Country: Switzerland
Closing date: 06 Sep 2019
What we do
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and at the same time promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation in order to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.
Role Description
The Finance and Administration Department delivers high-quality support to ICRC field operations in the areas of finance and accounting, facilities management (both offices and accommodation), welcome and travel desk, and may, in small set-ups, act as the focal point for human resources (HR) issues.
The department serves as the organization’s administrative backbone, seeking to ensure that ICRC programmes and objectives for people affected by armed conflict or other situations of violence are delivered in an efficient and cost-effective way, while at the same time guaranteeing compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Main Responsibilities
In the following areas, finance and administration managers:
Accounting/Financial Controlling
- are accountable for the integrity of accounting and financial reporting in the field;
- participate in drawing up the annual budget and monitor its implementation, including regular forecasting and financial analysis;
- advise on financial and economic matters and provide training and coaching to department coordinators as required;
- identify potential risks and ensure control mechanisms are in place to mitigate their potential effects and prevent cases of fraud.
Facilites Management
- ensure that the set-up of office, warehousing and living space is appropriate, meets safety and ergonomic standards and provides adequate comfort; make certain that passive security measures for buildings are suited to the context and updated/implemented at all times;
- oversee the welcome and travel desk, ensuring smooth handling of travel arrangements, visas and visitor accommodation.
Human Resources (where no HR manager/officer is deployed)
- in field sub-structures, are in charge of HR questions for staff under resident contract, in close coordination with the country HR manager, and make sure that regular activities throughout the HR cycle are conducted in line with internal policies and local (labour) laws.
Desired Profile and skills
Profile
- Ideal age: 27 to 36 years old
- Very good command of English and French written and spoken is a prerequisite;
- Good knowledge of other languages such as Arabic and Portuguese may be an asset;
- University degree (or equivalent) in the fields of finance and accounting, financial control and analysis, or hospitality management with focus on financial management and/or real estate management; certification in fraud prevention is an asset;
- Experience working abroad, preferably in the humanitarian or comparable sector;
- Strong motivation for humanitarian work and a desire to contribute via the support services;
- Service and solution-orientation with the ability to ensure respect for procedures and guidelines;
- Experience in staff supervision with the ability to motivate and guide staff, and a desire to share knowledge and skills in order to build capacity locally;
- Ability to adapt to various contexts, respect local culture, work under pressure and meet deadlines; readiness to work and live in difficult environments in terms of living conditions and security constraints, unaccompanied (i.e. no spouse, partner, children or dependents) for at least the first 24 months of assignment
Skills
- Strongly motivated by humanitarian work
- Open-minded and flexible
- Responsible and well-organized
- Able to ensure respect of the rules while having a solution oriented approach
- Proven experience in successfully supervising and managing/developing a team
- Good at both listening to others and maintaining confidentiality, sensitive and respectful of intercultural diversity
- Excellent ability to work in a team and under pressure in a potentially dangerous environment
Languages
- French mandatory at a B2 level (according to the European framework of the reference for languages)
- English mandatory at a B2 level (according to the European framework of the reference for languages)
- Any other language, such as Arabic or Portuguese, is an asset
Our operational & field constraints
- In line with the principle of neutrality, the ICRC does not assign personnel to a country of which they are nationals;
- Candidates must be in good health and will have to do a medical check-up prior to departure in the field;
- Candidates must possess a driving licence for manual transmission vehicles;
- Candidates must be prepared to accept unaccompanied postings (i.e. no spouse, partner, children or dependents) for at least the first 24 months
What we offer
- Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment
- Three-week immersion course before departure to the field, with subsequent courses and seminars that accompany your progression through the ranks based on your performance and the availability of matching opportunities
- Career development from finance and administration manager in a sub-office for the first two to three years, progressing to larger sites and eventually coordination of the Finance and Administration Department of a large ICRC field operation
- The function as "Finance & Administration Manager" offers you a fascinating spectrum of new professional experiences in challenging operating environments, combined with an attractive career plan
- Length of assignment: typically 12 months for the first 2-3 missions, 18 to 24 months thereafter
- Attractive social benefits
- Join an ICRC talent pool and be considered for future assignments elsewhere
How to apply:
To apply, push on the link: https://bit.ly/33vLAO3