Head of Finance and Support Services, DCA Syria Programme – Syrian Arab Republic

DCA invites applications for an experienced Head of Finance and Support Services for the Syria Programme. This is a non-family function in Ar Raqqa.

Reporting to the Country Director, the HOFSS will provide oversight, leadership and guidance on all financial, logistical, administrative and human resource activities in support of DCA’s Country Programme and the wider Senior Management Team. The post holder will therefore be responsible for delivering and ensuring an efficient and integrated support service, overseeing a range of critical tasks whilst ensuring the continued smooth execution of DCA operations and functions.

You will be working in a sometimes hostile and often tough environment and will need to demonstrate resilience, determination and a positive mindset. The conditions in Syria require a level-headed approach, problem-solving skills, a high level of flexibility and attention to detail. If you have these qualities and skills and are looking for a challenging opportunity with a leading humanitarian and mine action NGO, we would like to hear from you.

The main duties associated with this position are as follows:

Coordination and technical support

• Contribute to the strategies and policies of the Country Programme through advisory services to the Country Director
• Provide technical advice and operational guidance on innovative approaches to project financing, risk assessment/mitigation and the use of financing structures, mechanisms, instruments and guarantees.
• Collaborate with colleagues to identify needs, determine costs, and plan all support services for the country program including procurement, logistics, finance, human resources, and administrative services
• Participate in forum discussions/platforms to ensure that the organization’s position, interests and priorities are fully taken into account

Project planning and coordination support

• Provide assistance and support to the program in preparing the project budget
• Review the Country Office’s financial projections and communicate critical issues to the Country Director for action.
• Provide advice on sharing program and project costs, deployment of funds and closing
• Continuously monitor and analyze the operating environment to identify potential risks
• Provide support and close contact with the field offices so that any issues that may lead to interruptions in the management of support services can be resolved.

Purchasing

• Support viable procurement solutions that meet operational needs and comply with the organization’s procurement procedures, regulations and standards for accountability, ethics, integrity, performance and cost-effectiveness.
• Evaluate the efficiency and integrity of the procurement evaluation process to ensure cost-effective procurement of goods and services
• Evaluate contractual agreements and legal obligations/risks for appropriate measures
• Evaluate, list, update and monitor the performance of service providers from suitable/current suppliers

Financial Management

• Oversee the program’s financial unit and ensure compliance with the organization’s financial rules and regulations and financial procedures.
• In close collaboration with Head Office, you will support the compilation of annual budget forecasts and annual reports and contribute to donor reporting guidelines.
• Oversee the timely review, posting and closing of accounts, verifying accuracy and compliance with the policies and standards of the accountability framework
• Oversee all financial services (accounting, treasury, payments, etc.) and ensure timeliness and compliance with accountability and performance standards
• Review financial plans and oversee the budget process/cycle to ensure timely revisions and reallocation of funds
• Ensure the availability and timely submission of required financial reports, both internally and externally
• Manage and control cash flow based on established financial targets and resource mobilization plans
• Oversee the certification and authorization of payments, disbursements and disbursements, entering all transactions into the FMS Maconomy and ensuring that supporting documents are archived according to internal procedures.
• Ensure that all expenditures are in accordance with the DCA and donor requirements, and that all relevant documentation files are created, updated and maintained.
• Ensure that DCA and donor policies, procedures and guidelines are strictly adhered to and that DCA operates in accordance with local laws

Human Resources Management

• Oversee the ongoing development of the team composition and structure to ensure it is fit for purpose, assist in developing job descriptions/task descriptions, follow up on field staff recruitment processes and staff orientation
• Plan and implement the annual staff appraisal system/performance reviews in consultation with relevant colleagues
• Promote and support a learning culture by enabling individuals and teams to identify critical learning needs and plan/provide easy access to learning opportunities to maintain workforce competence and agility.
• Ensure that hiring managers actively strive to create diverse teams in terms of gender and geography
• Provide a positive work environment where both men and women are respected and ensure the highest standards of conduct are adhered to.

Administration, Information Technology and Knowledge Management

• Oversee the acquisition, maintenance, inventory, registration, verification and protection of project and administrative facilities/assets, including IT infrastructure, equipment and servers
• Identify innovative opportunities for using IT platforms/systems to improve efficiency and facilitate knowledge management and information sharing.
• At the request of the Country Director and in collaboration with the team, plan, implement and organize strategic capacity building of staff

Accountability and learning

• Provide advice on setting goals, targets and performance indicators for support staff and recommend tools for monitoring and evaluating the performance of all employees.
• Act as a central point of contact for all internal/external audit exercises
• Monitor and supervise all aspects of the program to ensure compliance with the organization’s rules, regulations, policies and standards of accountability, ethics and integrity.

Other responsibilities include:

• Contribute to a culture of excellence, continuous improvement and performance optimization in all projects
• Work in accordance with DCA values ​​and humanitarian principles
• Maintain an effective working relationship with other program members
• Be a role model for diversity and inclusion, and a positive role model for contributing to team spirit.

Applicants must have the following qualifications and experience:

• Minimum 5 years INGO work experience in a similar management position is essential
• Experience as a manager, national mentor and capacity builder is essential
• Good understanding of humanitarian principles as they relate to the context of NGOs in the field and in their operations
• Work experience in remote and unsafe contexts
• Strong leadership, team building and communication skills
• Flexibility and cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Computer skills are essential, including skills in Excel, Word, Power Point, etc.
• Experience working with local partners is an advantage
• Fluent in written and spoken English is essential. Knowledge of Arabic or Kurdish would be an advantage

We offer:

• 12-month contract with possibility of extension (subject to good performance)
• A competitive salary package
• 30 days paid annual leave
• A generous R&R allowance
• Industry Standard Insurance
• An interesting and challenging experience to address humanitarian needs

Only applications in English consisting of a CV and a covering letter as a minimum will be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please note that only applications submitted via our recruitment system will be considered: https://www.danchurchaid.org/join-us/jobs/international-vacancies.

The closing date for applications is September 10, 2024. Please note, applications are assessed and interviewed on a rolling basis and DCA reserves the right to select a candidate prior to the closing date. Selected candidates may be required to complete a written test prior to interview.

For further information please contact Grant Prichard by email ([email protected])

All interested candidates, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, ability or ethnic affiliation, are encouraged to apply for the vacancy. DCA carries out an anti-terrorism check as part of the recruitment process. It is a requirement that you are able to pass this check and maintain this status for the duration of your employment with us. Anyone applying for a job with DCA must be prepared to comply with our Code of Conduct, Human Resources Policy on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment and our Child Protection Policy.