The Norwegian Red Cross is part of the Red Cross Red Crescent (RCRC) Movement, the world’s largest humanitarian network with millions of volunteers and staff operating in 190 countries. Our mission is to alleviate human suffering, protect life and health, and uphold human dignity especially during armed conflicts and other emergencies. To achieve this, we follow the seven humanitarian principles: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary service, Unity and Universality.
In Africa, Norwegian Red Cross aims to improve the health of vulnerable people and reduce excess morbidity and mortality in contexts affected by conflict and protracted crisis in the Sahel and Horn of Africa.
The Norwegian Red Cross is currently looking for a Finance Development Delegate who will be based in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The selected candidate will be on a Norwegian Red Cross contract and seconded to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Responsibilities of the Finance Development Delegate:
The purpose of the Finance Development (FD) Delegate is to ensure support to the Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies of Ivory Coast, Liberia and Burkina Faso to develop effective financial management systems, aligned with overall ICRC and other Movement plans for National Society (NS) Development support and established agreements.
Strategic responsibilities:
- Ensure that the support provided to the NS on finance development is designed and implemented in line with established technical standards and project management methodologies and support the operationalization of those standards.
- Ensure that the support provided is based on and in line with the NS needs and strategic priorities and part of the overall coordinated support provided to the NS by ICRC and other Movement partners, to enhance the development of the NS and their humanitarian outcomes.
- Contribute proactively, with other technical personnel, to ICRCs and Norwegian Red Cross global efforts to establish and operationalize technical approaches and standards in FD.
Operational responsibilities:
Update and implement detailed technical FD assessments as required, including looking at status of results of previous interventions, and contribute technically, together with the NSs, to the further development of the FD project. This includes the updating of specific objectives, budgets, Plan of Action and monitoring plan as needed.
This may include but is not limited to:
- Provide trainings and coach the National Societies’ project staff and operationalization of established technical standards
- Support, based on identified needs, the re-structuring/improvement of the finance function, processes, systems and procedures, including but not limited to review of current financial controls, rules and procedures, budget planning, reporting, accounting systems practices and management regulations.
- Support regular follow up of the monitoring plan for the project, its implementation and reporting.
- Support the NS Finance Manager ensure that consolidated annual financial statements are prepared and audited on a timely basis.
- Support the NS in developing and effectively implementing Staff and volunteers’ code of conduct, and fraud and anti-corruption policies.Organise technical reviews upon request and contribute to terms of reference and inception reports for a final review or evaluation of the project
- Works closely together and participates in technical networks/fora (FD and NSD) with other technical colleagues from NorCross and ICRC at global, regional and country level as relevant and requested. Helps colleagues to understand and make use of available technical tools and standards.
- Promotes harmonization across delegation’s structures, as well as at regional and country level with other Movement partners, by promoting use of common standards and tools, also contributing to learning events and sharing of best practices.
Mission specific responsibilities:
- Assess the current skills and competencies of the finance staff of the NSs and identify and address gaps as required.
- Train, support and advice the NS’s finance staff (including at branch level if relevant) on financial and administrative issues
- As needed, identification, selection and/or effective implementation of accounting software in the NSs
- Review and suggest ways to improve budgeting, control, reporting and cash flow management, as may be required to facilitate the process of developing appropriate finance work plans.
- Coordinate the standardization of effective Financial Management systems and cut off timelines in the NSs. This includes standard reporting financial formats and consolidation of budgets from all funding sources i.e. partners and NSs’ internal sources.
- Show flexibility to adjust the work based on the needs identified by the NSs while working towards team effectiveness.
Required education and experience:
- Qualified Accountant (preferably C.A./C.P. A, preferably in Audit and Consulting.)
- 10 years' experience of working for a Consultancy/Big Four firm and humanitarian aid organization, preferably in a developing or conflict country.
- Experience within the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement (preferably within a National Society)
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience as consultant and/or coaching, facilitating, managing and/or supporting staff.
- Broad experience in Financial Management (senior finance management or similar positions. with experience from several relevant areas like financial planning, accounting, investments etc.).
- Strong organizational development background (e.g. change management, HR, leadership, strategy development and implementation).
- Proven experience in project management, including needs assessments project design, and reporting.
- Training and facilitating experience in international/ multicultural environment is an asset.
Required skills and knowledge:
- In-depth understanding of IFRS, IAS and COSO Framework on Internal Controls and the operationalization of those standards in humanitarian projects.
- High degree of competencies in strategic thinking and design, knowledge sharing, advising and facilitating, management of self; coaching; mentoring and facilitation.
- Knowledge about building technical capacities of partner organizations particularly with local organizations.
- Proficiency required in French and English language (written and spoken).
- Advanced understanding of the use of innovative tools and approaches in relevant technical discipline, is an asset
- Fully familiar with software applications- windows, spreadsheets, word processing, accounting packages.
- Strong coordination skills
- International driving license is required (manual gear)
We seek a person who:
- Has very good ability to take initiative and accept responsibility
- Has very good ability to work towards achieving objectives and results.
- Has very good ability to cooperate in teams and share competency
- Has very good ability to develop and coach others.
- Has very good ability to work and adjust to a multi-cultural environment.
- Is commitment to Red Cross Red Crescent movement principles and values
The position is based in Abidjan (Ivory Coast), but with regular trips and work in Liberia and Burkina Faso with a workspace in the respective National Societies.
We offer a 12 months’ contract, with possibility for extension. Candidates must be prepared to accept unaccompanied postings (i.e. no spouse, partner, children or dependents).
Why should you apply?
- Meaningful: Youll be a part f the world's largest humanitarian organization, reaching the most vulnerable people in their local community.
- Impact: You will help National Societies in the region to become strong, self-sustained and accountable humanitarian actors.
- Career: You will be connected to an international organization with staff based all over the world
- A great place to work: You will work in a multicultural environment with hard-working, dedicated and fun colleagues with a strong culture of collaboration, continual improvement, and celebration of wins.
Norwegian Red Cross striving to build a working culture based on respect, honesty and generosity.
We do a thorough background check on relevant candidate.
How to apply:
Please visit our website to submit your application.