Jobs at International Rescue Committee

Job Overview / Summary

• The Program Coordinator will support the TRANSFORM project and will be responsible for the operational aspects of the implementation of all key IRC objectives and deliverables of this initiative.
• The Program Coordinator will be based within the TRANSFORM team which sits in the Violence Prevention and Response Unit (VPRU)’s Strategy and Learning Team, and focuses on the development and testing of innovative program models and approaches; development of programming tools, guidance, curricula, and other resources; the generation of evidence through research and learning; and evidence-based advocacy to influence policy and practice in the field of violence prevention and response. The Program Coordinator, as part of the TRANSFORM team, will be based in a sub-team responsible for leading the overall thematic area of Inclusion within VPRU, promoting more inclusive humanitarian programming at the IRC, rooted in a strong analysis of context, power, gender and how intersecting aspects of identity may result in discrimination, oppression, and exclusion.

Major Responsibilities

• In collaboration with the Senior Inclusion Specialist, the TRANSFORM Program Coordinator will be responsible for the implementation of all operational aspects of the TRANSFORM project, including partnerships, financial, and administrative responsibilities. Responsibilities include:

Project Management And Operational Oversight And Coordination

• Manage the operational, financial and administrative activities and deliverables of the TRANSFORM project
• Support the Senior Inclusion Specialist with the oversight of all programmatic activities and deliverables.
• Actively work with relevant IRC country and headquarters staff and support Edge Effect in the operational delivery of project activities in all three pilot locations, ensuring effective implementation and with particular oversight of activities and deliverables in El Salvador and Ukraine.
• Track and update a work and spending plan for successful implementation of TRANSFORM, in coordination with the Senior Inclusion Specialist and the Grants Manager.
• Support the grant management focal point to produce programmatic donor reports, communications, and participate in meetings/calls as needed to keep the donor apprised of program progress.
• Support the hiring of consultants to support the realization of TRANSFORM activities and deliverables (including interpreters, translators, graphic designers, and learning specialists).

Operational Support Around Learning And Impact

• Support the Senior Inclusion Specialist with documenting evidence and learning from the TRANSFORM Initiative alongside Edge Effect in the three project locations.
• Support the development of all knowledge management aspects (including but not limited to case studies, appraisal package, and training materials) of the TRANSFORM project.
• Support with documenting and sharing learning internally to support better diverse SOGIESC inclusion in programming – linking to IMPACT Standards Adapt workstream, Gender Equality Diversity and Inclusion Unit Strategic Objectives FY22 and beyond, EHAU Protection in Emergency conversations, coordinating regularly with the Violence Prevention and Response in Emergencies (VPRiE) Specialist.
• Support, jointly with the Senior Inclusion Specialist, the organizing of regular internal learning exchange/regularized discussion space to link together counterparts across the IRC and share learning from the TRANSFORM initiative (this may include colleagues from VPRU – Country Support Streams, Technical Innovations and the Learning Squad; Gender Equality Diversity and Inclusion Unit (GEDI), Emergency and Humanitarian Action Unit (EHAU) – Humanitarian Access and VPRiE), Pride Employee Resource Groups, Airbel Impact Lab, and beyond).

Dissemination And External Representation

• Ensure ongoing coordination of the advisory group and collaboration with all project team members.
• Support with the packing and dissemination of the growing evidence base, learning, and good practices around diverse SOGIESC inclusion on relevant internal (Kaya Connect, IRC.org; RescueNet).
• Support the knowledge management and appropriate dissemination of resources linked to inclusion in humanitarian response.
• Provide operational and logistical support around TRANSFORM dissemination activities and events.

Key Working Relationships

• Position reports to: Senior Inclusion Specialist, Violence Prevention and Response Unit (VPRU)
• Position directly supervises: N/A
• Regular internal (IRC) contact with: Fellow members of the TRANSFORM Team, Inclusion Team, Strategy and Learning Team, IRC country program staff in selected pilot countries; PRoL, WPE, CP Technical Advisors for focal countries; MEL Advisor; VPRU Operations Team; Grants and Partnerships Team; Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) Team.
• Regular external contact with: Edge Effect, TRANSFORM Advisory Group, Global and country-level Protection and Inclusion fora.

Personal Specification
Skills and Experience:

• At least 4 years of experience managing complex projects in diverse humanitarian settings/contexts and at both the field and global level, and coordinating multi-country and multi-stakeholder initiatives.
• Experience in knowledge management and development of diverse learning products.
• Excellent communication -written and oral presentation skills and experience representing an organization and building strong relationships at the local, national, and international levels.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Experience in managing USAID projects.
• Experience working on a project which is partnership-oriented and managing the partners.

