Assistant, Finance

Organizational Context

The IFRC is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 191-member National Societies. The overall aim of the IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.”  The IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.

The IFRC is part of the Movement together with its member National Societies and the IFRC. The work of the IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. For the next decade the organization will be guided by the principles set out in the IFRC Strategy 2030: Platform for change - global reach, local action. 

The IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into several main divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination NSDOC); (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization (GRHDD); and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services (MPSCS).

The IFRC has five regional offices based in the following locations: (i) Africa Region, in Nairobi, Kenya; (ii) Asia Pacific Region, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; (iii) Middle East and North Africa Region, in Beirut, Lebanon; (iv) Europe Region, in Budapest, Hungary; and Americas Region, in Panama City, Panama. IFRC also has country cluster delegations and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.

The Syria conflict continues to be the largest and most complex humanitarian crisis in the world resulting in internal and external displacement, loss of thousands of lives and severe damage to infrastructure, roads, buildings and livelihoods. Currently, over five million Syrian people are displaced in neighboring countries, including Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Türkiye and in North Africa. Türkiye alone hosts about 3.9 million registered refugees - including people from Syria, Somalia, Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan - making it the host country with the largest refugee population in the world.

The Turkish Red Crescent Society (TRCS) has played a leading role in helping refugees in Türkiye, The TRCS has reacted immediately to the influx of Syrians and other refugees by deploying staff and volunteers and organizing dedicated structures to receive and protect the people in need and provide a first-line response. The IFRC continues to support the TRCS in its response to the growing humanitarian needs in Türkiye resulting from the Syrian and other concurrent crises. IFRC is also supporting TRCS to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, providing financial resources to Turkish Red Crescent to address the needs of Ukrainian refugees that sought refuge in Türkiye.

On February 6th, 2023 two powerful earthquakes struck Southeast Türkiye with devastating effects: more than 50.000 people died and economic losses were estimated at more than USD 100 billion making it the biggest disaster to affect the country in a century. IFRC launched and Emergency Appeal (MDRTR004) to support Turkish RC relief and recovery efforts in the affected area during the coming 2 years.

Türkiye Country Delegation is one of the delegations in the Europe Region. It is led by a Head of Country Delegation (HoCD) and is composed of majority local staff with key international positions. The country’s delegation can also host regional outpost positions based on strategic directions agreed with the Regional Director.

Job Purpose

The Finance Assistant reports and follows the technical direction and guidance of the Finance team leader and provide support to the effective financial reporting, accounting of the IFRC Office in Turkiye.

The job of the Finance Assistant is to provide cost-effective day-to-day quality finance services that enhance the work efficiency of the operation Turkey Population Movement Operation International Appeal, IFRC programs implemented by the Turkish Red Crescent Society, in accordance with Federation standard procedures, policies, and regulations. He/she also will contribute to the sound financial management of the funds spent by the operation by observing strict compliance to all Finance and Admin Procedures and to all Finance Audit recommendations.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Employee Cost Allocation

• Booking of employees related transactions and allocations to the IFRC Financial System.
• Collect data from HR and prepare for validation and review the monthly local staff payroll bookings and follow up on reallocation request related to these bookings

• Review social and fiscal declarations prepared by HR to ensure compliance to National Laws and regulations, monitoring accounts to ensure proper coding, check expenditures to ensure donor compliance with financial requirements and in line with Audit Recommendation.

Ensure daily data input into financial system in an accurate, efficient and timely manner.

• Review the payment authorizations submitted for signature, ensuring that all supporting documentation is attached. In case of missing documentation, ensure necessary follow-up actions.

• Check that financial codes are correct before booking the transactions and ensure any correction.
• Organize and file accounting documents, according to the IFRC standard filing system.
• Ensure that all payments are properly validated, and approved by the budget holder, and by line manager or HR focal point where applicable, prior to accounting and payment.

Job Duties and Responsibilities (continued)

Finance system and accounts:

• Booking of transactions processed through accountspayable and general ledger module and reallocated the transactions if necessary.
• Creation and booking of payment proposals, including adjustment of items processed in currency other than that of bank account.
• Register leases and create a journal in system according to approved contracts and IFRS 16
• Handling of cash box and performing cash count according to policy and as part of closing process
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly close of accounts specifically assigned. This involves reconciliation of various accounts and ensuring compliance with the organization Finance procedures
• Perform any other tasks as provided by the supervisor
• Act as replacement for other finance staff when they are on leave as per specific agreement
• Booking provisions of advances, invoices in the system.
• Assist Finance Team Leader in closing (Month-end, Year-end, …)

Risk Management & Internal Controls

• Ensure that a rigorous internal control environment is maintained, including ensuring proper segregation of duties.
• Support the implementation of finance policies, processes, and procedures.
• Support the Finance Team Leader to respond to financial audit recommendations or queries.
• Abide to the fraud and corruption policy.

Education

Required:

• University Degree in Finance, Business Administration, or any other relevant fields
• Knowledge of accounting software

Preferred:

• Full professional accountancy qualification (CPA (K), ACCA, ACA

Experience

Required:

• Proficient in MS Office; Microsoft Outlook and Word in Particular
• Demonstrated experience in reconciliation of various accounts
• Experience in project management (budgeting cycle and reporting)
• Flexible and adaptable to changing working conditions
• Willing and able to travel whenever required for work purposes
• Self-motivated and proactive, with good judgment and initiative
• Able to prioritize and meet deadline
• Able to work in a team
• High degree of integrity, discretion, and personal conduct

Preferred:

• 5-7 years or more experience in working in a finance office in an International Organisation, INGO or NGO
• Previous experience working at the Federation Delegation, ICRC and/or National Society will be an added advantage
• Knowledge of office management systems and procedures

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

Required:

• Proficient computer skills
• Ability to work under pressure and keep the deadlines
• Accuracy and fine attention to detail
• Fluent spoken and written Turkish  and English

Preferred:

• Broad understanding of Red Cross/Red Crescent activities
• Good command of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish or Arabic)

Competencies, Values and Comments

Core competencies: Communication; Collaboration and teamwork; Judgement and decision making; National society and customer relations; Creativity and innovation; Building trust 

Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability  

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.