Finance Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization dedicated to assisting individuals who are forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. Established to provide immediate humanitarian aid, NRC aims to prevent further displacement and support displaced individuals in rebuilding their lives. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 humanitarians, NRC operates in 40 countries, reaching nearly 10 million people in 2022 alone. The organization primarily hires local staff to work in the field, while a smaller number are based at its headquarters in Oslo, Norway. Many NRC employees have personal experiences of displacement, which enriches their understanding and commitment to the mission of the organization.

Job Overview:
The Finance Officer position at NRC involves a range of financial responsibilities aimed at ensuring the effective management of financial resources within the organization. The role requires adherence to NRC policies, tools, handbooks, and guidelines, and involves implementing a delegated financial function portfolio according to a predetermined plan of action. The Finance Officer will be responsible for preparing and developing status reports, maintaining a filing system for financial documents, and preparing monthly financial reports. Additionally, the officer will process payments to project participants and support project staff in financial and administrative matters. The position also entails contributing to the analysis of specific protection risks and needs, and assisting in the design of protection responses to identified risks and needs. This role is crucial in ensuring that financial operations align with NRC's mission and objectives, and that resources are utilized effectively to support displaced individuals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Officer will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: ensuring adherence to NRC financial policies and guidelines; implementing the financial function portfolio as per the action plan; preparing and developing status reports for management; maintaining a systematic filing system for all financial and accounting documents; preparing monthly financial reports and processing payments to project participants; supporting project staff with financial and administrative inquiries; promoting ideas for improving support functions; contributing to protection risk analysis; verifying that vouchers and supporting documents meet NRC standards prior to payment; managing payments to suppliers and contract workers; ensuring timely booking of costs into the financial system; preparing bank account reconciliations; collaborating with financial institutions to resolve payment queries; assisting in internal and external audits; verifying purchase requisitions and orders; and performing any other tasks assigned by the Area Office Coordinator.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Finance Officer position should possess a strong professional background in finance, particularly in humanitarian or recovery contexts. They should have professional knowledge of auditing and accounting practices, and documented results related to the responsibilities of the position. A solid understanding of the financial context in which NRC operates is essential, along with fluency in Ukrainian or Russian, both written and verbal. Intermediate proficiency in English is also advantageous. Candidates should have experience working with local financial institutions and tax authorities, and familiarity with the legal tax framework for representation offices is beneficial. Proficiency in Excel and good computer skills in MS Office are required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Finance Officer position typically includes a degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. Candidates with relevant certifications in accounting or finance will be viewed favorably. A strong academic foundation in financial principles and practices is essential to perform the duties effectively.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have experience working as a Finance Officer or Accountant, particularly in humanitarian or recovery contexts. Experience in complex and volatile environments is crucial, as is a proven track record of managing financial operations effectively. Candidates should have experience with the start-up of humanitarian or recovery programs, which will be considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in Ukrainian or Russian is mandatory for this position, as effective communication with local stakeholders is essential. Intermediate proficiency in English, both written and verbal, is considered an advantage, as it facilitates communication within the organization and with international partners.

Additional Notes:
The Finance Officer position is likely to be full-time and may involve working in a challenging and insecure environment. The role may require flexibility in working hours and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with NRC's policies and standards, and the organization may consider candidates from both national and international backgrounds.