Partnerships Finance Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has been operational in Syria since 2012, focusing on providing essential services such as protection, health, economic recovery, and early childhood development programs. The organization has a significant presence in various regions including Idleb, Aleppo, Ar-Raqqa, Hassakeh, and Deir ez-Zor, and is expanding its reach into Hama, rural Damascus, and Homs. With a dedicated team of over 750 employees, the IRC has built strong community relationships and trust, which are crucial for effective service delivery. The organization plays a vital role in Syria's NGO, donor, and coordination forums, adapting its strategies to the evolving context of the region. As of December 2024, the IRC has initiated operations in Damascus to engage in coordination structures for newly accessible areas across Syria, including parts of Northeast Syria (NES), Northwest Syria (NWS), and other previously unreachable locations in South and Central Syria. This expansion aims to maximize coverage and efficiency in service delivery.

Job Overview:
The Partnerships Finance Officer is tasked with providing comprehensive financial management to ensure that the IRC's country program has a robust financial structure and systems in place to support its strategic partnerships. This role is pivotal in managing partnership finances effectively, which includes ensuring timely advances and payments to partners to maintain program and service continuity as per partnership agreements. The officer is responsible for timely expense bookings, reconciliations, and addressing any financial management challenges that may arise. The Partnerships Finance Officer will work closely with the Finance Partnership Manager to oversee the financial and compliance aspects of the Partnerships Department, ensuring high-quality financial monitoring and support for partners within the Syria country program. Additionally, this position will involve developing and implementing capacity-building initiatives for partners in collaboration with the partnership team and finance staff, thereby enhancing the financial management capabilities of partner organizations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Partnerships Finance Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities including: ensuring effective management of partnership agreements, facilitating timely payments to partners, and maintaining program continuity. The officer will verify partner financial reports, ensure alignment with ledger information, and address discrepancies promptly. Monthly reviews of balance sheet accounts and control accounts will be conducted to ensure accurate financial reporting. The officer will implement IRC's partnership accounting procedures and contribute to monthly and year-end closure processes. They will also support the finance team during audits and high-pressure periods. The officer will be responsible for ensuring that all partner accounting is accurately entered into the system, troubleshooting any system errors, and maintaining an organized archiving system for financial documents. Regular monitoring visits to partner offices will be conducted to ensure compliance with IRC standards, and the officer will provide financial training and mentoring to partners to strengthen their financial systems.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, or an equivalent institute degree with at least two years of relevant financial experience. A minimum of three years of financial work experience is required, with a strong understanding of accounting processes and procedures. At least one year of experience in the finance partnership sector within a non-profit setting is preferred. Familiarity with managing projects funded by major institutional donors such as BHA, USAID, EU, UN, and others is advantageous. Proficiency in using databases and tracking software systems is also required, along with a proven ability to develop the capacity of staff and partners.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Alternatively, candidates with an institute degree and a minimum of two years of relevant financial experience in partnership financial work will also be considered. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary knowledge and skills to manage financial operations effectively within the context of partnerships.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of financial work experience, with a strong emphasis on understanding accounting processes and procedures. Candidates should have at least one year of experience specifically in the finance partnership sector within a non-profit organization. Experience in managing and handling projects funded by major institutional donors is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the rules and regulations associated with funding from organizations such as BHA, USAID, EU, and others. The ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances is also crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Excellent written and oral communication skills in both English and Arabic are mandatory for this position. Proficiency in Kurdish is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication with partners and stakeholders in the region. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages is essential for the financial management and reporting responsibilities of the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Damascus, Syria, and may require travel to field sites, accounting for approximately 30% of the role. The Partnerships Finance Officer will report directly to the Partnership Finance Manager and will not have any direct reports. The IRC encourages national or returning national candidates to apply, offering an attractive relocation package for eligible candidates. The organization is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace and adheres to professional standards outlined in the IRC Way – Global Standards for Professional Conduct, which include integrity, service, accountability, and equality. The role is full-time and involves significant collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure compliance with all regulations and to maintain a high standard of financial management.