The HALO Trust is the world’s largest and oldest international humanitarian mine action non-government organisation (NGO). Our mission is to lead the effort to save lives and restore livelihoods for those affected by conflict. HALO is known for its work to clear landmines but is very much involved in the disposal of other explosive hazards such as bombs, rockets, missiles, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). HALO was established in Afghanistan in 1988 and now employs over 8,500 staff in 26 countries and territories.
In collaboration with the Programme Manager and the HALO Regional/HQ programmes and finance teams, this role will provide financial leadership within Iraq. This position will guide and develop capacity of the existing programme finance team whilst providing support to other HALO projects.
HALO Iraq operates in the governorates of Anbar, Salah al Din, Ninewah and Diyala which were liberated from Islamic State in 2017. The HALO team is about 180 national staff and 10 international staff and is currently funded by UNMAS, and the US and Belgian governments.
The Programme’s HQ is located in a large and comfortable villa providing a secure working and sleeping environment in central Baghdad close to other embassies, INGOs and government ministries. In addition, there are two outstations in the towns of Ramadi and Tikrit from where HALO’s operations in Anbar and Salah al Din are managed.
The security environment is much improved since 2017, although there are still areas where travel is restricted.
This appointment will require the incumbent to travel between all three HALO locations as well as visit Erbil in the Kurdish Region where HALO maintains a small property. Overland travel is conducted by either armoured or soft-skinned vehicles. Opportunities for a reasonable social life in Baghdad are possible as embassies, INGOs and hotels begin to lift restrictions imposed both for security and pandemic reasons.
Financial planning and monitoring
Support Programme Managers in the formulation, implementation and monitoring of annual business plans and project budgets.
Analyse and report on the programme funding position, working collaboratively to produce scenarios that ensure ongoing financial stability.
Lead the financial monitoring and review of grants/contracts, working closely with operations to forecast and report on project costs to completion.
Collaboratively produce project/programme budgets and forecasts utilising HALOs financial planning system (Adaptive Insights).
Support the Programme Managers in the management of financial risk in the programme, escalating and addressing any emerging risks.
Accounting and Financial Control
Provide financial oversight and support to all programme locations, ensuring transactions are fully reconciled and discrepancies identified and corrected.
Ensure implementation of HALOs financial and logistics policies and procedures, reviewing and reporting on compliance against same.
Oversee all financial accounting matters, closing the country books in accordance with agreed deadlines.
Ensure that direct and indirect costs are allocated appropriately to projects, identifying and reporting on any shortfalls in both direct and indirect cost coverage.
Oversee the financial management of delivery partner contracts, ensuring compliance with HALOs contractual obligations.
Supervise the production of the payroll cycle, ensuring donor funding allocations are accurate, and calculations for salary, income tax, social security, severance and other government levies are in accordance with legislation.
Support the Programme Manager in ensuring compliance with all statutory legislation (e.g. tax, registration, labour law), including review of regulatory requirements in new operational territories.
Cash Management
Ensure that adequate banking and cash provisions are in place, set up in accordance with HALOs financial policies and that delegations of authority enable the programme to operate efficiently, particularly during periods of leave etc.
Manage the short-term cash flow requirements of the programme, liaising with HALO HQ to facilitate cash transfers. Manage the effects of exchange rate fluctuations between local and contract currencies.
External Reporting and Audit
Lead the preparation of country financial statements and donor financial reports.
In collaboration with HALO HQ finance department, review and report on compliance against HALO policies and procedures.
Lead the preparation for external audits, preparing schedules and documentation as and when required by auditors and/or HALO HQ finance department.
Staff Management and Development
Ensure that Financial staffing capacity is fit for purpose for the needs of the programme.
Develop the capacity and career development of national staff, ensuing financial consistency and quality across the programme.
All International staff are expected to undertake the following general duties:
Work within the framework of HALOs core values and standards.
Ensure familiarity with and adhere to all HALO policies and procedures.
Undertake role in developing countries and where standards of living may be basic.
Undertake the role in a manner appropriate to the cultural context and within the local legal framework.
The HALO Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
The HALO Trust is committed to a culture that is both diverse and inclusive and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people form a diverse candidate pool.
How to apply
To submit your application, please click on the link below:
https://apply.workable.com/j/C67EA0D925
Closing date for applications will be 3rd October 2021, however we reserve the right to amend this dependant on the applications received.