Job Description
Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In Ethiopia and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.
ROLE PURPOSE:
S/he is responsible for ensuring that implementing partners are fully supported technically including reviewing their financial reports and records to ensure that CDA funds are used for the intended purposes. S/He will support and provide on-the-job training/mentorship to the accountant/finance officer hired by the implementing partner in order to oversee the project’s financial accounting and procurement processes. S/He will provide technical assistance to the implementing partners in developing or strengthening their financial system.
Reports (Directly Reporting) to: Finance Lead.
Staff Directly Reporting to this Post: Dotted line management of finance coordinators in SCI Area Offices
KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:
- Capacity building of implementing partners in the areas of budgeting (particularly on the annual budgeting process) and financial reporting
- Developing tools for budgeting and tracking financial performance, including a sound understanding of the BVA process and ensuring solid financial controls by partners
- Job holder to undertake regular audit spot checks with partners to ensure partners’ full compliance with donor and SCI regulations etc.
- To follow up on findings that were identified during spot checks and ensure corrective action has been taken.
- The job holder will regularly track and monitor partners’ expenditures to ensure the timely submission of financial reports by partners.
- Review partners’ financial reports and facilitate posting to financial system in collaboration with country office finance team.
- Prepare regular financial analysis of the partner burn rate to inform quick decision making
- Capacitate and support the implementing partners in preparing and revising finance guidelines so that they adhere to Save the Children and donor requirements.
- Support the implementing partners in proactively participating in monthly BVA review meetings with Save the Children and submitting reports in a timely manner.
- Support the partners in their annual planning processes.
- Ensure finance coordinators who are hired by CDA or have LOA are providing appropriate finance services to the Activity.
- To work with finance coordinators to ensure any issues raised by the implementing partners are resolved in a timely manner.
- To conduct regular supportive monitoring supervision visits jointly with the engagement of program and other concerned staffs and spot checking/verifying the financial documents for its completeness
- To deputize the Finance Lead in their absence.
SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURS (our Values in Practice)
Accountability:
- Holds self-accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role modelling Save the Children values.
- Holds the team and partners accountable to deliver on their responsibilities – giving them the freedom to deliver in the best way they see fit, providing the necessary development to improve performance and apply appropriate consequences when results are not achieved.
Ambition:
- Sets ambitious and challenging goals for themselves (and their team), takes responsibility for their own personal development and encourages others to do the same.
- Widely shares their personal vision for Save the Children, and engages, and motivates others.
- Future orientated and thinks strategically.
Collaboration:
- Builds and maintains effective relationships with their team, colleagues, members and external partners and supporters.
- Values diversity and sees it as a source of competitive strength.
- Approachable, good listener, easy to talk to.
Creativity:
- Develops and encourages new and innovative solutions.
- Willing to take disciplined risks.
Integrity:
- Honest, and encourages openness and transparency.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Essential
- BA Degree in Accounting, or other related field, from a recognized institution.
- 8+ years of professional experience in grant compliance, auditing, and financial management.
- Computer literate, particularly skilled in awards management package AMS, with fluency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Significant experience in financial monitoring, budgetary systems, and controls with strong analytical skills
- Proven ability to prepare budgets and donor financial reports.
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, and time management skills while working in a dynamic, team setting in a challenging environment.
- Willingness to travel extensively to multiple sites and provide capacity building for staff.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability and willingness to dramatically change work practices and hours and work with other teams, in the event of emergencies.
- Demonstrated capacity and prior experience in staff management and supervising others as a coach/mentor to develop financial skills of colleagues
- Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills in English, with substantial experience in managing multicultural teams
- Ability to communicate effectively and work across departments, with demonstrated experience in integrated project activities.
- Experience of building, leading and developing a team of senior staff with different backgrounds and expertise.
- Commitment to the Save the Children values.
Desirable
- Awareness of international accountability standards including HAP (Humanitarian Accountability Partnership) and a demonstrated commitment to promoting these standards in ways of working and project implementation.
- Experience of working with an international NGO especially in refugee context.
- Experience in managing and supervising the construction of primary schools, latrines and school Wash facilities.
- Experience of effectively communicating findings to internal/external stakeholders.
- Experience in child friendly accountability systems.
COMPETENCIES
SC Values are: Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity and Integrity. To meet the value system, the post holder is expected to demonstrate the following Competencies on ongoing bases.
- Applies the required technical and professional expertise to the highest standards
- Promotes and shares best practice within and outside the organization.
- Engaging (align with Collaboration, Creativity)
- Networking: Builds and use sustainable relationship to support the work of save the children
- Working effectively with others to achieve shared goals and thrives on diversity of people and perspectives
- Knows when to lead and when to follow and how to ensure effective cross-boundary working.
More Information
- Address Ethiopia