Finance Manager

Title :Finance Manager, Occupied Palestinian Territory (oPt)

Location Ramallah

Travel 5%

Job Family and Grade  P5

Pre hire checks

This role is classified as requiring standard pre-employment checks /enhanced due diligence

1. Scope

Department: Finance

Reporting to:  Country Director

Direct reports: Local Finance Team

Budget responsibility: N/A

Relationship management

Technical reporting line to Regional FD 

2. Context 

About Relief International

Relief International is an international non-profit organization that partners with communities impacted by conflict, climate change and disaster to save lives, build greater resilience and promote long-term health and wellbeing. Our team of more than 7,000 staff and local volunteers work in 15 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, providing Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education and Livelihoods programming that creates the foundation for community resilience. We do this by working with local actors to develop safe and inclusive local programming that is evidence based, conflict sensitive, climate smart, and reaches those in need.

About our Country Program

Relief International was operational in OPT starting in 2007, and after entering hibernation period in

2017, we have recently reactivated our operations at the end of 2023. Relief International is currently building its response to the current and evolving situation in both Gaza and the West Bank through both a direct implementation and partnership approach. Relief International’s programming in OPT follows Relief International’s global strategy with Health as a central focus with components linked to our work in Health through the sectors of WASH, Protection, Education and Livelihoods. The context in OPT is extremely dynamic and requires focus on nexus programming that brings together both humanitarian service delivery combined with systems strengthening and longer-term programming.

3. Job Profile 

The Country Finance Manager for RI-oPt will oversee all aspects of financial management for RI’s programs in Palestine. This includes ensuring compliance with donor regulations, adhering to sound financial management practices, meeting specific project requirements, and aligning with the legal framework of the Government of Palestine. The role also involves building, structuring, and strengthening the finance department team. The Country Finance Manager will report directly to the Country Director, with a technical reporting line to the Regional Finance Director, and will work closely with department heads across Operations, HR, and Programs to ensure effective coordination.

4. Key responsibilities

Financial Reporting, Analysis, and Follow-Up

• Prepare monthly/quarterly RFF (Request for Funds) requests for projects. Ensure timely follow-up with the Global Support Office (GSO) to secure cash transfers to the country office as per the RFF requirements.
• Monitor cash levels in-country and promptly alert the Country Director, Regional Finance Manager, and GSO of any anticipated cash shortages that may hinder project implementation or operations.
• Conduct financial reviews of procurement documentation and payment requests to ensure compliance with RI policies, procedures, and project budgets. Approve procurement documentation within the threshold outlined in the country-level Authorization Matrix.
• Review detailed BVAs released by GSO monthly, identify required adjustments, and coordinate follow-ups with the Country Director and Regional Finance Manager as needed.
• Manage the preparation of donor financial reports, ensuring review with the Country Director before submission to the Regional Finance Director for approval.
• Ensure accurate and timely submission of end-of-month financial reports to the Regional Support Office (RSO) in line with RI procedures and deadlines.
• Develop and maintain the Master Budget for the country portfolio. Provide insights to the Country Director and SMT (Senior Management Team) on potential gaps.

Budgeting

• Develop budget projections and spend-down plans for projects in collaboration with the Regional Finance Manager. Share updated plans with the Country Director monthly or as requested.
• Maintain field project pipelines, track accruals and commitments, and update expenditures monthly. Regularly revise the Country Operational Budget.
• Lead monthly Spend-Down Plan meetings with Program Managers for each project. Provide the Country Director with updated portfolio plans.
• Collaborate with the management team to devise solution-oriented approaches that meet program and operational support needs within budget and donor compliance limits.
• Monitor and document project expenditures, ensuring spending aligns with approved budgets.
• Support the Program Team in preparing project budget modifications and realignments as necessary.
• Lead budget development for new proposals and concept notes in collaboration with the Country Director and proposal development team.

Financial Documentation, Compliance, and Audit

• Ensure proper classification, recording, and summarization of financial transactions. Oversee accurate and timely month-end accounting close processes.
• Identify and book co-financed expenses appropriately in NetSuite, propose recovery plans for outstanding liabilities, and ensure compliance.
• Archive all financial records and backup documentation in BOX monthly. Establish and maintain internal systems for accuracy and transparency in financial documentation.
• Coordinate and oversee internal and external audits with support from the Regional Finance Manager and Country Director. Ensure financial records are audit ready.
• Ensure compliance with local tax regulations and government financial requirements to minimize penalties or risks.
• Adhere to RI procurement, field accounting, donor, and audit policies.
• Proactively advise the Country Director on finance and compliance challenges and assist in decision-making. Support program staff in understanding and adhering to financial policies.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Processes, and Systems

• Collaborate with the Country Director and Program staff to implement, improve, and maintain financial management policies, systems, and procedures.
• Develop and update internal finance-related SOPs for transparency and efficiency.
• Ensure cash management systems are robust, timely, and compliant with RI, donor, and audit requirements.

Employee Management

• Build and structure the finance department, updating TORs and developing capacity-building plans for staff. Ensure proper segregation of duties, clear roles, responsibilities, and reporting lines.
• Equip the finance team with tools and checklists for high-quality, timely task completion.
• Collaborate with HR to address staffing needs, including recruiting finance staff and managing employee relations.
• Provide training and capacity-building opportunities to continuously enhance team performance and ensure non-finance staff understand finance-related functions.
• Conduct timely performance evaluations and manage staff leave in alignment with RI policies.
• Identify areas for improvement within the finance team and implement solutions, including training and capacity-building initiatives.

Strategic Management

• Ensure effective resource management to maximize cost-efficiency and value for money across all programs.
• Lead financial reviews of processes with financial elements, such as volunteer payments.
• Spearhead annual financial operational planning in close collaboration with the Country Director and Regional Finance Manager.

Miscellaneous

• Participate in regional and global finance meetings (virtually or in person) as required.
• Actively engage in internal country team meetings, including interdepartmental and SMT meetings.

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1. Person Specification

 Essential criteria

• Candidates with advanced expertise in Microsoft Excel are highly encouraged to apply.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve results in demanding, fast-paced environments.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Proficiency in accounting software and advanced knowledge of office programs.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to train, mentor, and motivate team members effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (fluency is mandatory).
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Preferred Criteria

• Chartered Accountant or CPA equivalent preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field preferred.
• Must have at least five (5) years’ experience at a senior Finance level in NGO or non-profit organizations and familiarity with international donor agencies and Government grants administration. 
• Strong knowledge of BHA and EU regulations.

2. RI Values

Guided by the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, as well as “Do No Harm,” Relief International Values:

• Integrity
• Adaptability
• Collaboration
• Inclusivity
• Sustainability

Interested Candidates please send your CV and Cover Letter to :

[email protected] indicating in the subject (Finance Manager, Occupied Palestinian Territory (oPt)

Only Shortlisted Candidates will be contacted