Canadian Red Cross Society is an equal opportunity employer.