INTERSOS is an independent humanitarian organization that assists the victims of natural disasters, armed conflicts and exclusion. Its activities are based on the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, respect for diversity and coexistence, paying special attention to the most vulnerable people.

Terms of reference

Job Title: Internal Control and Oversight Specialist (ICOS)

Code: SR-00-9864

Duty station: Home-based with possible field missions

Starting date: 01/06/2025

Contract duration: 7 months (until 31/12/25)

Reporting to: Regional Finance Coordinator

Functional Supervisor: N/A

Supervision of: N/A

Type of Duty Station: Non-family duty station

General context of the project

INTERSOS is a humanitarian organisation founded in 1992, working on the frontlines of crisis situations. In its countries of operation, INTERSOS intervenes to assist the most vulnerable populations affected by conflicts, extreme poverty, natural and manmade disasters in challenging and hard-to-reach areas, where the humanitarian needs continue to be the greatest and where the humanitarian presence is often weak. In such contexts, INTERSOS focuses on providing forcibly displaced populations and host communities with life-saving humanitarian assistance, in the areas of Protection, Health & Nutrition, as well as WASH and Shelter.

INTERSOS operations are guided by its Code of Conduct and by the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. Every intervention is characterized by the centrality of the human being, the principle from which INTERSOS values descend. Specifically, INTERSOS is borderless, impartial, independent, sensitive to local cultures, attentive to local capacity, professional in solidarity, and transparent. INTERSOS also adheres to the Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and NGOs in Disaster Relief.

General purpose of the position

The Internal Control and Oversight Specialist (ICOS) is responsible for ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and compliance of accounting and financial reporting processes across assigned country offices or regional operations. This role plays a key part in verifying accounting records and financial reports, reinforcing internal control systems, and safeguarding accountability to both internal and external stakeholders—including donors, funding agencies, local government authorities, and external auditors.

Main responsibilities and tasks:

Financial Internal Control

• Review and verify the database of the assigned Missions to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to internal control procedures and financial policies.
• Ensure the overall accuracy and integrity of Regional records, safeguarding against errors, fraud, and misstatements.
• Monitor country office receivable balances and ensure timely and appropriate follow-up to maintain transparent and accountable financial practices.
• Drive the proactive implementation of the double-entry financial system across Missions, ensuring alignment with organizational standards and donor compliance requirements.
• Ensure timely submission of verified data to Headquarters by securely uploading or importing financial information, in accordance with each Mission’s accounting system and reporting protocols.
• Verify and monitor the proper upload of critical grant documentation (e.g., contracts, amendments, financial reports, disbursement records) into the IMP system; promptly flag inconsistencies or omissions to mitigate compliance risks.
• Ensure that standard supporting financial documents—including bank statements, reconciliations, and cash counts—are systematically prepared, reviewed, and filed in line with monthly closure requirements and audit standards.
• Provide timely alerts and insights to senior management regarding financial, accounting, or administrative issues that may impact operational integrity or donor accountability at the country level.

Donor Reporting and External Accountability

• Review all financial reports before submission to donors, ensuring they meet internal quality standards, donor contractual requirements, and regulatory obligations.
• Oversee and finalize financial closeouts of grants, ensuring that all expenditure is accurately accounted for and that donor funds are reconciled, justified, and transparently reported.

Operational Support and Capacity Strengthenin

• Conduct in-person technical inductions for newly deployed Country Finance Coordinators, emphasizing financial control mechanisms, donor compliance, and reporting accuracy.
• Provide temporary coverage (up to 30 days) for vacant Country Finance Coordinator roles in the Region, ensuring continuity of financial oversight and internal control during transition periods.

Required profile and experience

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s level) in investigation, law, management, finance, audit, or a related field such as Procurement Logistics and Supply Chain Management, etc

Professional Experience

• Five years of relevant experience in finance management, audit, accounting or business control preferably, but not limited to, misconduct and wrongdoing by employees, suppliers, and partners organizations

Professional Requirements

• Proficiency in reporting
• Proficiency in financial management
• Proficiency in MS Office (i.e., Word, Excel, outlook etc.)
• Planning and Organizing (ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines, with peaks of heavy workloads
• Strategic vision
• Driving and achieving results
• Teamwork (Ability to delegate and work in a team)

Languages

• English proficiency
• Arabic or French is an asset

Personal Requirements

• High integrity
• Excellent Communication Skills
• Relationship building
• Very good diplomatic & negotiation skills
• High Flexibility and adaptability
• Ability to take initiative
• Problem solving and decision making; ability to create solutions to operational problems
• Leadership: developing and motivating staff
• Humanitarian motivation and commitment to INTERSOS values
• Respect for INTERSOS policies and procedures
• Strong commitment to beneficiaries’ best interests.