The Fondation Internationale pour les Défenseurs des Droits de L’Homme (FIDDH), Secretariat of ProtectDefenders.eu is currently recruiting a Finance Officer. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with some experience in EU-funded projects and/or Grants, who will play a crucial role in the successful implementation of the project Comprehensive Support to Human Rights Defenders in Turkey. The terms of reference for this position are available for download here.
Background
In order to deliver an efficient and effective comprehensive support to Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) in Turkey, a Consortium of five leading international NGOs, with the support of ProtectDefenders.eu Secretariat based in Brussels has been awarded a grant from the EU to implement a three-year program. The members of the Turkey Consortium are International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) – as the lead of the Project, Front Line Defenders, Reporters Without Borders (RSF), World Organisation Against Torture Europe (OMCT), and the European Region of the International Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA-Europe).
The program will support HRDs with a comprehensive approach to protect and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms in Turkey. Specifically, this will be achieved through three main specific components:
• Strengthening the protection of HRDs at risk through rapid response measures;
• Supporting human rights organizations to continue to carry out their work through the provision of institutional support grants and the strengthening of networks at the domestic and international level;
• Strengthening the capacity of Turkish HRDs to document human rights abuses, access to justice, and advocate for a more enabling environment for HRDs in Turkey.
Purpose of the position
Under the supervision of the Head of Secretariat and with the assistance of the Programme Officer for the Turkey project, the Finance Officer maintains an effective and accurate financial reporting system for all the activities related to the project Comprehensive support to Human Rights Defenders in Turkey. This includes ensuring that all expenditures are in conformity with the relevant EU guidelines, that records of receipts and other relevant documentation of expenditure are maintained, and that the financial reporting to the EU and the relevant audit reports are delivered on time and to the highest professional standards.
Tasks & General Responsibilities
The Finance Officer will:
Financial Control:
• Coordinate the financial aspects of the multi-year, multi-partner program in line with EU requirements and the grant contract;
• Process the disbursement of funds in accordance with the agreed schedule;
• Ensure that financial management systems and records are effective and robust;
• Consolidate cash flows, reporting templates, financial plans, and amendments throughout the project life;
• Maintain an adequate filing system for all financial and accounting deliverables to ensure ease of access during internal/external audit;
• Monitor budget burn rates and cash-flow projections;
• Recommend appropriate action on any significant variances ( +/-10%) and prepare budget amendments where necessary;
• Prepare the financial accounts for external audit and coordinate audit activities;
• Follow up on the timely implementation of the recommendations to remedy significant variances.
Financial Reporting:
• Oversee forward planning and preparation for reporting to EU, adherence with consortium requirements and timelines, and timely submission of reports by the 5 member organizations;
• Produce integrated financial reports on a timely basis and in line with international accounting standards and EU regulations;
• Finalize yearly accounts and provide any ad-hoc financial reports that may be required;
• Follow up the level of expenditures of the Secretariat’s budget in close coordination with the Head of Secretariat;
• Prepare and coordinate each expenditure verification and possible external audit;
• Communicate on a regular basis with the FIDH finance department – sharing information and updating FIDH, in particular during the audits, to share remarks and suggestions to improve the system.
Capacity Building and general administrative support:
• Be available to partners to clarify EU financial rules and check compliance of reporting;
• Put forward recommendations when appropriate;
• If needed, undertake support visit to consortium members;
• Participate in consortium meetings to foster compliance and to address any financial issues;
• Ensure that internal audit recommendations for grant-funded projects are adhered to;
• Share lessons learned with consortium members throughout the project’s implementation;
• Support in the logistical and administrative organization of meetings when necessary;
• Have a close relationship with the FIDH, especially with the finance department.
Experience/knowledge
• Masters Degree in Finance or Accounting or professional accounting qualification, or three to five years equivalent professional experience;
• Minimum of three years of experience in a finance/accounting role preferably with an international NGO;
• Demonstrated experience in developing and managing large budgets, with a preference for previous experience working in a consortium or a network;
• Experience in working on projects funded by major international donors, with a preference for previous experience with EU;
• Strong coordination/negotiation skills specifically with the ability to effectively coordinate among partner organizations:
• understanding of the security and protection of human rights defenders
Skills
• Excellent oral and written English language skills. Fluency in Turkish, French is an asset;
• Strong financial management skills;
• Ability to work towards tight reporting deadlines;
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, communication, and organization skills.
The Finance Officer would ideally be based in ProtectDefenders.eu secretariat in Brussels and would have the necessary permit to work in the EU but other candidates and consultancies will be considered. It is proposed a 7-month contract with a starting salary of 38000 EUR.
FIDDH values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. Applications comprising a CV with at least two references and a cover letter (please mention your availability) should be sent by email to recruit@ProtectDefenders.eu before January 20, 2022. Early applications are encouraged as the position may be filled before the deadline.
