Finance Technical Assistant at Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)

JOB DESCRIPTION

• These strategic locations have allowed NRC greater reach from the north and south parts of the North-East and North Central region and allowed NRC to contribute to bridging the gap between humanitarian aid and development cooperation, including by focusing on equitable access to basic services and strengthening the rights of displaced people and returnees. 
• We are looking for people who are passionate about helping refugees and people forced to flee. 
• If you are one of those people, the Norwegian Refugee Council in Nigeria is looking for an enthusiastic, passionate Finance Assistant to join our team in Jos, Plateau State.  

RESPONSIBILITIES

Role and responsibilities

• The purpose of the Finance Technical Assistant is to operate daily financial tasks and support to Finance Officer, make sure implementing and complying with the financial system and procedures in line with the Financial Handbook and the other NRC policies.
• Generic responsibilities 
• Adhere to NRC policies, tools, handbooks, and guidelines
• Implement and comply with financial systems and procedures according to Financial Handbook and the other NRC policies
• Record all cash movements and prepare cashbox reconciliations 
• Follow up on advances, clearances, and refunds
• Prepare and arrange for bank withdrawals and transfers
• Maintain the filing system for all financial and accounting documents
• Monitor and update the finance tracker for timely processing and payments 
• Respect the financial calendar in terms of deadlines

Specific responsibilities

• Archiving, organising and updating financial documents both in hard and soft as per NRC guidelines and Standards Operating Procedures
• Ensure that all documents are properly placed, properly filed and labelled
• Review the supporting documentation and other implementing documents, make necessary corrections as needed regarding project codes, budget ID, account number, and other financial information
• Weekly and monthly cash counts for cash box with the supervisor
• Ensure that all payment requests are properly documented, verified, and authorized before payments are made
• Compile the monthly Cash Forecast of the Area office and share it with the Finance Officer
• Timely cash payments and advance clearances
• Prepare vouchers as requested
• Conduct field visits to make direct payment to the NRC participants and stakeholders when required
• Cash withdrawals from the bank when required
• To review all payments submitted by the programme team and support and ensure all supporting documents are in a line with NRC and donor requirements
• Any other tasks as assigned by supervisor

Critical interfaces

• By interfaces, NRC means processes and projects that are interlinked with other departments/units or persons. Relevant interfaces for this position are: 
• Finance Officer of the Area Office
• Programme Manager
• Area Manager
• Finance Department in country 
• Logistics Team Lead
• Human resources Officer
• Programme staff

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in working in finance and/or accounting in a humanitarian/recovery context
• Previous experience from working in complex and volatile context
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word
• Creativity and willingness to try new things
• A positive and collaborative attitude and willingness to work in a team
• Documented results related to the position’s responsibilities

Context/ Specific skills, knowledge and experience

• Bachelor in Economics/Business Administration/Accounting with specialized certification in Finance.
• At least one (1) year relevant progressive experience
• Previous work experience with a satisfactory performance in the same or similar functional area, preferably with INGOs
• Experience from working with local financial institutions and tax authorities - preferable
• Knowledge of accounting and financial systems
• Experience with online banking and cash handling
• Good knowledge of Agresso or similar
• Good computer skills in MS word, Excel, PowerPoint and any accounting software 
• Good organisation and adaptability about work and time schedule
• Good in English, both written and verbal

Behavioural competencies

• These are personal qualities that influence how successful people are in their job. NRC’s Competency Framework states 12 behavioural competencies, and the 4 below are essential for this position:
• Planning and delivering results
• Working with people
• Analyzing
• Handling insecure environments
• Performance Management
• The employee will be accountable for the responsibilities and the competencies, in accordance with the NRC Performance Management Manual. The following documents will be used for performance reviews: