Regional Finance Development Delegate

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 will contribute to the build capacity of National Societies (NSs) as well as supporting their programs in health in emergency. Further we aim to support National Societies health care delivery especially where the concerned governments are not able to meet the needs – always focusing on synergies together with other community-based programs. Further Norwegian Red Cross aims to improve the regional emergency preparedness, early warning and response systems related to epidemic outbreaks, forced displacement and acute drought.

The role will be based in one of the Francophone Countries.

• Ensures support is provided is in conformity with the global service delivery model and is deliverable based such that it is designed and implemented in line with established technical standards and project management methodologies.
• Improved financial management in select NSs’ which is grounded in a due diligence/needs assessment.
• Improved accountability, transparency & governance in select NSs’.
• Adopt a risk-based approach by focusing on hinderances to the Finance Dept not achieving its operational, reporting and compliance goals.
• Evaluate the structure of the Finance Department relative to the systems in place, shared values, strategy of the NS, skills, staffing and style and recommend new departmental structures focusing on efficiencies
• Provides technical trainings to NS Finance Dept staff on established technical standards.
• Design new processes, internal controls while focusing on efficiencies and operation, reporting and compliance objectives. This includes preparing “should be” process maps.
• Using the COSO Framework on internal controls, evaluate the internal controls and provide recommendations on improving different components in the Finance Department.
• Supports the NSs in preparing or revising policies and procedures including Finance & Accounting manuals.
• Assist NS’s in conducting external and internal audits by developing frameworks and ToRs in accordance with IAS (international Auditing Standards)
• Assist in revising Fraud and corruption policies, procedures and mechanisms.
• In coordination with internal and external stakeholders, work on developing standardized NS financial reports

Mission specific responsibilities

• Conduct needs assessments of national societies in line with NorCross Due diligence methodology
• Prepare deliverable-based Plan of actions that are targeted in meeting NS needs.
• Market research with respect to consultancy firms within specific countries Qualification

Qualification

• Education – CPA and / or MBA.
• Experience – Over 10 years’ experience in Finance and Accounting
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience of coaching, facilitating, managing and/or supporting staff.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in partner capacity development in Finance
• Experience of working for a humanitarian aid organisation preferably in a developing/conflict country/context.
• Broad experience in Financial Management (senior finance management or similar positions with experience from several relevant areas like financial planning, accounting, investments etc.)
• Good understanding of an ERP system
• Strong organisational development background (e.g. change management, HR, leadership, strategy development and implementation)

Skills & Knowledge

• In-depth understanding of relevant technical financial standards and the operationalization of those standards in humanitarian projects.
• Operational understanding of IFRS, IAS, COSO Framework on Internal Controls and their Framework on Enterprise Risk Management.
• Proven experience from project management, including needs assessments project design, and reporting.
• High degree of competencies in strategic thinking and design, knowledge sharing, advising and facilitating, management of self; coaching; mentoring and facilitation. Training and facilitating experience in international/ multicultural environment are an asset.
• Proficiency required in French and English.
• 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
• Ability to take initiative and accept responsibility
• Ability to work towards achieving objectives and results
• Ability to cooperate in teams and share competency

Other skills:

• English & French work proficiency is required, regional languages an asset