Head of Finance and Support Services - Central African Republic

DanChurchAid (DCA) is calling for applications for an experienced Head of Finance and Support Services (HoFSS) for its Country Office in the Central African Republic. The workplace is Bangui, with frequent travel to field offices as security allows.

DCA has its roots in religion, but it is important to emphasize that it is not engaged in religious proselytizing activities. As an organization, DCA is committed to the principles of equality, non-discrimination, and diversity. We recruit all candidates regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. At DCA, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is respected and treated fairly.

Reporting to the Country Director (CD), the Head of Finance and Support Services provides leadership, direction, and is responsible for the smooth running of the Human Resources (HR), Finance, and Logistics departments, and the Field Operations Coordination, in line with DCA's strategy and vision.

The HoFSS works closely with the CD to develop an effective, efficient, and results-oriented operational team. The HoFSS supervises the heads of the departments mentioned above. Additionally, the HoFSS plays an essential role in the development and improvement of the country office's systems, policies, and processes across all support departments. He/she is responsible for contributing to the integration of support departments by working closely with the program team and fostering positive collaboration.

The position requires extensive and proven skills in financial management, in-depth knowledge of the functioning of other support departments, excellent team-building and people management skills, as well as a thorough understanding of administrative support processes and compliance requirements.

You demonstrate a real ability to make coherent and sometimes difficult decisions and/or formulate recommendations to ensure good cohesion between support and program departments.

You will be part of an expanding office and have the talent necessary to strengthen and supervise a highly qualified and motivated support team, capable of providing the best support to the programs. Therefore, you must have a positive and service-oriented attitude. The conditions in the Central African Republic require calmness, problem-solving abilities, great flexibility, and attention to detail. If you possess these qualities and skills, and you are looking for a challenging opportunity within a leading NGO, do not hesitate to submit your application!

The main responsibilities related to this position are as follows:
Coordination and Technical Support

• Contribute to the Country Program’s strategies and policies through advisory services to the Country Director.
• Provide technical advice and operational guidance on innovative approaches to project financing, risk assessment, and mitigation, as well as the use of funding structures, mechanisms, instruments, and guarantees.
• Collaborate with colleagues to identify needs, determine costs, and plan all support services for the Country Program, including procurement, finance, human resources, and administration services.
• Participate in discussions/platforms to ensure the organization’s position, interests, and priorities are fully considered.

Project Planning and Coordination

• Provide assistance and support to the program for project budget preparation.
• Monitor the country office’s financial projections and report critical issues to the Country Director for appropriate decisions.
• Provide advice on cost-sharing of programs and projects, fund deployment, and closure.
• Continuously monitor and analyze the operational environment to identify risks.
• Ensure support and maintain close liaison with field offices to resolve issues that may disrupt support services management.

Financial Management

• Oversee the country’s Financial Unit and ensure compliance with the organization’s Financial Rules and Regulations, as well as financial procedures.
• In close collaboration with headquarters, support the development of annual budget forecasts and annual reports.
• Oversee the timely review, entry, and closure of accounts, ensuring their accuracy and compliance with policies and accountability standards.
• Supervise all financial services (accounting, cash management, payments, etc.), ensuring their timeliness and compliance with accountability and performance standards.
• Review financial plans and oversee the budget process/cycle to ensure timely revisions and reallocation of funds.
• Ensure the timely availability and submission of required internal and external financial reports.
• Manage and monitor cash flows according to established financial objectives and resource mobilization plans.
• Oversee the certification and authorization of payments, expenses, and disbursements, enter all transactions into the ERP Maconomy software, and ensure that supporting documents are archived according to internal procedures.
• Ensure that all expenses comply with DCA and donor requirements, and that all relevant records are created, updated, and maintained for documentation.
• Verify that DCA and donor policies, procedures, and guidelines are strictly adhered to and that DCA complies with local laws.
• Serve as the focal point for any internal/external audit exercises.

Procurement and Logistics

• Support viable procurement solutions that meet operational needs and comply with procurement procedures, regulations, and the organization’s accountability, ethics, integrity, performance, and cost-effectiveness standards.
• Assess the effectiveness and integrity of the procurement evaluation process to ensure cost-effective procurement of goods and services.
• Evaluate contractual arrangements and legal commitments/risks to take appropriate actions.
• Assess, list, update, and monitor the performance of current service providers and appropriate suppliers.
• Oversee the acquisition, maintenance, inventory, registration, verification, and protection of project and administration facilities/assets, including IT infrastructure, equipment, and servers.

Human Resources Management

• Oversee the continuous development of the team composition and structure to ensure it is mission-appropriate, contribute to the development of job descriptions/terms of reference, track the recruitment processes of field staff, and ensure staff orientation.
• In consultation with concerned colleagues, plan and implement the annual staff evaluation/performance assessment system.
• Promote and support a learning culture by enabling individuals and teams to identify critical learning needs and plan/provide easy access to learning opportunities to maintain staff skills and flexibility.
• At the request and in collaboration with the team, plan, implement, and organize strategic capacity building for staff.
• Ensure that recruiting managers actively seek to create diverse teams in terms of gender and geography.
• Foster a positive working environment that is respectful of both men and women, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are maintained.

Additional Responsibilities Include:

• Contribute to a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, and performance optimization on all projects.
• Work in accordance with DCA’s values and humanitarian principles.
• Maintain effective working relationships with other program members.
• Be a model of diversity and inclusion, as well as a positive role model contributing to team spirit.

Candidates must possess the following qualifications and experience:

• Master’s degree in business administration or similar experience in international development.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in program support and operations within a large international NGO, including at least 2 years in a senior management position (SMT).
• Good knowledge and experience in institutionalizing compliance and accountability systems and procedures.
• In-depth knowledge and practical experience of internal and external audit requirements.
• Demonstrated skills and motivation towards gender and cultural sensitivities, valuing diversity, and championing organizational and staff diversity, while respecting the organization’s core values.
• Proven experience and success in developing operational systems, processes, and supporting policies.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.
• Proven experience in mentoring, training, and delegation.
• Fundamental knowledge and use of budget software.
• Analytical skills as they relate to business processes.
• Excellent interpersonal and team-building skills.

We Offer:

• 12-month contract with the possibility of extension.
• A salary of DDK 49324.34
• 30 days of paid annual leave.
• A generous rest and recuperation allowance.
• Insurance compliant with humanitarian environment standards.
• A rewarding and stimulating experience meeting humanitarian needs.
• Opportunities for advancement at headquarters or in the field.

Application deadline: 02/08/2024. Please note that applications will be reviewed and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis and that DCA reserves the right to select a candidate before the closing date.

To apply, click "apply" and answer the questions that follow. We have prepared this recruitment process a little different, so you do not have to upload a cover letter nor a CV at this point. We will send a technical test to relevant candidates and based on the results of the test, we will invite selected candidates to interview, which should be expected to take place within 2 weeks after the technical test. Selected candidates invited to interviews will be asked to share their CV.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, abilities or ethnic affiliation are encouraged to apply for the vacancy. DCA conducts an anti-terror check as part of the recruitment process. It is a prerequisite that you can pass this check and maintain this status throughout your employment with us. Everyone applying for a job with DCA must be ready to comply with our Code of Conduct, Staff Policy on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment and our Child Safeguarding Policy.

Department: CO CAR

Deadline: 02 August 2024

Location: Bangui, Central African Republic