Finance Senior Officer

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.

The position is in the Hungary Operations in Budapest and planned to be embedded with HRC (Hungarian Red Cross), overseeing and providing guidance primarily to HRC on all financial matters (70%) and secondarily supporting the overall Hungary operations office, on financial subjects as needed and requested by the ROE Finance (30%).

The position will mainly focus on advising and supporting the NS Finance and reporting, act as focal point for Hungary operations and finance business partner and provide finance support.

This position is based in Budapest, Hungary within the IFRC Hungary Operations team and located at the Hungarian Red Cross Head Quarter building.

Job Purpose

Under the supervision of the Manager, Hungary Operations (Budapest), the Senior Finance Officer is responsible for all finance matters related to the Hungary Operations within the IFRC policies and procedures. The position will be embedded within the NS to support the development of entries, procedures, reporting and budgeting. This position will provide finance management support to Hungary operations manager in close coordination with ROE finance, special focus on supporting the Ukraine and impacted countries regional Emergency Appeal operation in Hungary.

The position will also provide support and capacity development to HRC ensuring these functions are mainstreamed within National Society while sharing best practices in different finance related topics.

Job Duties And Responsibilities

Risk Management & Internal Controls

• Ensure the application of finance policies, processes, and procedures to Hungary operations.
• Develop internal local finance process flow for NS in line with the IFRC procedures to ensure compliance. Support HRC to the design, development and review of HRC financial policies, processes and procedures, as requested.
• Ensure that a financial risk assessment is conducted project proposals, as necessary.

Financial Management and Controllership

• Coordinate the preparation and review of operating and project budgets for Hungary Operations and NS.
• Provide advice to operations manager and staff on budgetary matters.
• Conduct the provision of certain accounting services.
• Support the project-end financial close process.
• Provide advice to the Operations Manager and staff on an ad hoc as required. basis on financial management matters pertaining to business.
• Monitor and assess financial key performance financial indicators on a monthly basis and provide advice and/or instruction to NS Finance and IFRC’s Operation manager as to how to improve.
• Liase with the ROE Finance and team on local legislation (eg. payroll, taxation) as required.

Financial Reporting

• Prepare quarterly and ad hoc financial reports for management purposes.
• Review WANS received from the NS in line with approved budget and the IFRC procurement guidelines.
• Coding the WANS according to IFRC chat of Accounts and capturing them in the CODA Finance system.
• Reconciling and monthly Communicating with the NS on the outstanding balances on the WANS.

Treasury Management

• The preparation and submission of accurate and timely cash forecasts, request for payment and working advance to the NS.

Communications

• Maintain regular and proactive dialogue with NS, IFRC’s country office staff, Operations Manager and maintain functional line of communication to the ROE finance delegate with regards to relevant finance & administration management matters.

Operations management program support

• Monthly meetings with Operational managers to explain the financial performance of Hungary.
• Provide daily financial analysis support to Operational manager for the effective running of the Ukraine EA.
• Provide/coordinate training on financial management matters for HRC in line with IFRC policies and procedures.

Job Duties And Responsibilities (continued)

Duties applicable to all staff

• Work actively towards the achievement of the Federation Secretariat’s goals.
• Abide by and work in accordance with the Red Cross and Red Crescent principles.
• Perform any other work-related duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the line manager.

Education

Required:

• Relevant University degree (bachelor’s in business administration or equivalent).
• Professional qualifications in accounting (Chartered accountant, CPA or equivalent).

Experience

Required:

• Min. 5 years of relevant professional experience (i.e. finance and administration).
• Experience in working under remote management and with virtual, multi-cultural teams.
• Experience in plan & budget, financial analysis & statements, financial reporting, and financial audit.

Preferred:

• Min. 3 years work experience with an international organization, International non-governmental organization and/or international company or firm.
• Experience working with the International Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

Required:

• Advanced knowledge of accounting concepts.
• Knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards or equivalent.
• Advanced knowledge of financial management and reporting applications (e.g. CODA and Business Objects).
• Understanding of internal control and treasury management concepts.
• Financial management skills.
• Self-driven, service minded and ability to multi-task, prioritize and deliver to deadlines.
• Focused on quality and standards, results, and accountability.
• Proven good judgement and ability to work with complete integrity and confidentiality, acting as a role model of highest integrity in personal capacity
• High degree of discretion, tact and sensitivity with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to effectively provide training on finance and administration.
• Strong negotiation, networking and communications skills.
• Advanced skills in computer productivity applications, particularly Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Fluent spoken and written English and Hungarian.

Preferred:

• Good command of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish or Arabic).

Competencies, Values and Comments

Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability.

Core competencies: Communication; Collaboration and teamwork; Judgement and decision making; National society and customer relations; Creativity and innovation; Building trust.

Functional competencies: Strategic orientation; Building alliances; Leadership; Empowering others.

Comments: This is a national staff position open to Hungarian nationals and others who are legally eligible to work in Hungary. Candidates must be able to provide proof of their eligibility to work in Hungary.