Position: Country Finance Manager Lebanon
Location: Beirut, Lebanon
Reporting to: Country Representative (Line Management) and Regional Finance Manager (Functional Management)
Starting date: ASAP
Application deadline: 30 October 2024
Family Duty Station: NO
R&R: NO
Working Context
Present in Lebanon since 2006, WeWorld goal is to increase the population’s resilience in the governorates of Baalbek-Hermel and Akkar, through interventions in Multi-Sectoral Emergency Response Program, Food Security, Livelihoods, Water Governance and Local Economic Development. WeWorld long-lasting operational presence secures access to the areas of implementation, coupled with a comprehensive understanding of the needs of IDPs, refugees and host communities residing in the area.
WeWorld’s operational capacity in Lebanon includes +50 staff members deployed in four office, and one warehouse for emergency items.
Despite increasing attacks, WeWorld continues its program delivery and the setting up of a tailored emergency response. WeWorld is currently developing a contingency plan to ensure business continuity, and at the same time it is planning to develop a contingency plan to respond to the newly emerged needs of the groups most affected by the conflict.
Purpose of the Role
The Country Finance Manager acts in the Role of Senior Finance Officer in a Country Role. Is responsible of all the administrative and accounting processes, including financial reporting, budget planning, development and monitoring. Manage team office staff within the Finance Department in country.
Main functions and duties
General Administration
- Track and manage deliverables and timelines related to grants, contracts, vendors, and partners
- Monitor grant administration to ensure compliance with reporting and expenditure requirements
- Supervise compliance of administrative documents and their proper filing
- Ensure the smooth flow of administrative information and data to the HQ
- Supervise flow of administrative information from project partners and the compliance with MoU
- Ensure smoothly and punctual communications and reporting with local Banks
Accounting
- Supervise and approve regular accounting, including monthly reconciliations, monthly and yearly closing of accounts, monthly journal entries
- Supervise cash and bank balance checking process when closing the monthly accounts
Financial Reporting
- Is responsible for the preparation of financial reports, in coordination with Regional Finance Manager, and administrative team
- Ensure the compliance of financial reports with donors and internal rules and procedures
Budget & Planning
- Collaborate with the Country Representative and Programs/Project Managers to develop budgets according to donors regulations
- Review administrative/financial terms of grant contracts before signature (payment & financial reporting schedule, etc.)
- Collaborate with the Project Managers and Procurement & Logistics Managers to monitor actual and forecasted expenses against budget to avoid under and overspending on the projects; comply to the flexibility rule
- Monitor financial flows of the projects
- Anticipate financial risks, present budget updates and mitigation plans and report them to the Country Representative
- Coordinate the preparation and constantly monitor/update of core budget of WeWorld for Lebanon and provide an analysis to the Country Representatives focusing on gaps and risks
- Participate with the Country Management Team in reflecting on the evolution of the mission, and the programming of new projects and/or reorientation
Audit Process
- Collaborate to the management of financial audit performed on the projects
- Supervise yearly financial audit on general accounting for local authorities
- Prepare information and is directly responsible for any assessment/audit performed by donor on WeWorld administrative procedure
Procedure
- Design and implement administrative routines, procedures, and systems to increase efficiencies
- Updated the Local Operational Manual for both missions based on WeWorld procedures to implement organizational policies related to the Finance Department
Operational
- At Country level, liaise with the Human Resources and Procurement and Logistic departments for a fluid and collaborative collaboration
- Follow-up payments from donors and financial project close-out
Human Resources
- Participate in analyzing staffing needs & costs, compensation & benefits
- Supervise administrative and finance local personnel to complete routine tasks
- Capacity building of local finance staff and partner organizations in areas such as financial management, administration, good governance and management of accountability and transparency
- Support the Country Representative and the HR Manager to monitor and revise salary scale, if necessary
Representation
- Participate in inter-admin meetings with other INGOs and NGOs
- Ensure official representation for the administrative management of the Mission to the competent authorities
Job Specifications
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTES
Qualifications and Knowledge
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in Financial/Accounting management
- Knowledge of institutional donor procedures (AICS, EU)
- Fluent in Italian both written and verbal
- Good knowledge of English both written and verbal
Professional experience
- At least 3 years of specific experience in finance/administrative positions in the international cooperation sector
- Experience of representation to institutions and participation in coordination meetings
- Experience in budget management and monitoring of logistics procedures
- Experience in using accounting software
Skills and Abilities
- Strong flexibility and capacity to adapt behavior to the needs of the situation
- Capacity to work autonomously and in problems prevention/resolution
- Proven organizational skills and ability to effectively manage multiple tasks while fostering quality, team spirit and positive working relationships with colleagues
- Ability to identify, initiate and maintain good relationships with partner organizations, donors and national authorities including building professional relationships with senior decision-makers and influencers / leaders
- Good communication, negotiation skills and sensitivity in dealing with local institutions on critical issues
- Cultural, gender, religion, and age sensitivity and adaptability
- Strong commitment to the Mission of WeWorld, genuine interest for international cooperation development topics
DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS
- Knowledge of Arabic would be considered an asset
- Previous experience in the Middle East Region is an asset
How to apply
WHAT WE OFFER
Type of contract: a first 6 (six) month collaboration contract subject to verification of the achievement of specific objectives (these objectives will be agreed together with the Line Manager upon arrival on assignment); a second collaboration contract of 6 (six) months renewable, following the positive evaluation of the first months of contract
Economic conditions: to be defined according to WeWorld Expatriates Compensation Policy: Base Salary (seniority/role held) + Contributions (role complex, housing and hardship based on place of work)
Annual leave: 2,5 days/month (working days)
Flight ticket: one return flight
Health insurance: covered
Family duty Station: NO
R&R: NO
HOW TO APPLY
Please, send your CV and Cover Letter at the following address: https://weworld.intervieweb.it/jobs/country-finance-manager-lebanon-562697/en/
The recruitment process may be closed early if a suitable candidate is found.
Due to the large number of applications, we apologise in advance and will only respond to those profiles deemed suitable for the role.
WeWorld is an equal opportunity organization and will not allow discrimination based upon age, ethnicity, ancestry, gender, national origin, disability, race, size, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or any other status prohibited by applicable law.
WeWorld has also a zero-tolerance approach to any harm to, or exploitation of, a child or a vulnerable adult by any of our staff, related persons or partners. Safeguarding checks are part of the selection process.
WeWorld commitment to being a safe organization begins with the staff recruitment process which includes meticulous checks, such as criminal records checks or check disclosure of previous convictions, to ensure children and vulnerable people are safeguarded and abuse is prevented.
WeWorld promotes a welcoming, diverse and discrimination- and harassment-free workplace and expects the highest standards of behaviour from all its staff, who are requested to adhere to the principles and behavioural rules defined in the CoEC and the Organisational Policies.
The CoEC and all the internal policies can be found here: https://www.weworld.it/en/about-us/transparency