Head of Finance* At Welthungerhilfe

The position is to be filled as soon as possible, with an initial contract duration of two years. There are very good prospects for an extension. Employment location will be Bamako, Mali.

Welthungerhilfe has been active in Mali since 1968, with a regional office in Bamako since 1999. Welthungerhilfe works with vulnerable communities affected by hunger in Kayes, Kita, Segou, Mopti, Gao and Timbuktu to improve their food and nutritional security in a sustainable manner. Our interventions focus on humanitarian aid, food and nutrition security, agriculture and economic development with a holistic approach. We develop integrated multi-sector programs that accelerate the transition to an inclusive and sustainable food system in our regions of intervention. Since 2012, with an increase in conflicts and violence, the number of people in need in Mali has increased rapidly. The humanitarian situation remains worrying with the juxtaposition of conflicts, multiform insecurity and severe climate effects (floods and droughts).

As Head of Finance you will provide strategic direction and oversight to ensure that existing financial management standards in the programs are carried out efficiently and promptly, thereby making a significant contribution towards the success of our program work. You will ensure that financial administrative processes in the Country Office are auditable and run efficiently, promoting innovation when appropriate and relevant. You will uphold WHH organizational policies and procedures, in line with international accounting standards and donor requirements as relevant. You will also lead on all financial aspects including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, bookkeeping and audit preparation.

Your responsibilities

• Ensure the financial and administrative processes of the projects are aligned with Welthungerhilfe’s financial and administrative policies and procedures, as well as donor contractual agreements
• Lead and develop the Finance Team in country
• Be an active member of the Senior Management Team, ensuring information flows about major developments in the Finance Department and regularly prepare and present risk analyses
• Oversee the financial management of the Country Office and Project locations and all measures taken to re-finance the Country Office
• Lead the budget development of all new projects in inclusive manner, ensure that the needs of all sector and support units are covered via master budget; oversee the budget implementation; prepare all cost and funding plans
• Lead the contextualization and updates of finance manuals and procedures; constantly work with Finance Team to ensure their understanding of WHH and donors’ regulations and policies
• Ensure donor reports are accurate, submitted timely, and that all donor queries are responded to
• Instruct and support partner organizations in matters relating to financial management and enhance their capacity to fulfill their contractual obligations to Welthungerhilfe
• Analyze the gaps and ensure relevant staffing is available across the country to fullfil all Finance-related tasks, incl. daily operations, implementation, reporting etc. according to WHH standards
• Lead and manage the finance team (including staff planning, performance and development)

Your profile

• A College or University degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Auditing, or related discipline
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in the same or an equivalent position with proven record of managing a high-volume portfolio
• Profound leadership experience in managing a diverse team, incl. remotely
• Excellent communication, coordination and organizational skills, especially in financial management
• Experience working with donors, preferably UN, GIZ, ECHO, BMZ, GFFO, KfW
• Team-focused approach, with advanced coaching and mentoring skills and capacity building experience
• Proven track record of capacity building of team members financial skills
• Previous experience with digitalization of financial processes
• Ability to operate in a cross-cultural environment requiring flexibility and adaptation
• Coordination, organizational skills, detail orientation, strategic thinking, and ability to work with minimal supervision – even under a high workload
• Readiness to receive necessary vaccinations for working in Welthungerhilfe’s program countries
• Excellent spoken and written French and English

Our offer

We offer you the opportunity to work in a responsible and interesting field as part of an extremely dedicated team. Welthungerhilfe attaches great importance to the personal and professional development of its employees and the balance of their work and private life. Remuneration is based on our gender-independent salary scale. In addition, Welthungerhilfe offers numerous other benefits, which are listed under “Our benefits”.

*Welthungerhilfe values diversity and ensures an inclusive, non-discriminatory working environment. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community.