International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)

 International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) 

Assistant Manager, Finance Shared Services

Date of issue:                                      17-12-2020

Closing date (Geneva time zone):      17-01-2021

Duty station:                                       Geneva

Country:                                             SWITZERLAND

Duty station status:                            Family Duty Station

Accompanied status:                          Accompanied

Duration:                                            2 Years

Category of Staff:                              Geneva Staff

Grade:                                                E1

Vacancy No:                                       IFRC04694

Background

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, with 192 member National Societies. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, our work is guided by seven fundamental principles; humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.

Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC or “the Federation”) is the world’s largest humanitarian organisation with 192 member National Societies. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, our work is guided by seven fundamental principles; humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality. The IFRC is the World’s largest volunteer-based humanitarian network.

The Federation is a membership organization established by and comprised of its member National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Along with National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Federation is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The overall aim of the IFRC is to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies 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.” It works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.

The Federation is served by a Secretariat based in Geneva, with regional and country offices throughout the world. The Secretariat is led by the IFRC Secretary General and provides the central capacity of the International Federation to serve, connect, and represent National Societies. The Secretariat’s focus includes providing support to the IFRC governance mechanisms; setting norms and standards; providing guidance; ensuring consistency; coordination and accountability for performance; knowledge sharing; promoting collaboration within and respect for the RCRC Movement; and expanding engagement with partners. The Secretariat’s headquarter is organized in three divisions: (i) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; (ii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services; and (iii) National Society Development and Operations Coordination. The Secretariat has five regional offices, as follows: Americas (Panama City); Africa (Nairobi); Asia/Pacific (Kuala Lumpur); Europe (Budapest); Middle East and North Africa (Beirut).

The Finance and Administration department is part of the Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services Division and is responsible for managing the overall budgeting, accounting, treasury, assets, financial reporting and services, building and related services, conferencing services and languages, library and archives as well as Insurance management.

The Assistant Manager, Finance Shared Services is a member of the global financial management team.

Job Purpose

Reporting to the Manager, Finance Shared Services, the Assistant Manager, Finance Shared Services is responsible for leading a team in the provision of accounting and financial management services, ensuring financial control, financial reporting, training and providing advice and support to relevant stakeholders within a comprehensive financial management structure. Managing a team of financial accountants, the Assistant Manager, Finance Shared Services is therefore accountable for the following with regard to the IFRC’s operations: · Risk management and internal controls · Financial management and controllership · Financial reporting · Communications · Training

 

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Risk management and internal controls

• Ensure that a rigorous internal control environment is maintained.

• Support the application of IFRC finance policies, processes, and procedures.

• Support the implementation of internal and external audit recommendations.

• Participate in and/or lead the design, development and review of financial policies, processes and

procedures as requested.

• Ensure that a financial risk assessment is conducted for project proposals and agreements with external organisations as requested.

 

Financial Management and Controllership

• Manage the day-to-day processing of Geneva transactions in accordance with established procedures.

• Oversee the provision of accounting services.

• Lead the month-end financial close process.

• Lead the year-end financial close process.

• Ensure transactions are accurately recorded in correct accounting periods (materially accurate cut-off).

• Oversee the fixed asset, statutory, programme and services income functions, ensuring effective control, including completeness and accuracy of income recognition and accounts receivable and timely collection of receivables.

• Provide expertise and advice to senior management on an ad hoc as required basis on financial accounting matters and financial management matters pertaining to operations and programmes. Financial Reporting

• Lead preparation of the IFRC’s statutory financial statements in accordance with the IFRC’s financial regulations and IFRS and coordinate their audit.

• Coordinate preparation of appeal, project and contribution financial statements for external audit.

• Supervise the accounting and preparation of financial statements of Funds and Foundations managed by the IFRC and coordinate their audits.

• Lead preparation of other financial statements, as required, including annual financial statements for the IFRC at the UN Inc (New York office).

• Monitor the IFRC’s ability to remain IFRS compliant, in particular, with regard to changes in both the IFRC business model and the requirements of IFRS, ensuring that IFRC has adequate accounting policies, processes and systems in place to maintain compliance. Communications

• Represent the IFRC on an ad hoc as required basis at meetings with members, donors and other external stakeholders.

• Maintain regular and proactive dialogue with internal stakeholders (e.g. Geneva Department Heads and Unit Managers, Director, Finance & Administration, Heads of Operations, Finance & Administration Department and Regional Finance Administration Managers) with regards to relevant finance management matters. Training

• Provide/coordinate training on financial management matters for various stakeholders as requested/required.

• Train and supervise finance staff to ensure tasks and functions are completed in timely and efficient manner, within acceptable levels of quality and costs.

• Provide technical support to finance managers, in other locations, from a distance. Cover and support including governance support

• Support the Finance Commission, the Audit and Risk Committee and other statutory bodies through the preparation and delivery of reports as required.

 

Education

Recognised professional qualification in accounting (Chartered Accountant, CPA or equivalent)

University degree in accounting, finance or equivalent

 

Experience

Minimum of 10 years’ experience in an accounting position

Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a management position

Experience in IFRC Secretariat and/or a Red Cross Red Crescent National Society Experience in preparation of financial statements under IFRS or equivalent recognised accounting framework (IPSAS, GAAP).

Experience in process, procedure and systems development

Experience in working in a multinational, multicultural environment, either in a major commercial company or for an international organisation

Experience in humanitarian or other not for profit organisation

 

Knowledge, skills and languages

Service mindset together with effective communication and inter personal skills

Ability to lead a team of people, delegate and produce results

Strong analytical skills High level of numerical accuracy.

Good computer skills - Windows, Word, Excel, Outlook Knowledge of complex financial systems and software including multi-currency accounting systems

Knowledge of IFRC Secretariat Geneva financial systems and software (CODA; Business Objects and Apple)

 

 

Fluently spoken and written English

Good command of French

Knowledge of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish or Arabic)

 

Competencies and values

Accountability

Integrity

Professionalism

Building Trust

Empowering Others

Teamwork

Communication

Judgement Decision-Making

Managing Performance

 For more information and online application click here