Finance adviser Brazil programme At Rainforest Foundation Norway

Do you want to help us save the rainforest and strengthen the human rights of forest peoples? RFN is looking for a finance advisor to the department of international programs in Rainforest Foundation Norway (RFN).

The position is a part of Rainforest Foundation Norway’s Brazil program consisting of eight persons. We use English and Portuguese as working languages.

The position is based in Oslo, but extensive travel must be expected.

Collaboration with and financial support to partners in rainforest countries form the core of RFN’s theory of change. Recognizing that a robust civil society is an essential prerequisite for good governance and democracy, and that both are key for the sustainability of the results, we employ a rights-based approach to sustainable rainforest management and protection. Partnerships with representative Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC) organizations and networks, civil society organizations, and expert organizations are the essence of RFN’s partnership model. This involves collaboration based on sharing knowledge and experience, strategy discussions across countries and regions, co-creating expertise and evidence to develop programs and policy advocacy, and joint planning of activities.

We are looking for a person who can cooperate well with our partner organizations, the rest of the team and the organization. At the same time, you must be systematic and efficient and ready to take independent responsibility for your work.

The Finance Adviser plays a key role in

Providing strategic advice and technical expertise on financial management of country program budget and financial tools in line with RFN procedures

Main tasks

• Support head of Brazil programme with financial management and compliance, including budget responsibility and financial reporting within approved annual budgets and grant agreements for designated country. This includes strategic advice on management of budgets.
• Contribute to the follow up on financial mismanagement and/or whistleblowing cases at country level in line with RFN procedures.
• Support the Brazil program staff so that they effectively can be held accountable to partner/project budgets. This includes quality assurance of partner budgets and financial reports and audits.
• Contribute to the development of partners’ financial management skills and capacities so they can deliver timely on RFN requirements as agreed upon with head of Brazil team.
• Contribute to program monitoring, evaluation and learning at country level, including development of RFN financial tools and standards.

Necessary competencies and skills

• In-depth competency of finance management and demonstrated ability to provide financial management of projects and programs with multiple donors across different currencies. This includes experience with accounting.
• Good knowledge of International Standards of Auditing. Experience with handling mismanagement cases is an asset. Proven experience with challenges related to financial management in civil society organisations. It is an asset to have experience of working with indigenous peoples’ organisations.
• Great collaboration skills so that RFN staff and partners are able to improve their budget responsibility and their understanding of cost-effectiveness.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and engage throughout different cultures and environments. This includes the ability to teach and learn from partners on financial issues.
• Good computer/digital skills, and knowledge of accounting software.
• Language and communication: Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Portuguese. Knowledge of Norwegian or additional rainforest country languages is an asset.
• Knowledge of Brazil. Work experience from Brazil and knowledge of its legislation and/or regulations concerning tax payment is an asset.

Desired personal qualities

• Able to plan and include team and partners well in the relevant processes.
• Understands the importance of supporting others and can provide support.
• Problem-solver and willingness to provide assistance and support.
• Able to gain confidence and maintain good relations with a broad network of partners.
• Able to travel in the field and work with partners when needed.
• Effective and able to prioritize when needed.

We can offer

• Important and meaningful tasks in an international environment
• Capable and pleasant colleagues in a work a work environment characterized by diversity, generosity, and humour
• Good pension and insurance schemes, flexible working hours, and office facilities in downtown Oslo
• Salary in line with Rainforest Foundation Norway salary system within an approximate frame of NOK 456 800 – 661 400 per year and good insurance and pension agreements

If you have questions related to the position: contact head of Brazil programme Ellen Hestnes Ribeiro ellen@rainforest.no