Finance Manager, Kenya, Djibouti and Somalia at Lutheran World Federation

Purpose of the position

Assume overall responsibility for managing all aspects of the financial and accountancy activities of LWF World Service Kenya, Djibouti and Somalia country program.

Ensure that accounting systems are maintained to provide the information required for planning and monitoring and reporting for program operations, for safeguarding assets, discharging liabilities and legal responsibilities. The Finance Manager is responsible for the overall supervision, implementation and administration of the program’s financial and administrative functions as outlined in the main duties.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Professionally qualified accountant.
• Significant working experience at management level in humanitarian assistance or development oriented programs within an international environment and preferably with church-related or non-governmental organizations.
• Knowledge of the reporting requirements of ECHO, USAID, UNHCR and government funding agencies.
• Strong leadership, conceptual and analytical skills and demonstrated organizational, management and supervisory skills.
• Knowledge and experience of cooperation with United Nations, governmental agencies and international development cooperation in the field of humanitarian assistance.
• Team-oriented, flexible and excellent communication skills.
• Computer skills.

Language Skills

English            advanced written and oral skills required

French             would be an additional asset

Swahili             would be an additional asset

Arabic              would be an additional asset

LWF Core Skills

Analytical thinking                               Level high

Achieving results                                 Level high

Accountability                                     Level high

Initiative                                               Level confirmed

Leadership                                          Level confirmed

Working effectively with others           Level high

Required Skills

Financial/Administration                      Level high

Communication / Networking             Level confirmed

Facilitation / Negotiation                     Level high

Resources management                    Level confirmed

People management                          Level confirmed

Capacity building/training                    Level confirmed

Main Duties

• Manage and directly supervise a team of qualified and experienced staff in Nairobi, and oversee a total of 10 finance staffs based outside of the Nairobi program headquarters. Supervise and coach national finance staff and other staff as requested by the Representative; ensure that each member of the finance team has a clear job description and receives regular feedback on performance. Pursue an active policy of capacity building of the local finance staff.
• Supervise the preparation of all mandatory monthly and yearly accounts including the monthly finance and management reports for the Representative of the LWF/DWS country program in Kenya, Djibouti and Somalia and the LWF/DWS head office in Geneva, ensuring that accounting policies are properly and consistently applied and to submit such accounts in accordance with the deadlines in the LWF/DWS Finance Manual. Supervise the preparation of separate financial reports for funding agencies such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), BPRM, etc. in accordance with the terms of the contracts.
• Prepare cash flow projections in accordance with procedures, and manage the cash flow of the country program in order to ensure that sufficient funds are always available. Where required, submit requests for installments of funds from funding agencies in a timely manner, ensuring a reliable cash flow for the program.
• Responsible for overall control of expenditure against budget for all projects. The Finance Manager will provide to program staff regular and accurate financial reports and analysis to inform timely and cost-effective project management and decision-making.
• Assist in the preparation of, and verify the accuracy of, budgets for all project proposals, Project Documents (PDs) for Geneva-channeled (Basket-funded) projects with Related Agencies, ACT appeals for emergencies, bilateral applications to institutional donors and any other projects.
• Ensure the compliance with the LWF World Service DWS Operations Manual, including procedures for electronic data storage, backups, and security.
• Ensure that purchasing is carried out in accordance with the LWF World Service Procurement Policy including review and improvement of systems as needed.
• Liaise at the appropriate level with banks, tax authorities and other financial institutions.
• Co-ordinate the taking out of and the renewal of insurance as required by law for national staff, vehicles, as well as public liability insurance, fire insurance, etc. Prepare and submit to LWF World Service Geneva, if applicable, monthly reports on visitors and other persons to be included under the group insurance policies.
• Assume responsibility for up to date and correct inventories of all project equipment, including the Asset Register.
• Monitor the payment of salaries and allowances of local staff; ensure the timely payment of taxes, insurance and benefits, and ensure the maintenance of accurate payroll records.
• Ensure that all staff settle advances and/or loans in line with established policy and procedures and that all accounts are settled at the time of termination of service.
• Act as contact with external auditors on accounting matters and, in consultation with the Representative of the LWF World Service country program in Kenya, Djibouti and Somalia, to make available to them all records required for the purpose of auditing the accounts, including any additional audits for funding agencies. Ensure that internal controls are properly in place, including regular visits to project offices.
• Work with administrative staff and the Representative to ensure smooth office operations and cost savings where possible.

Other duties

As may be assigned by the direct supervisor. At the moment, financial management of our program in Somalia is also being managed from Nairobi.

Major Challenges

To assure highest standards of financial management and accountability of the Kenya, Djibouti and Somalia country program in line with LWF World Service and donor policies and international standards.