Regional finance officer - Kenya

With an in-depth knowledge of JRS in the appropriate region, the regional finance officer reports to the regional director, assisting him or her in proposing and implementing overall JRS strategies. This position embraces a range of responsibilities from initiating needs assessments to ensuring adequate and ongoing funding, periodic project evaluations and final closure of projects.

Report to
As a regional positions, incumbents report directly to the regional director in the region to which they are assigned.

Responsibilities

Functional Statement

Accountability: key results achieved:

• establishment of strong administrative and management systems;
• implementation and/or strengthening of internal controls;
• identification and resolution of risk-related to the administrative or financial management system;
• strengthening of the capacity of field finance staff, including through the provision of on-the-job training; and
• identification of project funding in accordance with plans.

Responsibility: process and functions undertaken to achieve results:

• identification of priority operations needing field support, based on an up-to-date global risk appraisal (by country) analysis, and other information;
• elaboration of regional financial policies, in consultation with the regional director and the International Office, to ensure careful adherence to JRS Finance Policy at all levels;
• completion of field support missions;
• provision of support, assistance and advice to finance and other staff in field offices, on issues related to financial management and internal controls, as well as financial regulations, rules, policies and procedures, including segregation of duties and delegation of authority;
• assessment of the adequacy effectiveness and progress in implementing the recommendations of the various oversight bodies;
• identification of administrative or finance related risks, concerns and constraints, and propose mitigation measures through the implementation of best practices;
• assurance that JRS country and project teams implement and maintain the use of JRS International finance templates, reporting policies and tools (Front End software) and the correct updating of the JRS financial system (AccPac);
• strengthening of the capacity of the finance function in field offices, including on-the-job training;
• reporting on financial management, risk management internal controls and oversight, following completed field support missions;
• taking responsibility for the financial management of the region in cooperation and consultation with the regional director;
• administration of regional finances and ensure that country offices and projects have the necessary funds in their accounts to be able to function;
• management of the documentation, recording of all income and expense transactions for every project, and verifying and correctly maintain procedures, such as payments and other day-to-day financial transactions;
• verification of monthly payroll for the staff in coordination with the regional director and the regional human resources.
• provision of assistance and advice the regional director and the regional human resources Officer in the recruiting of JRS staff (national and international) to perform finance /administrative functions; and
• performance of any other relevant duties, as required by supervisor.

Administration of regional office

Accountability: key results achieved:

• assurance that cash, cash equivalents and financial records are safeguarded and properly utilised in the regional office;
• supervision of regular reconciliation of accounts of the regional office;
• production and distribution of monthly statements of income and expenditures with comments and advice to project directors;
• compilation, production and distribution of monthly, mid-year and annual financial statement/reports to the International Office Finance Coordinator; and
• assurance that the annual regional financial audit follows JRS International financial policies and is supported by country and project directors under the supervision of the International Office Finance Coordinator.

Responsibility: process and functions undertaken to achieve results:

• implementation of resolution to finance-related issues and/or risks during field support missions;
• verification of the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls, structures in field offices
• enforcement of compliance with applicable financial regulations, rules, policies, and procedures; and
• assurance that data, documents and other information needed to discharge their function are accessible.

Representation of JRS

• provision of assistance to the regional director in establishing and maintaining contact with the local Jesuit province(s), the regional Jesuit Conference, the diocesan Church, the government, and key NGOs, in particular, UNHCR; and
• provision of assistance to the regional director in entering into negotiations with Church, government and international intergovernmental organisations, such as UNHCR, as required.

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree in accounting, finance, public administration, economics or related field. A undergraduate degree in the above areas or a CPA, ACCA or related professional qualification will be accepted if candidate has had solid field experience performing identical functions;
• Minimum of five years of relevant professional experience, of which at least two years with donor-funded programmes, particularly with INGOs in a similar setting,
• Experience in managing people/teams and managerial competencies in empowering people and building trust,
• High integrity and honesty;
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking and planning skills;
• Strong monitoring and evaluation skills/experience;
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to work with marginalised communities;
• Ability and willingness to travel to JRS refugee sites and adapt to basic living and working conditions;
• Candidates must be fluent in French and English, including strong drafting skills. Fluency in other languages will be an added asset;
• Excellent computer skills in particular proficiency in Microsoft Office applications Excel and Access; and
• Ability to work with specialised accounting software (an added advantage).

Conditions

• Contract is for one-year renewable with an initial period of probation.
• JRS remuneration policy is in keeping with the JRS ethos to offer effective and professional services and at the same time express solidarity with the people served. The salary scale is calculated with the use of a post-adjustment multiplier and takes into account years of relevant experience and degree of responsibility of the role. Details will be discussed with candidates short-listed for interview.

How to apply:

Contact Information
Interested candidates should address their applications in English or French to the International Finance Coordinator, Ms Carlotta Carpi.

For applications visit: http://en.jrs.net/RecruitDetail?CID=144

Candidates are to indicate the location of the position they wish to be considered for, or if they wish to apply for all positions and leave the decision to the International Office, if they are selected of assignment.