Chief of Finance and Operations with solid NGO experience in fragile context

Mission East

  • Kabul
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 2 days ago
Deadline for application: Sunday 21 September midnight (EEST – UTC+3)Do you have at least 5 years’ success in an international NGO with accounting and finance management in fragile context?Are you good at and motivated by inspiring and leading people whose role is to support relief & development programme staff?Are you ready to lead Finance and Operations in Afghanistan, restoring dignity and justice for those the world has forgotten?If so, you may be the new Chief of Finance and Operations of our Afghanistan office!Mission East has worked in Afghanistan since 2001, implementing a multi-sectoral and multi-donor relief and recovery programme in the provinces of Badakhshan, Takhar and Kunduz. It is known for its technically competent, experienced and dedicated staff, and for its effectiveness in reaching some of the most remote and under-served rural communities in NE Afghanistan. It has built up a strong reputation over the years for securing solid community involvement in projects. Mission East is currently one of the largest (NGO) service-providers for water and sanitation in these areas and is noted for the success of its particular model of implementation amongst other NGOs and government departments in the north-east.More information on Mission East can be found at: www.missioneast.orgMission East has presently 81 employees in Afghanistan and a budget of about USD 4.5 million.The Finance & Operations department is composed of two managers and 5 staff, all based in Kabul.The JobThe main purpose of your role is to provide technical and managerial financial oversight and hands on support to ensure strong financial and administrative functionality, along with leading procurement and logistic function of Mission East programmes in Afghanistan.The Chief of Finance and Operation is responsible to support the Country Director in external representation and function as acting Country Director in the absence of the Country Director.As Chief of Finance and Operations, your main tasks will be the:
  • Financial management across the program in accordance with Mission East’s financial policies and procedures, supervising financial staff and supporting the Country Director with the coordination of the annual and project budgeting process; preparation and presentation of budgets proposals to donors; monthly financial reports; follow-up, deviation analysis, recommendations and grant amendment proposals; and timely end-of-financial year reconciliation and financial reporting of all projects and consolidated national programme
  • Control of new programmes budget before implementation
  • Cash forecast and flow with timely transfers of funds to the field offices
  • Keep track on operational budget and ensure expenses are made as per plan
  • Compliance with legal, regulatory, and donor requirements, and timely submission of donor reports; and ensure proper storing of all original financial documentation
  • Act as primary liaison on financial matters for internal and external authorities, organisations and auditors
  • Review, supervise and strengthen Internal Control and Internal Reporting procedures
You will also:
  • Ensure that you and your teams will provide optimal financial and administrative support to the rest of the organisation, e.g. the Programme team
  • Manage Mission East Afghanistan assets, incl. renewal planning and inventories, and office/ accommodation rental contracts
  • Provide support in procurement work and ensure legal compliance
  • Oversee procurement and administrative systems and routines, proposing improvement when necessary
  • Ensure that agreements, licenses and permits (including expatriate staff visas) are in place for Mission East operations
  • Assist in evaluating completed projects; and monitor and evaluate operational performance, identifying areas for improvement and supporting the Country Director in implementing solutions
As Manager, we expect you to:
  • Provide leadership and supervision of finance and administrative staff in the two offices in NE and the one in Kabul in accordance with Mission East’s HR policies and practices
  • In coordination with the Country Director and HR Manager, identify and organize continuous capacity building of staff in the knowledge and use of Mission East’ internal systems and procedures
  • Engage with HR Manager in ensuring compliance with donors and local government’s policies and rules
  • Other duties as agreed with the Country Director, including being occasionally called upon to function as Acting Country Director in the absence of the Country Director
You will refer to the Country Director and will have a technical report and cooperation to the HQ Finance team (DoFA and Controller).YouWe expect you to have a solid background in NGO accounting and finance management with a proven record of staff capacity building and staff management (in supervision, delegation, growth), and you can demonstrate attention to detail, be completely trustworthy, and act in an appropriate professional manner at all times. To succeed in this position, you should be accustomed to working in an atmosphere in which security concerns are a daily part of life.We require you to have a university degree in Accounting/Finance, and:
  • Expertise in accounting and finance management with at least 5 years in international NGO working in a relief/development setting, including preparation of budgets & financial reports for international donors and project cost management, planning and allocating costs between different projects
  • Successes with building strong financial control environment and engaging with external stakeholders in insecure and challenging conditions
  • Proven results in financial skills development and capacity building of local finance and non-finance staff, as well as experience in communicating and monitoring Finance Policies to ensure compliance
  • Strong computer skills and solid experience in accounting systems (knowledge of Business Central is an advantage)–Excellence in using Microsoft Excel and good knowledge of Microsoft 365 Office pack is an absolute requirement
  • Strong analytical skills and ability to negotiate with various stakeholders
  • People management and leadership experience, with good communication skills, ability to enhance growth, engagement and motivation, and successes in distance management
We do also expect you to be:
  • Interested in and allowed to be located in Afghanistan
  • Experienced in leading operations including administration, procurement, logistics and IT, as well as operationalisation and adherence to organisational policies and legal framework
  • Fluent in English (written and spoken). Knowledge of Dari or Pashto would be a distinct advantage
  • Good team player with the capacity of leading by example and valuing transparency and accountability,
  • Willing to comply with Mission East’s values and ability to demonstrate integrity and courage
  • Experienced in European Donors’ grant
We offer:
  • Non-accompanied expatriate position with a 2 years’ fixed contract with possibility for renewal
  • Salary in accordance with our salary policy and international scale at level CMT – Function Manager
  • Housing on Mission East’s premises
  • 25 days annual leave per year with one two-ways ticket to home country – accrued proportionally every month.
  • 7 Rest & Recuperation days every 8 weeks with USD 100 allowance per day – accrued proportionally every two weeks.
  • International Health & Injury insurance
  • Opportunity to shape your work and contribute to Mission East’s development
  • An informal working environment with committed and skilled colleagues - both in the country and around the world
To ensure gender balance in our team, all else being equal, we would prefer a female colleague.ApplicationDeadline for application: Sunday 21 September midnight (EEST – UTC+3)We expect to hold the first interviews on 25 September and the second interviews on 2 October. Should you be selected for the second interview, you should expect to spend about 1,5 hours to fulfil an assignment previous the interview.If you have any questions about the position, please, contact Subrata De, Country Director, sub-af@missioneast.org.You apply by clicking on "Apply for this job", filling in the form and uploading your CV and application. Remember to click on "Submit application" at the bottom of the page.Mission East wants to promote equality and diversity, and we therefore encourage all qualified people to apply for the position - regardless of ethnic background, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability or religion.We, on the other hand, have zero tolerance for fraud, sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment or gender-based violence, and we conduct a thorough screening of our preferred candidate. We carry out reference checks and are members of the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, a network that shares all SEAH issues in relation to potential new hires.About usMission East is an international relief and development organisation working in crisis-affected countries in the former Soviet Union, the Middle East and Asia. We deliver emergency relief during disasters as well as long-term development assistance and are highly committed to our values. We are dedicated to empowering vulnerable individuals and marginalized communities, striving to uplift them from poverty and exclusion. Through direct engagement with those in need and collaborative efforts with local and international partners, we endeavour to enhance the effectiveness, reach, and long-term viability of our aid initiatives. Together, we are committed to creating positive change and fostering sustainable development for a brighter future.Visit our home page to .You can also read to get insight in how it is to work at Mission East; and you can find us at:

Mission East