20-023 | Project Controller At Global Center on Adaptation

LOCATION: Rotterdam, The Netherlands or Nairobi, Kenya
TERM: Initial contract duration 1 year with possibility of extension
INTENSITY: 40 hours per week, 5 days per week
ANTICIPATED START DATE: As soon as possible
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 16 February 2024
SALARY INDICATION: EUR 55,000 – EUR 75,600 (yearly gross – all inclusive)

WHO WE ARE
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization with the vision of helping countries adapt to climate impacts. We will achieve this vision by working as a solutions broker to catalyse action and support for adaptation solutions, from the international to the local, in partnership with the public and private sector, to ensure we learn from each other and work together for a climate resilient future.
GCA is a fast growing organisation with its headquarters in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, with a Research and Innovation hub in Groningen and with regional offices in Nairobi, Bangladesh and Beijing. GCA’s global strategy is implemented under three pillars of Knowledge, Programs, and Advocacy.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR
As a Project Controller at the Global Center on Adaptation, you play a crucial role in ensuring the successful execution and management of our projects. As an experienced project controller, you are much more than a number cruncher. You are an essential link between program leads and financial responsibility. You are responsible for the control and financial management of various projects and are involved in the entire project cycle, from the application phase to financial completion. You will support program leads and regions in obtaining funding, monitor budgets, and provide solicited and unsolicited advice to project leaders during the process. With your expertise and critical insight, you ensure that resources are spent effectively and that any financial risks are identified and addressed proactively.

This multifaceted role requires expertise in budgeting, contract management, donor compliance, and monitoring and reporting. Additionally, you will advise the Program Teams on all budget issues, proactively investigate changes, and collaborate closely with Program Leads and Managers to manage overall finances effectively.

You work independently, but are part of a close-knit team of financial professionals who share your energy and enthusiasm. Within this stimulating working environment, you will be given all the space you need to develop yourself further and leave your mark on our projects. We believe in a positive and inclusive culture, where diversity is embraced and where your ideas and contribution are valued.

Areas of responsibility
1. Budget Development and Financial Management:
 In coordination with the Pillar Leads/Program Managers, be involved in the development of project proposals for donors from a financial perspective.
 Conduct risk analyses and evaluate financial management and results for this purpose.
 Take ultimate responsibility for the financial management of project budgets up to and including periodic reports for the assigned portfolio.
 Ensure proper preparation, guidance, and settlement of external audits, executed in The Netherlands and overseas.
 Supervise budget and liquidity of your project portfolio and carry out final checks on financial closures.
 Identify consequences of (changed) donor rules for the entire project portfolio and ensure compliance.
 Provide training and share knowledge within GCA and regional offices if necessary.
 Coordinate with the Program Leads and management of GCA and regional offices.
 Review and monitor contractual commitments, including the timely reporting of project costs for partners and to donors
 Review and analyse the financial reports and financial audits of GCA partner organisations to ensure compliance with grantor requirements, accountability and transparency.
 Prepare and verify financial analyses and reports; provide explanatory notes, substantiating information, analyses and explanations to accompany plans and reports
 Establish and maintain internal controls to safeguard project assets and ensure compliance with regulations.
 Allocate project costs accurately, ensuring that costs are appropriately charged to various projects and programs. Work with project managers to optimize cost-efficiency.

2. Financial Quality:
 Develop knowledge in the field of donor rules, ensure compliance with these donor rules, and act as a prompter for the organization.
 Take responsibility for capacity building and other support of regional offices to enable them to manage the programs financially and meet (donor) reporting requirements.
 Identify, based on identified need, support, and training at regional offices in the area of financial affairs and donor rules, agreements, and procedures.
 Conduct project reviews and follow up. Provide systematic analysis and tracking of audit results with the aim of achieving quality improvement.
 Maintain internal donor financial reporting systems and budget revision tools.

Additional Responsibilities: as assigned by the Finance Manager and or Sr. Director of Finance & Operations.

 A professional qualification such as CA, ACCA or CIMA and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business Administration required, MBA or MSc in Finance preferred.

 At least 8 years of relevant professional experience, with a minimum of 5 years’ experience of project control in international organisation or international NGO;

 Documented knowledge and experience of the Dutch GAAP, RJ640 and RJ650.

 Comprehensive knowledge and experience of Office 365 and especially Excel.

 Thorough understanding of ERP systems, preferably including Unit 4

 Good knowledge of and experience with institutional donors (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Global Affairs Canada, Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, DANIDA and Norad) and other donors (foundations, corporations, social enterprises).

 Excellent knowledge of English, both verbally and in writing; and preferably one or more other languages (Dutch).

 Intercultural sensitivity and communication skills.

 Ability to work independently.

 Handson, proactive, and solution oriented attitude.

 Knowledge of and experience with contract management.

 Willing to travel regularly.

WHAT WE OFFER

The GCA offers a dynamic, high-profile and international working environment in a growing organisation. You will be contributing to our global mission on climate adaptation. Managers at GCA will have the opportunity to strengthen core skills, develop a deeper understanding and expertise in a range of climate adaptation concepts and principles, and build a strong network of experts and leaders. Remuneration is aligned with salary structures in the Netherlands.

In addition to a competitive salary, GCA offers 25 days of paid leave to ensure a healthy work-life balance.

GCA does not discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, nationality, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.