Position: Country Finance Manager Lebanon

Location: Beirut, Lebanon

Reporting to: Country Representative (Line Management) and Regional Finance Manager (Functional Management)

Starting date: ASAP

Application deadline: 21/11/2024

Family Duty Station: NO

R&R: NO

Working Context

Present in Lebanon since 2006, WeWorld goal is to increase the population’s resilience in the governorates of Baalbek-Hermel and Akkar, through interventions in Multi-Sectoral Emergency Response Program, Food Security, Livelihoods, Water Governance and Local Economic Development. WeWorld long-lasting operational presence secures access to the areas of implementation, coupled with a comprehensive understanding of the needs of IDPs, refugees and host communities residing in the area.

WeWorld’s operational capacity in Lebanon includes +50 staff members deployed in four office, and one warehouse for emergency items.

Despite increasing attacks, WeWorld continues its program delivery and the setting up of a tailored emergency response. WeWorld is currently developing a contingency plan to ensure business continuity, and at the same time it is planning to develop a contingency plan to respond to the newly emerged needs of the groups most affected by the conflict.

Purpose of the Role

The Country Finance Manager acts in the Role of Senior Finance Officer in a Country Role. Is responsible of all the administrative and accounting processes, including financial reporting, budget planning, development and monitoring. Manage team office staff within the Finance Department in country.

Main functions and duties

General Administration

• Track and manage deliverables and timelines related to grants, contracts, vendors, and partners
• Monitor grant administration to ensure compliance with reporting and expenditure requirements
• Supervise compliance of administrative documents and their proper filing
• Ensure the smooth flow of administrative information and data to the HQ
• Supervise flow of administrative information from project partners and the compliance with MoU
• Ensure smoothly and punctual communications and reporting with local Banks

Accounting

• Supervise and approve regular accounting, including monthly reconciliations, monthly and yearly closing of accounts, monthly journal entries
• Supervise cash and bank balance checking process when closing the monthly accounts

Financial Reporting

• Is responsible for the preparation of financial reports, in coordination with Regional Finance Manager, and administrative team
• Ensure the compliance of financial reports with donors and internal rules and procedures

Budget & Planning

• Collaborate with the Country Representative and Programs/Project Managers to develop budgets according to donors regulations
• Review administrative/financial terms of grant contracts before signature (payment & financial reporting schedule, etc.)
• Collaborate with the Project Managers and Procurement & Logistics Managers to monitor actual and forecasted expenses against budget to avoid under and overspending on the projects; comply to the flexibility rule
• Monitor financial flows of the projects
• Anticipate financial risks, present budget updates and mitigation plans and report them to the Country Representative
• Coordinate the preparation and constantly monitor/update of core budget of WeWorld for Lebanon and provide an analysis to the Country Representatives focusing on gaps and risks
• Participate with the Country Management Team in reflecting on the evolution of the mission, and the programming of new projects and/or reorientation

Audit Process

• Collaborate to the management of financial audit performed on the projects
• Supervise yearly financial audit on general accounting for local authorities
• Prepare information and is directly responsible for any assessment/audit performed by donor on WeWorld administrative procedure

Procedure

• Design and implement administrative routines, procedures, and systems to increase efficiencies
• Updated the Local Operational Manual for both missions based on WeWorld procedures to implement organizational policies related to the Finance Department

Operational

• At Country level, liaise with the Human Resources and Procurement and Logistic departments for a fluid and collaborative collaboration
• Follow-up payments from donors and financial project close-out

Human Resources

• Participate in analyzing staffing needs & costs, compensation & benefits
• Supervise administrative and finance local personnel to complete routine tasks
• Capacity building of local finance staff and partner organizations in areas such as financial management, administration, good governance and management of accountability and transparency
• Support the Country Representative and the HR Manager to monitor and revise salary scale, if necessary

Representation

• Participate in inter-admin meetings with other INGOs and NGOs
• Ensure official representation for the administrative management of the Mission to the competent authorities

Job Specifications

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTES

Qualifications and Knowledge

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in Financial/Accounting management
• Knowledge of institutional donor procedures (AICS, EU)
• Fluent in Italian both written and verbal
• Good knowledge of English both written and verbal

Professional experience

• At least 3 years of specific experience in finance/administrative positions in the international cooperation sector
• Experience of representation to institutions and participation in coordination meetings
• Experience in budget management and monitoring of logistics procedures
• Experience in using accounting software

Skills and Abilities

• Strong flexibility and capacity to adapt behavior to the needs of the situation
• Capacity to work autonomously and in problems prevention/resolution
• Proven organizational skills and ability to effectively manage multiple tasks while fostering quality, team spirit and positive working relationships with colleagues
• Ability to identify, initiate and maintain good relationships with partner organizations, donors and national authorities including building professional relationships with senior decision-makers and influencers / leaders
• Good communication, negotiation skills and sensitivity in dealing with local institutions on critical issues
• Cultural, gender, religion, and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Strong commitment to the Mission of WeWorld, genuine interest for international cooperation development topics

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledge of Arabic would be considered an asset
• Previous experience in the Middle East Region is an asset

WHAT WE OFFER

Type of contract: a first 6 (six) month collaboration contract subject to verification of the achievement of specific objectives (these objectives will be agreed together with the Line Manager upon arrival on assignment); a second collaboration contract of 6 (six) months renewable, following the positive evaluation of the first months of contract

Economic conditions: to be defined according to WeWorld Expatriates Compensation Policy: Base Salary (seniority/role held) + Contributions (role complex, housing and hardship based on place of work)

Annual leave: 2,5 days/month (working days)

Flight ticket: one return flight

Health insurance: covered

Family duty Station: NO

R&R: NO