Director of Finance and Operations, Information and Media Practice (NEW) At International Research and Exchanges Board

Who We Are

IREX is a global development and education organization. We strive for a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world—where individuals reach their full potential, governments serve their people, and communities thrive. With a projected annual portfolio of more than $100 million and more than 600 staff worldwide, we work with partners in more than 100 countries in four areas essential to progress: cultivating leaders, empowering youth, strengthening institutions, and increasing access to quality education and information.

The Director of Finance and Operations is accountable for program financial information, development of strategic initiatives, and human resources. Under the supervision of the Chief of Party, the Director of Finance & Operations will be responsible for oversight of project finances, administration, and operation on an anticipated US Department of State funded program supporting independent media. This program will assist independent media organizations with their operations and build their editorial, journalistic, and production skills, as well as work closely with civil society organizations to meet program overall objectives. Based in Istanbul, the Finance and Operations Director will ensure efficient and effective program operations and compliant financial protocols to ensure deliverables are met on time and on budget. The Director of Finance and Operations will represent IREX inside the country or region.

Are you the next member of our team?

Your Background & Skills

Bachelor’s degree.
Minimum 12 + years of progressive experience in financial management and/or a master’s degree and 11 years of experience.
USG Financial management experience, preferably with US State Department programs similar in scope or size.
Proven leadership qualities and excellent management skills.
Demonstrate ability to track and manage budgets and plan both strategically and creatively to meet project objectives.
Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Strong representational and organizational skills.
Experience analyzing budget trends and monitoring funding levels across multiple accounts.
Expertise with procedures required for adequate planning, monitoring, and realigning of complex budgets.
Experience administering or overseeing subgrants.
Demonstrate ability to serve as a mentor for grantees and to monitor grantee performance.
Full understanding of the Turkish government’s laws and regulations applicable to donor programs desired.
Demonstrate ability to work with host government and cooperating partners in implementing a complex project in the field under challenging circumstances.
Skilled in managing and compiling financial data for reporting and ensuring compliance with all donor requirements.
Strong knowledge of MS Office programs, Excel in particular.
Commitment to inclusive programming that encourages full participation of individual regardless of gender, disability status, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or other marginalized status.
Fluency in English is required; professional proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing in English.
Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills.
You must have unrestricted authorization to work in Turkey.

Your Daily Tasks

Work closely with the COP on the overall financial management of the program, cost efficiency, and optimization of office resources.
Provide strategic leadership to the project procurement, HR, operations, and finance staff.
Assure that the program meets all IREX, US State Department and host country requirements relative to funds accountability and operations within the region.
Liaise with local company contractor to ensure appropriate application of required laws, regulations, and policies.
Liaise with local legal representative to confirm the program is fully compliant with local laws.
Liaise with local recruiting company regarding the work permits and payroll.
Coordinate with local accounting firm to ensure that the program is compliant with local laws and regulations.
Review the local company financial statements on a monthly basis to ensure accuracy.
Prepare the monthly invoices for the local company clients in close coordination with the accounting firm.
Liaise with IREX HQ finance team in preparing the consolidated financial statements and provide the required financial records for the local company as needed.
Ensure that all incurred program costs are allowable, allocable, and reasonable in accordance with USG cost principles and IREX policies and procedures.
Provide oversight to the grant-making program.
Ensure that appropriate financial record-keeping policies and practices are established and maintained.
Review internal controls to ensure that appropriate mechanisms, procedures, and systems are in place.
Manage preparation and submission of monthly country office financial reports (COFRs) through the QuickBooks accounting software system.
Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports and transaction reports.
Oversee payroll processing.
Oversee the implementation of operational policies and procedures, including staff safety and well-being.
Assist with logistics of programmatic activities as required.
Supervise and provide mentoring and training to the program finance team.
Coordinate with IREX Finance and program teams in the home office.
The Finance and Operation Director is responsible for HR in the country, Staff hiring documents, onboarding, and management of personnel files, Taxes and payroll and other regulatory deductions and allowances, health and life insurance contract management, and all other benefits in Turkey.
Performs additional duties and tasks to meet the needs of the organization, team, or as assigned by the Chief of Party.
Other support duties as needed.