Finance Officer -Gaza Improve Livelihoods and Enhance Economic Development (ILEED) Program

Location: South Gaza Valley

Reports to: ILEED Finance Manager

Global Communities is seeking a Finance Officer for the USAID Improve Livelihoods and Enhance Economic Development (ILEED). This five-year, up to $60 million program will focus on promoting resilient livelihoods in Gaza and give households the tools they need to cope with recurrent crises.  ILEED will engage both the demand and supply actors within the conflict affected market system. Programs and activities will support the production of and access to basic products and services that community entrepreneurs are already engaged in producing and providing, as well as encourage community entrepreneurs to fill critical service gaps with localized solutions. ILEED will also work to increasing access to resources and basic commodities to support community development and resilience.

Responsibilities

The Finance Officer performs the day-to-day finance operations. They work with the Finance Manager in the maintenance and oversight of the accounting operations to ensure that all finance operations under the ILEED program are performed following USG and Global Communities country office policy and procedures. 

Specific Responsibilities include the following

Partnership Budgeting and Financial Planning

• Assist in the preparation of project budgets for partnership agreements, ensuring alignment with donor requirements and organizational guidelines.
• Assist the Finance in Manager in Collaborating with Program Team leaders and partners to develop realistic budgets that reflect project activities and objectives.

Financial Monitoring and Reporting

• Monitor expenditure against partnership budgets and provide regular financial updates to program teams and partners.
• Prepare timely and accurate internal and donor financial reports ensuring compliance with reporting requirements and deadlines.
• Analyze financial data to identify trends, variances, and potential risks, and provide recommendations for corrective actions.
• In Coordination with the Finance Manager, ensure field visits to partners are conducted on timely manner.
• Review partners financial reports along with the supporting documents.

Grants Management and Compliance

• Support the administration of partnership grants and contracts, including grant budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance monitoring.
• Ensure adherence to donor regulations, organizational policies, and grant agreement terms throughout the project lifecycle.
• Facilitate grant audits and reviews by providing accurate financial records and documentation as needed.
• Participate in conduct of grantee assessment (Pre award assessment) related to financial capacities.
• Follow up on and review financial liquidations for compliance considerations and ensure clear and concise notes for any corrections needed.

Payments Processing

• Verify payment requests and issuing the wire transfer or checks for the payments.
• Deliver issued payments to vendors and ensures accurate receipts are provided.
• Ensure that all payments to the vendors are processed on time through the Integra system
• Ensure that signatories on releasing the online payments and sign on the payment documents
• Maintain sound financial management systems in line with USAID contracts rules and regulations and Global Communities’ policies and procedures, and accounting principles.
• Maintain financial files and oversee annual audits. 

Capacity Building and Training

• Support the Finance Manager in mentoring and building the capacity of the finance department staff of partner CSOs upon request. 
• Provide training and guidance to program staff and partners on financial procedures, donor regulations, and compliance requirements
• Support capacity-building initiatives to strengthen partners' financial management capabilities and ensure accountability

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Bachelor’s degree in Accountant, Finance, or a relevant field.  A minimum of 3 years of experience in similar position for a local or an international organization. Financial management experience of a USG funded program preferably under a USG contract or cooperative agreement modality of similar size is preferred.      Demonstrated experience and understanding of relevant local laws, regulations and policies is required.    Evidence of effective communication skills, both oral and written; strong interpersonal and analytical skills. Experience with generally accepted accounting practices and principles. Computer/word processing and standard office software skills. Languages: Full Professional Proficiency in spoken and written English and Arabic are required Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team, accept responsibility, and be extremely discrete with sensitive information. Must also be able to foster supportive working relationship among all staff. Strong computer skills. Proficient in Microsoft Office package, especially Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Word and other database applications. Highly organized individual able to pay close attention to detail. Ability to work as a member of a team of professionals in a fast-paced and challenging environment.