Head of Finance and Support Services

DanChurchAid (DCA) invites applications for an experienced Head of Finance and Support Services (HoFSS) for its Syria programme. This is a non-family position, where work location to begin with is Erbil (Iraq) with frequent travel into North Eas Syria (NES); however, when situation allows, it will change permanently to North East Syria.  

The HoFSS reports to the Country Director and provides general, high-level guidance and overview. The role is very important to the Country Office and is an integral part of the Senior Management Team. You will be responsible for providing and ensuring an efficient and integrated support service, overseeing a range of crucial tasks ensuring the smooth running of DCA operations and functions across the country programme.

You will work in a potentially hostile and arduous environment. You will therefore need to demonstrate a positive and self-motivated attitude. Conditions in Syria require a level head, problem solving, a great deal of flexibility and attention to detail. If you have these qualities and skills, and you are looking for a challenging opportunity with a leading humanitarian and mine action NGO then we would like to hear from you.

The main duties relating to this position are as follows:

Coordination and Technical Support

• Contribute to the Country Programme strategies and policies through advisory services to the Country Director.
• Provide technical advice and operational guidance on innovative approaches to project financing, risk assessment/mitigation and use of financing structures, mechanisms instruments and guarantees.
• Collaborate with colleagues to identify the need, determine cost and plan all Country programme support services, including procurement, finance, human resources and administrative services.
• Participate in forum discussions/platforms to ensure the organisation’s position, interests and priorities are fully considered.

Project Planning and Coordination Support

•  Provide assistance and support to the programme on project budget preparation.
• Monitor Country office financial projections and refer critical issues to the Country Director for action.
• Provide advice on programme and project cost sharing, deployment of funds and closure.
• Constantly monitor and analyse the operating environment to identify potential risks.
• Support and ensure close liaison with the Field Offices is maintained, in order to troubleshoot any issues that might cause interruption in the support services management.

Procurement

•  Support viable procurement solutions that meet operational needs and compliance with the organisation’s procurement procedures, regulations and standard of accountability, ethics, integrity, performance and cost effectiveness.
•  Evaluate the efficiency and integrity of the procurement evaluation process to ensure cost-effective procurement of goods and services.
• Evaluate contractual arrangements and legal commitments/risks for appropriate action.
• Evaluate, list, update and monitor the performance of service providers of suitable/current vendors.

Financial Management

• Oversee the programme Finance Unit and ensure compliance with the organization’s Financial Rules & Regulations and Finance procedures.
• Supervise the timely review, posting and closure of accounts, verify accuracy and compliance with policy and standards of accountability framework.
• Oversee all financial services (accounting, cash management, payments etc.) ensuring timeliness and compliance with standards of accountability and performance
• Review financial plans and oversee the budget process/cycle to ensure timely revisions and reallocation of funds.
• Ensure the availability and timely submission of required financial reports, both internal and external.
• Manage and monitor the cash flow based on established financial goals and resource mobilization plans;
• Oversee certifying and authorizing payments, expenditures and disbursements, entering all transactions into the FMS Maconomy and that the supporting documents are filed according to internal procedures;
• Ensure all spending is in accordance with the DCA and donor requirements, and all relevant files for documentation are created, updated and maintained;
• Monitor that DCA and donor policies, procedures and guidelines are strictly adhered to and that DCA operates in compliance with local laws.

Human Resource Management

• Oversee the ongoing development of team composition and structure to ensure that is fit for purpose, aid in the development of Job descriptions/Terms of Reference, follow up field staff related recruitment processes and orientation of staff. 
• In consultation with relevant colleagues, plan and implement staff annual appraisal system/performance reviews.
• Promote and support a learning culture by empowering individuals and teams to identify critical learning needs and plan/provide easy access to learning opportunities to maintain personnel competency and flexibility.
• Ensuring that hiring managers actively seek to create diverse teams in terms of gender and geography.
• Foster a positive work environment, respectful of both men and women, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.

Administration, Information Technology and Knowledge Management

• In close collaboration with Headquarters, support the compilation of yearly budget forecasting, annual reports and contribute to Donor reporting guidelines. 
• Oversee the acquisition, maintenance, inventory, recording, verification and protection of project and administrative facilities/assets, including IT infrastructure, equipment and servers.
• Identify innovative opportunities for use of IT platforms/systems to enhance efficiency and to facilitate knowledge management, and information sharing.
• At the request of the Country Director and in collaboration with the team, plan, implement and organise strategic capacity building of personnel.

Accountability and Learning

• Provide advice on goal setting, targets and performance indicators for support staff and recommend tools for monitoring, evaluation all staff performance.
•  Act as focal point for any internal/external audit exercise.
• Monitor and supervise all aspects of the programme to ensure compliance with organisation rules, regulations, policies, and standards of accountability, ethics and integrity.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Contribute to culture of excellence, continuous improvement and performance optimization across all projects;
• Work in accordance with DCA values and humanitarian principles;
• Maintain effective working relationship with other members of the programme;
• Be a role model for diversity and inclusion, as well as a positive role model for contributing to the team spirit.

Applicants must have the following qualifications and experience:

• A minimum of 6 years of INGO work experience in a similar role is essential;
• Experience as a manager, and national mentor and capacity builder is essential;
•  Good understanding of the humanitarian principles linked to NGO field and operations contexts;
• Work experience in remote and insecure field locations;
• Strong leadership, team building and communication skills;
• Flexibility and cultural awareness and sensitivity;
• Computer literacy essential including proficiency in Excel, Word, Power Point, etc.;
• Fluency in written and spoken English is essential. Knowledge of Arabic would be advantageous.

We offer:

• 12 -month contract with the possibility of extension;
• A competitive salary package;
• 30 days of paid annual leave;
• A generous R&R allowance;
• Insurance as per industry standards;
• An interesting and challenging experience addressing humanitarian needs.

All qualified candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion or ethnic affiliation are encouraged to apply for the vacancy. Only online applications consisting as a minimum of a CV and a cover letter will be considered and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
 
Closing date: 31^st October 2020. Please note, applications will be reviewed and interviewed on a rolling basis and DCA reserves the right to select a candidate prior to the closing date.

Everyone applying for a job with DCA must be ready to comply with our Staff Policy on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment, Child Safeguarding and Counter Terrorism policies.