Deputy Director of Finance

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) was founded in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein, with a mission to respond to the world's worst humanitarian crises and assist people in rebuilding their lives. The organization operates in over 40 countries and 22 cities in the United States, providing life-saving care and assistance to millions of refugees and displaced individuals. IRC opened its country program in Mali in 2012, focusing on various humanitarian and recovery activities, including child protection, education, economic wellbeing, nutrition, health, and water and sanitation. The IRC's work in Mali is crucial, especially in regions affected by conflict and drought, where access to humanitarian assistance remains a significant challenge.

Job Overview:
As a key member of the Mali Country Program Senior Management Team (SMT), the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of Finance plays a vital role in ensuring that the country program has the necessary financial infrastructure and systems to support the organization's strategic vision. This position involves contributing to the development of strategic and operational plans for the country program and monitoring their execution through rigorous analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">financial analysis. The Deputy Director of Finance is responsible for overseeing the finance and accounting functions of the country program, ensuring compliance with U.S. and local legislation, as well as donor requirements. This role requires close collaboration with the Country Director and other Deputy Directors to maintain high performance across internal policies and procedures, and to develop solutions to emerging issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning & Analysis: Provide financial information to support the Country Director in making business decisions aligned with IRC strategies. Conduct strategic analysis on the financial health of the country program and contribute to the development of the Strategic Annual Plan.
• Internal Control and Accounting: Ensure national financial practices comply with IRC and donor policies. Manage the finance department's activities and schedules, ensuring timely completion of monthly balance sheet reconciliations. Develop reporting templates for managing country operations and monitoring grant expenditures. Oversee the preparation of financial reports for donors, ensuring compliance with all requirements. Monitor financial activities and advise the Country Director on potential issues affecting internal controls or financial performance.
• Staff Management and Development: Establish clear roles and responsibilities within the finance department. Recruit and retain qualified finance staff, conduct annual performance reviews, and implement professional development plans. Develop training programs for finance staff and provide technical support to non-finance staff.
• Cash Management: Oversee banking relationships and manage bank account activities. Maintain accurate cash forecasts and ensure appropriate balances for grant implementation. Develop policies on cash holding limits and foreign currency holdings.
• Budget Management, Forecasting, and Financial Reporting: Oversee the preparation of grant proposal budgets and monthly expenditure forecasts. Present financial situations and key performance indicators to the SMT. Ensure proper recovery of shared program costs and flag funding gaps in a timely manner.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field. A recognized professional certification such as CPA or equivalent is considered an asset. Candidates should have at least five years of experience in financial management or auditing, preferably within the humanitarian or international development sector. Proficiency in computerized accounting systems and financial management tools is essential, along with full professional proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. Strong written and oral communication skills in French are required, while fluency in English is an asset. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to identify financial issues proactively and propose solutions, manage multiple priorities, and work effectively in complex environments.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field is required for this position. Additionally, a recognized professional certification such as CPA or equivalent is highly desirable and can enhance a candidate's qualifications.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of experience in financial management or auditing, with a preference for candidates who have worked in humanitarian or international development contexts. Experience in developing or transition country contexts is also beneficial, as it equips candidates with the necessary skills to navigate the challenges faced in such environments.

Languages:
Proficiency in French is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication in Mali. Good written and oral skills in English are considered an asset, as they can facilitate communication with international stakeholders and donors.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Bamako, Mali, and reports directly to the Country Director, with a technical reporting line to the Regional Director of Finance. The role may require travel up to 10% of the time. The IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and adheres to professional standards that promote integrity, service, equality, and accountability. The organization is committed to creating a safe environment for all employees and beneficiaries.