WeWorld-GVC, recently constituted from the merger of two NGOs, is an Italian secular and independent organization working since 1971 in international cooperation and humanitarian aid. Present in 29 countries with 128 projects, WeWorld-GVC operates in the following areas of assistance: human rights (gender equality, prevention and combating violence against children and women, migration), humanitarian aid (prevention, emergency relief and rehabilitation), food security, access to water, health and hygiene, education, global citizenship education, quality teaching and international volunteering. WeWorld-GVC works mostly with girls, boys, women and youth, actors of change in every community for a fairer and more inclusive world. Supports people overcoming emergencies and guarantees a life with dignity, opportunities and a better future through human and economic development programs, in the framework of the 2030 Agenda. Joining the WeWorld-GVC team means being part of the development of a dynamic organisation where the contribution of each staff member is promoted and valued, working together towards the collective achievement of shared goals and vision. At present, the main donors are Italy (AICS), the EU (DG ECHO), UNICEF, OCHA, and Belgium (DGD).

Position: Country Finance Manager

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

Location: Beirut, Lebanon

Starting Date: October 2021

Type of contract: a first 3 (three) months collaboration contract subject to evaluation; a second collaboration contract of 9 (nine) months renewable, following the positive evaluation of the first three months of contract.

Application Deadline: 16th of August 2021

Working context in Lebanon

WeWorld-GVC has been working in Lebanon since 2006 and is currently supporting vulnerable populations through WASH, Shelter, basic assistance, water governance, livelihood, and rural development interventions, in North Bekaa and in Akkar. Our interventions aim to increase the populations’ resilience, enhancing the communities’ capacity to find, within its fabric, the skills and resources necessary to grow in a self-sufficient manner.

The mission counts more than 80 employees, divided in four offices (Beirut, Zahle, Ain, Kobayat). The main programs active from 2021 will be five multi-million and multi-year projects, three of which implemented in consortium with other organizations. Main donors of the mission are ECHO, EU, AICS, and AFD.

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-GVC 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-GVC 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-GVC 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 Requirements

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 year 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 We World-GVC, 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.