Iraq: COUNTRY FINANCE COORDINATOR - Iraq

INTERSOS is an independent non-profit humanitarian organization committed to assist the victims of natural disasters and armed conflicts. Its activities are based on the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, and respect for diversity and coexistence, paying special attention to the most vulnerable and unprotected people.

1. Terms of reference

Job Title: Country Finance Coordinator
Code: SR-29-315
Country: Iraq
Duty Station: Erbil - Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KR-I) , at later stage possibility to move to Mosul
Starting date: 12/02/2018
Contract duration: 12 months
Reporting to: Head of Mission and Regional Finance Coordinator
Supervision of: National Admins at capital level and field level.
Dependents: No

2. General context of the project

Since January 2014, following a series of offensives by Armed Groups (AGs) across Iraq and the partial control of Anbar and Ninewa governorates by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (IS), approximately 3.3 million civilians were forced to flee due to intensified violence in their area of origin. As hostilities continue and escalate since October 2016, with the starting of the military operation for the control of Ninewa governorate, the internally displaced population mostly fleeing Mosul increased in more than 820.000 people. As further military operations are ongoing, the humanitarian crisis in Iraq continue generating further immediate and longer-term impacts. As of July 2017, the IOM Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), establish in 335.000 the number of IDPs who have taken refuge in Erbil Governorate, which also hosts over 118.000 Syrian refugees, according to UNHCR data of June 2017. The needs of the IDP population are related to access to basic services. In Erbil, access to food and work are top priority needs, followed by water, health and shelter. Due to the prolonged displacement and to language and cultural barriers, it is extremely difficult for IDPs to have access to the local job market. The situation is worsened due the economic impact of disagreement between central government KRG regarding central budget allocation, which results in delays in salary payments and popular discontent.

The high number of IDPs in KR-I is stretching the economic capacity of the region and often results in overloaded local services and infrastructure. Water continues to be a dire need for most people living in Erbil and Shaqlawa cities, while overcrowding of health facilities resulted in hardship in access to medical care. Hospitals and health care clinics are running short of medical supplies and for medical staffs it is difficult to cope with the new influx of displaced people. Chronic illness was shown to be IDPs largest health-related vulnerability. Moreover, many IDPs, in particular children, are highly traumatized from previous experiences in their areas of origin and are in need of psychosocial support.

3. General purpose of the position

The Country Finance Coordinator is responsible for the proper technical performance of all accounting-financial activities of the mission and its projects. In this context, he/she ensures the correct and effective management of financial resources, in accordance with the Organization procedures and the Regional Finance Coordinator's guidelines.

4. Main responsibilities and tasks

• Safe and bank account management: ensures the correct management of the safes and the bank accounts, performing cash and bank reconciliations on a monthly basis
• Accountancy management: ensures the correct project accountancy and all accountancy documents filing
• Expense planning and monitoring: ensures, in collaboration with the Project Managers and the Head of Mission, the economic-financial performance of the project
• Project: monitors, in coordination with the PM’s, the financial forecast, expenditures projections and final balance of the Projects
• Funds Management: ensures that projects expenditures are reasonable, allocable and spent in accordance with INTERSOS and donors Procedures
• Financial Reporting: ensures that all Interim and final financial reports are prepared according to the donors (UNHCR, UNICEF, Italian Cooperation, OCHA) guidelines and schedule, and submits them to the HOM and Regional Finance Officer for approval
• Contract and administrative documents: prepares, in collaboration with the Project Managers and the Head of Mission, all the contracts and project documents (lease agreement, service contracts, etc.)
• Budget preparation: Supports the Head of Mission and Project Managers in budget preparation as well as proposals development, budget revisions etc.
• Staff management: plans the work, supervises, and collaborates to train the staff of the project’s accounting-administrative area upon request by the Head of Mission
• HR: ensures the timely and correct payment of the pay slips prepared by the HR department
• Compliance: ensures the respect of INTERSOS and donor procurement procedures
• Audit: manages, in collaboration with the Project Managers and the Head of Mission, all the project audits and donors verifications. He ensure the correct filing of all administrative documents (invoices, staff contracts, procurement procedures etc.)

5. Required profile and experience

Education

Advanced university degree in one of the following areas is preferred: Finance Management, Business Administration, Management, International Economics, International Development, Contract/Commercial Law.

Professional experience

Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience at national and international level working as admin-finance officer in humanitarian field locations.

Professional requirements

• Good knowledge of the international donors - mainly UN, AICS and OFDA systems
• Attention to details and ability to take initiative and work autonomously
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with analytic approach
• Excellent communication skills
• Strong knowledge in computer (MS Office package, internet, e-mail, etc.)
• Ability to work in austere and hostile environments

Languages

• Fluency in English is required
• Knowledge of Arabic is an asset

Personal requirements

• Ability to promote ideas and negotiate to obtain agreement
• Ability to network and establish good relations with stakeholders, at all levels
• Fast learner, adapts and responds to change
• Demonstrated leadership and very good interpersonal/communication skills
• Able to work with People of all background and culture
• Ability to perform and assure high accuracy in work under stress
• Positive and solution oriented personality
• Commitment and Respect of local culture
• Able and willing to travel for ad hoc missions to other Iraqi Governorates, as necessary
• Has a valid International driving license is a plus

For further information and to apply, follow the link below:

https://intersos.knack.com/imp#intersosorg-vacancies/

In case you encounter difficulties applying through INTERSOS' platform, you can also apply by sending your CV, motivation letter and 2 references via email to recruitment@intersos.org , with subject line: " SR-29-315 Country Finance Coordinator - Iraq".

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for the first interview.