Finance Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization that assists people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. Established in 1946, NRC has a long history of providing aid and support to those in need. The organization operates in multiple countries around the world, focusing on delivering high-quality assistance and advocating for the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. NRC is committed to fostering a culture of professional growth and innovation among its employees, ensuring that they are empowered to take on responsibilities at all levels. The organization emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in its workforce, aiming to create a supportive environment for all staff members. With a strong focus on safeguarding, NRC expects its employees to uphold the highest standards of respect and dignity in their interactions with others, contributing to a safe environment free from exploitation and abuse.

Job Overview:
The Finance Officer position at NRC involves implementing the organization's financial systems and procedures at the area level. The role requires ensuring adherence to NRC policies, handbooks, guidelines, and donor requirements while preparing and submitting reports and analyses. The Finance Officer will support line managers in procedures and provide necessary training to support teams. A key expectation is to maintain budget control and monitor cash flow for the Area Office, while also promoting the rights of refugees in line with NRC's advocacy strategy. The Finance Officer will play a crucial role in extracting key learnings from operations regarding protection and will be responsible for leading budget monitoring practices and financial verification processes at the area level. This position is vital for ensuring the financial integrity and accountability of NRC's operations in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Officer will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: supporting the Area Manager in donor budget preparations and budget management; leading the budget monitoring practice at the area level and providing necessary support; overseeing daily financial verification, payment preparations, and accounting at the area level; contributing to the development and implementation of internal control procedures; assisting the Area Manager with monthly budget monitoring and controlling; arranging monthly meetings with budget holders to review the Budget Monitoring Tool; updating the Master Budget monthly in consultation with the Area Manager; ensuring timely closure of monthly transactions; archiving supporting documents before releasing payments; conducting financial verification for local partners at the area level; and identifying capacity building gaps for Finance staff in the area.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Finance Officer position must possess several key qualifications, including at least 5 years of working experience in a similar role, a university degree in accounting or finance management, or an MBA in finance. Previous experience in complex and volatile contexts is essential, along with documented results related to the responsibilities of the position. A good knowledge of written and spoken English is required, as well as fluency in written and spoken Farsi. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate advanced knowledge of working with MS Office tools, familiarity with banking procedures in Iran, and an understanding of local context and experience working with local partners. Knowledge of SSO and tax regulations in Iran, as well as non-profit accounting principles, is also important for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Finance Officer position includes a university degree in accounting, finance management, or a related field. An MBA in finance is also acceptable. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of financial management within a humanitarian context and for effectively carrying out the responsibilities associated with the role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of 5 years of relevant working experience in finance or accounting roles, particularly in similar positions within humanitarian organizations or non-profits. Experience in complex and volatile contexts is highly valued, as it equips candidates with the skills necessary to navigate the challenges that may arise in such environments. Documented results related to the responsibilities of the position will be an important consideration during the selection process.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is essential for collaboration with international teams and stakeholders. Additionally, candidates must be fluent in written and spoken Farsi, which is crucial for engaging with local partners and communities in Iran. Proficiency in other languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The Finance Officer position is a full-time role based in Tehran, Iran. The organization is committed to recruiting nationally, focusing on candidates who are familiar with the local context and regulations. The contract duration and specific compensation details will be discussed during the interview process. NRC emphasizes the importance of safeguarding and expects all employees to adhere to its policies regarding respect, dignity, and the prevention of exploitation and abuse.