Benin: Interim Finance Delegate Benin

We help to strengthen resilience of vulnerable people exposed to hazards and crisis situations and we respond to disasters and conflicts to save lives and alleviate suffering. In the Netherlands with more than thirty thousand volunteers and internationally through technical assistance, supplies and money. Together we act before, during and after disasters to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people.

We do this without regards to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinion. Our seven principles guide our humanitarian work: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.

The International Assistance department is responsible for all Netherlands Red Cross international support for victims of disasters and conflicts and for vulnerable people exposed to hazards.

The International Assistance department has opened a vacancy for an interim Finance Delegate.

Position title: Interim Finance Delegate Benin

Duty station: Cotonou/Porto Novo – Benin & NLRC Head Office in The Hague

Time period: 4 months

Starting Date: September 2018

Status: Single posting

Purpose of the position

The main purpose of the position is to monitor, support and check financial processes for NLRC supported projects in Benin.

Background

The NLRC supports the Benin Red Cross (BRC) through a strategic partnership, with longer term development assistance through a current program in the area of water and sanitation, and is looking for opportunities for further projects on an ongoing basis . In addition, NLRC supports the BRC with strengthening its capacities to effectively provide services to the most vulnerable communities and assists the partner in the coordination within the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement and other stakeholders.

It has proven challenging to ensure good financial management. In March 2018, an internal and external audit have taken place to investigate compliance with procedures and solid financial management, discrepancies have been revealed. Due to the backlog in financial administration NLRC is recruiting an interim Finance Delegate to support operations in Benin, to structure the administration and bring it up to date, and to provide capacity building to NLRC and local staff based in-country.

Position in the organization

The Finance Delegate reports to the team lead NLRC Financial Control, based in the Netherlands. The Finance Control unit sits within the International Department of the NLRC. For matters relating to security and other issues relating to deployment in Benin, the Finance Delegate reports to the Country Representative in Benin.

The Finance Delegate works together in day to day operations with NLRC Project Delegates, Country Representative and local staff. Close cooperation & frequent communication with Project Administration, Desk, Financial Control at HQ is also essential. Duty station of the position is Porto Novo (4 months), Benin, with 3 visits to HQ in The Hague at the start, middle and end of the mission.

Summary statement and responsibilities

Project administration:

• Verify the project administration assuring this is audit proof, including reconciliation with the financial administration of the sister NS and that payments can be made according to plans.

• Review the reported project expenditures including balance report and procurement table, provide feedback to country and NLRC HQ teams.

• Monitor and ensure that the financial management at field level is carried out in accordance with NLRC guidelines, the agreed contractual conditions, MoUs, applicable local laws and other regulatory requirements.

• Support the monthly financial reporting to NLRC for the project(s), in coordination with the country representative/project manager, to steer and manage the project funding.

• Ensure that the annual financial report to the partner organisations (Belgian Red Cross) is correct & complete and verify that supporting documents are complete and in compliance with NLRC procedures and donor (DGD) requirements, and ensure coherence with the narrative report.

• Monitor the budget of the delegation and the project(s), and ensure accurate accounting, authorisation and internal control procedures. Investigate and address significant variances.

Instruction of local NLRC and BRC staff:

• Work with the local financial and administrative officer and train on the execution of the project administration at field level.

• Train the NLRC Project Delegates & local finance staff in the NLRC procedures for: internal control, financial planning, budgeting, budget revisions. Winpaccs Cost Control: encoding of vouchers and variance analysis; forecasting, cash request and reporting requirements.

• Capacity building: Assist CRB in their financial administration, suggest improvements in procedures and practices, based on the remarks & finding as in the report on the external audit in March 2018.

Additional:

• Provide an end-of-mission report with findings, recommendations and action plans to the Project Managers/budget holders to follow up by Country Representative and desk.

• Any additional assignment upon request.

Requirements/Qualifications

Key qualifications

• Bachelor in Finance Administration, or other relevant degree
• Five years of experience in financial management, accounting and control
• At least two years of experience in working for a humanitarian aid organisation outside of Europe
• Knowledge of Winpaccs Accounting and Cost Control preferable, or willingness to complete the relevant training
• Experience in preparing budgets, cash flow statements and financial plans
• Experience in developing financial reports, and provide support to ensure consistency with narrative reporting
• Experience with donor formats and requirements
• Strong communication and training / coaching skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including experience and proven

competence in preparing financial reports and explanatory notes on deviations

• Experience in problem identification and solution analysis
• Excellent practical computer skills (including excellent command of Excel spreadsheets and accounting software, as well as strong competence in Windows, Word processing, internet and email)
• Fluency in English and French is required.
• Preferably experience in working for the Red Cross/Red Crescent movement.

Key competences

• Able to work in a team
• High degree of integrity, discretion, and personal conduct
• Flexible and adaptable to changing working conditions
• Self-motivated, with good judgment and initiative
• Ability to manage broad responsibilities with attention to detail
• Good interpersonal skills
• Stress resistant
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
• Hands on mentality

We offer

• A full time appointment (based on 40-hour work week) for 4 months.

• A flexible and human centred working environment in an international environment with a variety of international organizations.

• Well balanced employment conditions with space for initiative and development.

Please send your resume in English and letter of motivation (please also mention where you find this position), with reference to Sophia van Maanen before 21 September 2018 using the following link

https://werkenbij.rodekruis.nl/nl/Vacancy/Postulate/110132

For more information about the position, you can contact Annika Smits at ASmits@redcross.nl

The selection procedure will start as soon as the first applications come in.

For more information of the work of the Netherlands Red Cross please go to www.rodekruis.nl. and www.rodekruis.tv. NLRC on Facebook: Facebook.com/rodekruis and Twitter: Twitter.com/rodekruis

Acquisition for this vacancy will not be appreciated