Finance Manager , International Co-operative Alliance , Brussels, Belgium

OVERVIEW:

The International Co-operative Alliance is an independent, non-governmental organisation established in 1895 to unite, represent and serve co-operatives worldwide. It provides a global voice and forum for knowledge, expertise and coordinated action for and about co-operatives. The Alliance's members are international and national co-operative organisations across 100 countries from all sectors of the economy, including agriculture, industry, services, banking, retail, fisheries, health, housing and insurance. Through its membership, the International Co-operative Alliance gives a voice to one billion of the world’s citizens. More information is available at: www.ica.coop.

Against the background of cooperative enterprises enabling people around the world to become protagonists of their own social and economic development, the programme ‘Cooperatives in Development – People-centred businesses in action’ will work on promoting the co-operative business model in global and local development policies, and strengthening co-operative organisations as viable actors in development processes in their own rights. This programme will run from March 2016 to September 2020, and be led by the Alliance global office, in coordination with the four Alliance regional offices for Europe, Africa, Americas, and Asia-Pacific.

The Finance & Administration Manager will be responsible for overseeing the financial contractual engagements with the EU. Together with the Finance and Administration Officers based in the regional offices, she/he will ensure the consistent and coordinated reporting towards the EU, manage the central daily accountancy, do the financial planning and budgeting according to EU standards and consolidate the project accounts from the different offices.

PRINCIPAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The main role of the Finance & Administration Manager is to ensure a smooth project accountancy. This includes handling the requests for payments, doing the budget follow-up, amendments and revisions, assisting the regional Alliance offices on EU procedures and financial reporting, monitoring the consolidated accountancy, and preparing the annual financial report for the external auditor and the EU Institutions. The Finance & Administration Manager reports to the International Development Director for grant responsibilities and to the Alliance Accountant for accounting functions.

Key responsibilities are:

• Ensure a timely and comprehensive financial reporting under the specific EU Framework Partnership Agreement in line with EU funding rules governing the programme;
• Prepare interim and final financial reports based on a detailed breakdown of expenditures and supporting documents in compliance with the EU partnership contract;
• Monitor overall programme spending and update on an on-going basis the International Program Director;
• Assist regional offices on queries related to the financial management of the programme;
• Ensure that financial claims are made, followed-up and received in accordance with EU procedures;
• Monitor partner spending based on a detailed breakdown of expenditures and supporting documents. Ensure that all costs are eligible;
• Assist regional offices in the interim and final financial reports;
• Coordinate and prepare external audits;
• Participate in management training sessions.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS:

Essential:

• A university master degree in a relevant field;
• 5 years experience in financial management of third-party funding, preferably in the field of development cooperation;
• Excellent command of English, both spoken and written;
• Extensive experience in financial report writing and strong financial report writing skills;
• Ability to strictly meet deadlines and deliver results in a fast-paced environment;
• Be familiar with accounting programs and Excel;
• Good IT and communication skills;
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural team;
• Demonstrate commitment to the co-operative values and principles.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of the co-operative business model is a strong asset;
• Good knowledge of EU development policies and programs;
• Previous working experience within a Civil Society Organisation/Network;
• An advanced university degree on international economic development, economics, finances, etc.;
• Knowledge of other languages, particularly French and/or Spanish.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Starting date is March 2016, located at the Alliance Office (Brussels, Belgium). The office language is English.

Salary and benefits are at the level of not-for-profit organisations, with 20 paid days off (+national holidays) per year.

APPLICATIONS:

If interested to apply, please fill in and send by email the application form in English, along with your Resume andCover Letter – to accounting@ica.coop.

Deadline for applications is the 17^th March 2016 (18h CET).

Only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. No phone calls please.

Interviews will take place at our offices during the end of March.