Finance Support Manager – Ukraine Response

About CRS:

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

Background:

Conflict in Ukraine has forced thousands of people to flee to neighboring countries and deeper into Europe. CRS, in partnership with local Caritas organizations, has begun an emergency response to meet immediate needs of the affected populations. As a part of the Ukraine response, CRS will be supporting partner organizations in several outreach countries including Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland and potentially others to scale-up programs and operations in support of refugee populations.

Job Summary:

The Finance Support Manager for the Ukraine Response assists partner organizations in their financial management and systems to ensure standards of excellence are achieved for emergency response programming. S/he will provide partners engaged in the emergency response with direct support and capacity building to ensure continuous and smooth operation while dealing with growth and complex grant management. This will include, but not limited to support on financial systems appropriate for the emergency response, advice and support on budget management, proposal development, support on orienting new finance and grants compliance staff, training for finance and non-finance staff, and financial analysis to ensure adequate project management. S/he will support partners to ensure adequate stewardship of resources and sound financial reporting in line with organizational policies and procedures, local laws and donor requirements. When needed, s/he will also backstop the Regional Finance Officer for EMECA.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

Support partners to:

• Adapt, structure, and staff finance departments and systems to accommodate increased programming for the emergency response
• Conduct financial management assessments and strengthen elements of financial management and internal control systems in response to assessment findings.
• Prepare and modify budgets for emergency proposals, including budgets for sub-grantees
• Ensure compliance with a diverse portfolio of donor requirements
• Proactively anticipate challenges in their day-to-day work and identify solutions to resolve them.
• Prepare reports as needed for the organization, donors, or Caritas Internationalis.
• Based on needs and conditions, assist in developing or providing training or coaching to newly hired finance staff.

Support EMECA to:

• Manage, analyze, and report on significant CRS contributions to partners in Outreach countries, reaching amounts similar to CRS country programs
• Provide TDY assistance, as needed, during emergencies and other contingencies in EMECA region.
• Prepare ad hoc financial reports as requested by Regional Finance Officer (RFO)
• Serve as Acting RFO when needed.

Required Languages: Excellent English oral and written communication skills required. Other Eastern European languages, a plus.

Travel – The position requires up to 50% travel to outreach countries.

Supervisory Responsibilities – none

Supervisory Responsibilities: Finance team members

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: Europe Outreach Manager, Other Technical Advisors supporting outreach countries, other program managers and technical advisors engaged in the Ukraine Response

External: Caritas and NGO partner organizations in outreach countries, Caritas Europa and Caritas Internationalis, donors

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong relationship management and diplomacy skills
• Excellent analytical skills with ability to make sound judgment and decisions
• Very good planning, monitoring and organizational skills
• Ethical conduct in accordance with recognized professional and organizational codes of ethics
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions oriented and results-oriented
• Ability to work collaboratively

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the relevant public donors’ regulations highly preferred.
• Substantial budgeting, budget/expense analysis, and accounting experience.
• Knowledge of Caritas Internationalis reporting procedures.
• Staff management and partnership experience.
• Strong experience in presenting and facilitating on financial management topics.
• Proficient in MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio), Web Conferencing Applications. Knowledge of financial reporting software highly preferred

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• B.A. degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration with courses in accounting, or a qualification in accounting (CPA/ACCA or equivalent). MBA or Master’s degree in related field with a focus on Accounting preferred. A professional certification in Accounting or a related field highly preferred.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in a similar position, preferably with an International NGO.
• Additional education may substitute for some experience.

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff)

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

· Integrity

· Continuous Improvement & Innovation

· Builds Relationships

· Develops Talent

· Strategic Mindset

· Accountability & Stewardship

*Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.

*Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.*

Note: All positions requiring residence or frequent travel outside their home country must undergo and clear a pre-employment medical examination.

CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people – especially children and vulnerable adults – to live free from abuse and harm.

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer