Regional Head of Finance – Middle East Office

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a Senior Finance management professional with both strong strategic management and technical background in finance i.e. in budgeting, accounting and reporting in a large humanitarian agency. Experience and knowledge of the Middle East region is an added advantage.

Previous experience supporting Finance Managers and senior non-finance staff e.g. in a regional level role is preferred and would be ideal.

Team leadership and development experience with a track record in the implementation of successful staff development, capacity building and coaching programmes is required, in addition to experience with financial reporting and management systems and creating user-friendly financial tools.

A leader with a high degree of accountability and integrity as well as excellent communication ability to both finance and non-finance audience.

What you will do

The role of the Regional Head of Finance (RHoF) is to deliver strategic analysis and direction to NRC’s regional finance management capability to provide maximum support to humanitarian assistance delivery.

The main focus of the position is to further develop financial systems and tools that safeguard and bolster organisational accountability mitigate financial risks, ensure consistency in resource allocation and utilization, in compliance with NRC and donor regulations and procedures; and enhance the capacity of NRC finance and programme staff to integrate financial issues into project planning and delivery.

In this position you will:

• Provide guidance to regional leadership on the strategic development of NRC’s financial structure in the Middle East region to ensure effective support to NRC country offices and promote a culture of cost awareness and stewardship.
• Increase the financial visibility in the region and in the MERO through KPI reports and financial analysis shared monthly with the Regional Management Team to support decision-making.
• Ensure that adequate financial management routines and systems are in place and that NRC’s budgeting, accounting practices and standards are adhered to, are timely and in accordance with requirements from NRC, donors, auditors, and authorities.
• Implement the global finance initiatives/tools/systems in the region as well as develop and implement specific financial procedures, SOPs, guidelines, and tools in the region including forecasts.
• Ensure control mechanisms in finance in NRC operations in the region, Compliance and adherence to NRC policies, guidance, and procedures.
• Ensure guidance, support and capacity building to Finance staff and line managers in Country Offices in the region as well as Ensure that training is conducted for finance and non-finance staff throughout the region on finance-related matters and tools.
• Manage performance and staff development of the Regional Finance Unit.
• Provide technical financial support in the development of regional grants and ensure financial oversight, monitoring, and reporting on regional grants.
• Lead the annual regional budgeting process and maintain regional financial forecasting and provide finance-related inputs into the triannual reporting and periodic reporting to the Senior Management.
• Be responsible for tracking potential liabilities within the region, and if necessary, requesting the creation of financial provisions using the provision tracker as well as regular updates and follow-up on finance-related matters in the risk register.
• Be the regional focal point for NRC Global Finance at the Head Office in Oslo.

Please download the detailed job description to learn more about the position.

What you will bring

• Minimum 7 years of finance management experience in a large humanitarian agency.
• Specific experience and expertise in:
• financial reporting and management systems and creating user-friendly financial tools.
• implementation of staff development/capacity building/coaching programmes.
• policy/strategic guidance
• tools and resources development.
• financial management issues in complex emergencies and crisis contexts.
• working with Windows-based computer software and modern accounting systems.
• planning for different sets of scenarios in relation to budgets and plans.
• communicating complex technical issues clearly and simply in addition to having interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of and commitment to:
• working collaboratively with technical and operational colleagues within a matrix structure, including capacity strengthening.
• Relevant university degree, preferably business administration/financial management
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is essential; fluency in Arabic is desirable.

What we offer

• Duty station: Amman, Jordan (Family duty station)
• Accompanied Contract: 24 months
• Travel: Up to 30% to Country Offices in the Region and Head Office
• Salary/benefits: Grade 10 on NRC’s salary scale, with accompanying terms and conditions
• NRC is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability.
• We think outside the box, encourage ideas, and give responsibility to all employees at all levels. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative.

Find out more about the benefits of working for NRC

Important information about the application process

• We invite applications from all qualified and interested candidates. Please ensure you attach copies of your academic and professional certificates.
• Internal candidates only: To apply as an internal candidate, log in with your official email address or click on Opportunity Marketplace.
• When creating your profile, include your full name as given on your passport. Complete all the system-required fields for experience, employment history and education.
• Submit your application and CV in English, taking care to attach your latest CV.
• Applications that do not meet the minimum standards in terms of experience or qualifications will generally not be considered. Unsolicited applications not related to this specific job advertisement will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We receive many applicants for each vacant position.
• If you have any questions about this role, please email [email protected] with the job title as the subject line.

Why NRC?

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee. Our 15,000 staff work in crises across 40 countries, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of people every year.

Watch this short video to see NRC in action.

We are looking for people who are passionate about helping refugees and people forced to flee. Are you one of those people? If you are, NRC offers you the opportunity to:

• do demanding and professional work, often in challenging contexts
• join a work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility
• be part of a welcoming and supportive community committed to human dignity

Learn more about NRC