Helvetas is a Swiss organisation specialized in development cooperation and humanitarian response. Our vision is a just world in which all men and women determine the course of their lives in dignity and security, using environmental resources in a sustainable manner.

Helvetas’ humanitarian portfolio has been continuously growing in the past years. To strengthen humanitarian finance systems & procedures at country and institutional level we are looking for an experienced and agile humanitarian professional – being based in Bern or Zurich.

The position serves for strengthening humanitarian operations by providing technical assistance to field programs in relation to financial processes, as well as by leading the development of institutional finance procedures & tools compliant with requirements of humanitarian programming.

As member of the global finance team, the incumbent reports to the Head of International Finance, whilst closely coordinating with the Team Leader Humanitarian Response.

Key functions of the position are as follows:

1. Finance management: Financial management for major humanitarian programs

2. On-site technical support: Support country teams in streamlining day-to-day financial operations for humanitarian response projects as well as establishing internal controls, compliance with regulations, and implementation of processes.

3. Systems Development: Lead development of institutional finance/Log procedures & tools compliant with requirements of humanitarian programming.

4. Rapid response: After a significant disaster, deploy as part of the response team to set-up administrative procedures, recruiting new finance staff etc

The position requires frequent travel to fragile countries (approx. 50% of work time, with deployments lasting for several weeks) and significant flexibility. In 2024, a strong focus will be on supporting the Ukraine Response, our team is based in Kyiv and Kharkiv.

YOUR MAIN TASKS

Financial Management of selected humanitarian programs

• Provide support to finance staff of country teams in relation to budgeting, monthly consolidations, financial reporting, commissioning of local audits.
• Ensure high quality of financial accounting and quality assurance.
• Support financial reporting to Donors and clients and review contracts and budget amendments.

Roving operations support to country teams in relation to humanitarian finance procedures.

• Work with Country Directors and Field Finance Managers to ensure proper internal controls are in place and programs are in accordance with donor regulations.
• Support Country Finance teams in financial follow up, budgeting, and financial reporting.
• Train Field Finance teams and staff of partner organizations on specific finance topics
• On occasion, gap fill for a senior finance role in a country program.

Development of Institutional Finance Procedures & Processes in relation to humanitarian programming requirements

• Take lead role in the workstream for further development of institutional finance/procurement procedures adapted to requirements of humanitarian programming.
• Lead roll-out of new processes & tools incl training of finance staff in country offices and of partner organizations.

Rapid response support in case of a sudden onset disaster

• As a member of the Rapid Response Team member, deploy to disaster affected area to support local finance team in and/or lead setting up of admin/finance procedures.
• If required, lead and/or support recruitment and onboarding of new finance staff

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

• University degree or equivalent in Finance / Business Administration. Experience in Logistics & Human Resource Management is a strong asset.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience abroad in Finance managerial positions for an International NGO in humanitarian contexts, including volatile environments
• Proven experience in developing administrative policies, tools, and procedures for a humanitarian organization.
• Willingness to travel extensively & frequently, also at short notice, to volatile contexts.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; sensitive to cultural values and good listener.
• A flexible mind-set, combined with a structured way of working.
• Good command of English and French. Spanish is a strong asset.
• Advanced IT skills, especially 1C, Banana and/or Abacus accounting programs
• Preferable: Completed Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) course or readiness to do it.

OUR OFFER

A contract for the duration of 2 years (extendable). Attractive working conditions and integration in dynamic teams and environments. Our offices in Bern and Zurich are both close to the main station.