Finance and Administration Assistant Concord/Beyond 2015

Brussels, Belgium

CONCORD, the European NGO Confederation for Relief and Development, is looking for a FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT FOR BEYOND 2015.

CONCORD is the European NGO confederation for Relief and Development. Its 26 national associations, 18 international networks and 1 associate member represent 1,800 NGOs which are supported by millions of citizens across Europe. CONCORD leads reflection and political actions and regularly engages in dialogue with the European institutions and other civil society organisations. At global level, CONCORD is actively involved in the Open Forum for CSO Development effectiveness, the Beyond 2015 campaign, the International Forum of NGO platforms and Better Aid. Find out more about CONCORD on www.concordeurope.org. 

Since June 2011, CONCORD has hosted the International and the European Secretariat of Beyond 2015, acting as the legal employer and fiscal agent. It is the representative of Beyond 2015 towards donors regarding all activities, income and expenditure related to Beyond 2015.

Beyond 2015 is a global civil society campaign, pushing for a strong and legitimate successor framework to the Millennium Development Goals.

The campaign is built on a diverse, global base. It ranges from small community based organisations to international NGOs, academics and trade unions. A founding principle of the campaign is that it is partnership between civil society organisations from the ‘North’ and the ‘South’ – bringing together groups from developing, emerging and developed economies.

Whilst participating organisations have a range of views regarding the content of a post-2015 framework, Beyond 2015 unites in campaigning for the following outcome: 

a) A global overarching cross-thematic framework succeeds the Millennium Development Goals, reflecting Beyond 2015’s policy positions.
b) The process of developing this framework is participatory, inclusive and responsive to voices of those directly affected by poverty and injustice. 

CONCORD is seeking a "Finance & Administration Assistant" to ensure efficient, effective and transparent administration and oversight of the finances, donor relations, core meetings and communications of the structures of Beyond 2015. The position is based in Brussels. The Finance & Administration Assistant will report to the International Coordinator of Beyond 2015 and be accountable to the Finance Manager of Concord. He/she services Beyond 2015, its governance structure (Executive Committee), and ensures contractual compliance of its partner organisations. 

Applications are particularly welcomed from female applicants.

Scope of job

• Responsible for financial management of Beyond 2015 resources;
• Responsible for monitoring donor contracts, reporting to donors and advising Beyond 2015 on donor relations;
• Responsible for development and maintenance of the internal communication systems of the various Beyond 2015 working structures;
• Responsible for organisation and servicing of key meetings/conference calls of Beyond 2015.

Duties & responsibilities

1. Financial management

The Finance & Administration officer:

• Prepares for approval Beyond 2015 budgets and budget revisions;
• Prepares monthly, quarterly and annual management accounts in a timely manner for Beyond 2015, working closely with the Concord finance team;
• Maintains financial relations with Beyond 2015 partners (specifically regional coordinators and national lead agencies), setting and implementing procedures for budgeting, reporting and transfers;
• Processes all invoices and receipts for Beyond 2015 business;
• Works with the Concord finance team to develop and maintain financial record keeping and ensure that Beyond 2015 budget and expenditure is accurately reflect in CONCORD’s accounts;
• Establishes and manages procurement procedures.

2. Grant management

• Ensures contracts with funders are up to date and appropriate to Beyond 2015 requirements, and advises the International Coordinator on meeting their requirements;
• Liaises with funders on operational level to ensure timely receipt of grants;
• Advises International Coordinator for funder meetings and correspondence;
• Establishes and maintains reporting narrative and financial reporting procedures with Beyond 2015 partners, to ensure timely and appropriate information flow for reporting to funders;
• Prepares narrative and financial reports to funders as required, for approval by International Coordinator.

3. Meetings administration

• Responsible for efficient administration of meetings (teleconferences) of the Beyond 2015 Executive Committee;
• Liaises with host organisation (Concord) to ensure appropriate venues, accommodation and facilities;
• Ensures timely preparation and distribution of papers for meetings;
• Prepares, or ensures preparation of, minutes.

4. General

• Such other duties as may reasonably be required from time to time.

5. Reporting

• The Finance & Administration Officer reports to the International Coordinator of Beyond 2015 and is accountable to the Finance Manager of Concord.

Candidate profile

Successful candidates for this post will respond as much as possible to the following profile:

Knowledge

1. Accountancy qualification appropriate to the role;
2. Good knowledge of financial management methods;
3. Understanding of grant relationship management;
4. Good knowledge of web-based and e-mail communication options.

Experience

1. Experience of managing finances for an organisation or significant project;
2. Experience of servicing meetings and/or conferences;
3. Experience of liaising with donors, particularly for financial and reporting matters;
4. Experience of liaising with partners or other organisations on financial relationships;
5. Preferably experience of working in civil society organisations.

Abilities & aptitudes

1. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with people across cultures and levels of seniority;
2. Ability to work effectively in a small team;
3. Proactive, flexible, able to plan and implement own work and decide when to consult or seek advice;
4. Excellent numeracy skills;
5. Excellent writing and oral communication in English, and good communication in French and Spanish;
6. Ability to work with IT packages for finance and other office purposes, for communication and for project management;
7. Understanding of, and commitment to, equal opportunities.

Employment conditions:

• Post based in Brussels – Belgium;
• 2.5 days per week position;
• Meal vouchers and hospitalization insurance provided;
• Reporting to the Beyond 2015 International Coordinator, accountable to the Finance Manager of Concord;
• Only individuals with permission to work in the EU will be considered.

How to apply

• Please apply via the application form by 03 March 2013;
• Only applicants with permission to work in the EU will be considered;
• Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.