Organizational Context
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 191-member National Societies (NSs). The overall aim of IFRC is “to 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.” 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 finance Manager is responsible for leading the team and coordinating the financial management function of Abuja Cluster office in line with Federation procedures and policies, in a coordinated fashion to compliment the delivery of programming and financial support to all departments and to ensure the work of the four National Societies part of the cluster.
The purpose of the role is to ensure that the cluster Financial Management Department operates with efficiency, integrity, and accountability, enabling timely and compliant service delivery of humanitarian actions.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Internal Control and Risk Management
- Manage the monthly financial cycle within the defined deadlines
- Conduct capacity risk assessment for project partners and ensure mitigation measures address major areas of financial risks.
- Perform delegated responsibilities on all financial matters to ensure that internal control is in line and effective as required.
- Be responsible for the finance control environment for the Delegation office
Financial Reporting
- Prepare monthly financial analysis report for the Head of the Cluster clearly highlighting the financial issues and risks
- Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs), and advice on actions to be taken to improve the KPI’s
- Oversee preparation of accurate, regular and timely donor financial reports
- Identify and discuss donor financial reports monthly with the budget holders and program staff and develop a plan of action to address any issues identified
- Alert program managers on due financial reports and any follow ups that might be required to be done with the national society (NS).
- Conduct funds transfer spot checks reviews and reports with remedial actions to improve systems within the NS.
Audit and Compliance•
- Follow up with various risk owners within the Cluster office to ensure implementation of internal audit findings
- Be responsible for implementation of all finance policies and procedures in the Delegation office
- Review all documents for compliance and authorize only if there is full compliance.
Financial Management and Operational support
- Manage the Cluster office funds and financial assets under the overall direction of the Head of Cluster. This will include cash flow, cost control management as well as management of treasury functions.
- Coordinate the compilation of regional office budgets and financial plan under the direction of the Head of finance and administration
- Manage the budgeting cycle, regularly ensure all program budgets are prioritized in line with available funding and ensure that all project exposure and unfunded items are managed within PEAR approval limits. Monitor the budgets and ensure accurate accounting, authorization, and internal control procedures are implemented. Investigate and address significant variances.
- Prepare shared office and service costs budget for the Cluster office and monitor expenses on a quarterly basis and advise the Head of Cluster on improvements
- Validate the monthly payroll before onward processing for payment.
- Provide training, support and advice staff on financial management matters.
- Prepare and review in country cost budgets for respective units to follow up on cash pledges.
- Track, monitor and follow up of income and pledges, identify those that are overdue and advise relevant stakeholders as necessary.
- Ensure implementation of pledges is as approved by donors and advise the program managers on any anomalies, extension of timeframes as required
- Provide technical review on agreements being drawn with donors to ensure IFRC
- financial obligations are in line with defined policies and procedures. Work with program teams to ensure expedited cash request transfers to support programs and operations.
Job Duties and Responsibilities (continued)
Treasury Management
- Prepare and submit monthly cash requests and ensure funds are available to carry out activities
- Manage bank account balances to minimize forex losses on cash held
- Ensure bank reconciliations are completed in a timely manner
- Ensure timely reporting and collection of receivables.
- Ensure dormant balance sheet items are analysed, cleaned and closed
- Rectify all warning signs in the balance sheet monthly checkup report
Monitoring
- Monitor National Society advances and ensure timely reporting.
- Ensure clearance of working advances from national society are calculated using the transfer rates.
- Follow up on dormant working advance (WA) by working closely with the NS finance team
- Ensure that program advances to the NS are controlled and cleared with acceptable documentation and vouchers. This will involve monitoring and audit trail work from time to time.
Emergency Preparedness and Response
- Support in the preparation of emergency and DREF budgets.
- Participate in Joint Taskforce for major operations in the cluster, providing financial risk and management advice and guidance
- Ensure audit provisions are posted for funds transfer societies.
- Ensure provision, accruals and outstanding pledge are cleared prior to preparation of final report.
- Ensure timely closure of humanitarian response project and appeal.
National Society Development
- Support development initiatives of the National Societies
- Carry out capacity review and risk assessment of the national societies Provide advice on finance policies and procedures for implementation by the NS
- Conduct training on finance to improve systems within the NS Propose and support NS development initiatives.
Procurement
- Conduct 100% check on all cluster office procurements and only authorize payments after ensuring compliance with IFRC policies.
- Ensure validation of codes and budgets in LR and other documents are accurate.
- Work closely with dedicated procurement officer to ensure admin procurements are made by LPSCM.
- Ensure disposal of items follow the fixed assets procedure.
Team Leadership and Management:
- Plan, manage, and monitor the use of the available resources of the Finance team to deliver the agreed activities for each area of responsibility.
- Foster a culture focused on quality service, accountability, proactivity, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Promote service improvement, good practice, continuous learning, and
- knowledge sharing between colleagues and across IFRC and National Societies.
- Ensure a motivating and supportive working environment that encourages staff development.
Education
- Relevant university degree (Master in Business Administration or equivalent)
- Professional qualification in Accounting (Chartered accountant, ACIPM, CPA or equivalent)
Experience
- Minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience. (Required)
- Minimum of 8 years in finance management position. (Required)
- Minimum of 5 years' work experience with an International Organisation.(Required)
- international non-governmental organization, NGO and/or government development agency. (Preferred)
- Experience working with the International Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement. (Required)
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in Team Management and remote support (Required)
- Experience in plan & budget, financial analysis & statements, reporting & treasury management, external financial audit. (Required)
- Experience working in multicultural environment. (Required)
Knowledge, Skills and Languages
- Service minded, ability to lead, delegate and manage from distance. (Required)
- Result-oriented, ability to lead transitions within a matrix management structure. (Required)
- Proven good judgment and ability to work with complete integrity and confidentiality, acting as a model of highest integrity in personal capacity and at team level. (Required)
- High degree of discretion, tact and sensitivity with internal and external stakeholders. (Required)
- Good ability in representation, negotiation, networking and communication. (Required)
- Advanced skills in computer productivity applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook). (Required)
- Advanced knowledge of accounting concepts. (Required) Knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards or equivalent. (Required)
- Advanced knowledge of financial management and reporting applications (e.g. CODA and Business Objects). (Preferred)
- Understanding of internal control and treasury management concepts. (Required)
- Financial management skills. (Required)
- Ability to effectively provide training on finance management matters contributing to a learning culture, sharing knowledge and engaging partners. (Required).
Languages
- Fluently spoken and written English
- Good command of spoken and written French
Competencies, Values and Comments
Communication – Collaboration and teamwork- Judgement and decision making- National Society and customer relations – Creativity and innovation – Building trust – Managing staff performance- Managing staff development