Job Qualifications

• Education: A relevant combination of academic qualifications and extensive experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.
• Language: Fluent oral and written English is essential for this position. Other language skills, particularly Spanish, Ukrainian, French, or Arabic, would be an advantage for this position.
• Ability to manage a complex and varied workload, work under pressure, and travel to insecure environments.
• Excellent IT skills (i.e. Word, Outlook, Excel).

go to method of application »

• The IRC Finance department seeks to achieve excellence in financial management by providing accurate and timely financial information to IRC management and programs and by adhering to established financial practices and accounting principles. The Global Finance Team does this by supporting and training finance staff in country program offices, by implementing and monitoring the implementation of IRC and donor policies and procedures, and by gathering the necessary financial information in preparation of the organizations’ financial statements and by providing high quality strategic finance partnering and leadership.

Scope of work

• As a member of both the Global Finance Team and the Regional Leadership Team, the Regional Finance Director provides the leadership and management necessary to ensure that the organization has the appropriate financial infrastructure and systems in place at the country programs to support the strategic vision and mission of the organization. S/he will contribute to the development of the country programs strategic and operational plans and be accountable for ensuring and monitoring delivery against the financial plans through targeted and comprehensive financial analytical review. The Director is responsible for overseeing the financial and accounting management of the country programs and regional office within an assigned region. Emphasis will be placed on maintaining financial management practices and systems that are compliant with US and local laws across the Central Africa region, as well as donor requirements but are also conducive to effective implementation of country programs.
• As Regional Finance Director, s/he will have responsibility for all aspects of strategic and operational finance across the region, acting as the principal finance business partner to the Regional VP, as well as conforming to IRCs financial control environment and CFO standards and objectives.
• Based in Nairobi, Kenya, the Regional Finance Director will have dual reporting to the VP Program Finance and the Regional VP. S/he will work closely with the field-based Deputy Directors, Finance, Country Directors, as well as regional counterparts in AMU, GSC, HR, IT and other functional departments.

Key areas of accountability:

Strategic Planning & Analysis

• Provide financial information which supports the Regional VP in making business decisions in line with IRC, Regional & Country Program strategies.
• Provide analysis on the overall financial health of the country programs to the RVPs and HQ Finance and collaborate across the regional teams and with country programs on corrective actions and support plans.
• Contribute and provide feedback to the development of Country Programs Strategic Annual Plans and annual operating budgets.

Financial Management Oversight

Provide high quality financial and accounting support to IRC to ensure:

• Country Programs provide accurate and timely recording of accounting transactions.
• Country Programs financial controls are in place and adhered to
• Country Programs comply with IRCs financial standards.
• Regional team has visibility on financial health of country programs.
• Prepare and review internal financial reports and ensure that management at headquarters and the regional and country office level are kept abreast of financial related issues of the country programs.
• Provide technical guidance and support as requested by the country offices.
• Ensure timely dissemination of new initiatives and polices to the field and monitoring of implementation.
• Develop an expertise and maintain current on the rules and regulations of all donors and provide guidance in the area of donor compliance.

Financial Systems & Business Process Improvement

• Contribute to discussions on financial policy issues including the maintenance and development of the International Finance Manual.
• Serve as Integra Super user and support the roll-out of the new system which will include training and technical support.

Regional Finance Support and Risk Mitigation

• Conduct periodic support visits to the country programs following an approved scope of work.
• Review non-USG final financial reports, and European donor financial reports prior to submission to either the donor, IRC Germany or IRC-UK.
• Respond to ad hoc requests.
• Monthly Reviews of the financial health and risk identification shared with the Regional VP and VP Finance Programs for action.
• Proactively identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies in conjunction with the Regional VP.
• Internal/External Audit closure and corrective action plan development and tracking
• Attend all audit opening and exit meetings for audits conducted in region.
• Perform the final financial review of the proposal document prior to approval and submission to the donor.
• Participate in regional SMT with strategic thinking, risk analysis and other engagement as needed.
• Collaborate with other Regional functional leads/members of the SMT in flagging risks, identifying solutions and jointly contributing to improved support to Country Programs.

People Management

• Contribute to establishing and strengthening capacity, systems and processes at the country level directly or through direct reports.
• Maintain shared accountability with country program leadership (DDFs, CDs, DDPs, etc.) for improved financial management outcomes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance - Master’s Degree, CPA or equivalent experience a plus.
• Minimum five years progressive finance/accounting experience in the non-profit sector.
• Previous work experience in a multi-cultural international environment abroad is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated familiarity with GAAP and proven general knowledge of Fund Accounting.
• Previous work experience with a major general ledger software package – experience with MS D365 preferred.
• Proven knowledge of US Government and European Union regulations highly desirable.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively in a multi-cultural environment and diplomatically manage collegial relationships.
• Solid organizational skills: the ability to be flexible and work well under pressure in a fast-paced team environment.
• Experience coaching, mentoring and capacity building in complex financial systems and financial management.
• Flexible work attitude: the ability to work productively in a team environment & independently and ability to meet unexpected demands.
• Strong Computer skills: facility with MS Word, Excel, various accounting software, and email/internet software.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a matrix management environment.
• Ability to present complex financial information in a succinct and compelling manner.
• Experience of solving complex issues through analyses, definition of clear way forward and ensuring by in.
• The ability and willingness to travel to country programs.
• English and French fluency required.

Closing date

23 Feb 2024