The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) is a private diplomacy organisation founded on the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. Its mission is to help prevent, mitigate, and resolve armed conflict through dialogue and mediation. HD operates in more than 20 countries with some 300 colleagues and an annual income of around CHF 50 million. HD is currently looking for a:

Director of Finance and Administration

• Location: Geneva  
• Starting date: July 2022

Overall Purpose:

The main role is to lead HD’s financial strategy and planning, the accounting department, financial reporting, risk management, internal controls and administrative activities of HD.

Key responsibilities include:

• Provide internal and external stakeholders with relevant and reliable financial information;
• Lead in consultation with the Deputy Executive Director the preparation of the Budget and Forecasting of HD and the monitoring and reporting of actual results in a timely manner to the Audit & Finance Committee and the Board (AFC);
• Oversee the preparation of budgets to donors and financial reports to donors;
• Lead the development and implementation of financial and administrative policies, ensure robustness of the financial system and tools, lead the enhancement of processes by collaborating with IT and other departments and accompany change management;
• Lead the accounting, reporting and cash management activities of HD including maintaining accounting records in accordance with GAAP, as are necessary under Swiss Foundation Law and Swiss Code des Obligations (and other applicable laws in 12 HD's offices worldwide);
• Ensure that key accounting and operational risks are mitigated through the design, implementation and monitoring of an appropriate Internal Control System. Lead the dissemination of the Internal Controls, monitor their implementation and train control owners;
• Work closely with the external and internal auditors and coordinate the preparation of the year-end consolidated statutory financial statements, and grants’ related audits;
• Oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the internal and external auditors;
• Lead the treasury function, assess best possible hedging solutions and provide timely cash flow projections to the Deputy Executive Director and the AFC;
• Lead and develop employees in the finance and administrative areas (logistics and general services), coordinate and supervise managers; ensure good information flows within the department;
• Provide guidance, support and training on accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, HD's systems and processes, as well as compliance. Organise workshops regularly to support capacity building;
• Cultivate a diverse and inclusive working environment;
• Be a business partner of Directors and travel to offices as appropriate;
• Manage the HD's procurement functions in an open and transparent manner;
• Ensure the efficient administration of HD, including site maintenance (buildings and fixed assets), and the provision of general services (reception, travel, facilities, venue management).

Key competencies

• Holder of a recognised certification or degree in Finance and/or Accounting;
• Experience in Internal Controls and Project Accounting and Reporting;
• Minimum 6 years of experience as Director or Head of Accounting and Finances;
• Experience with non-profit organisations;
• Exposure with international accounting and finance;
• Managerial experience;
• Expertise in complex budget management cycle;
• Good knowledge and practice of Swiss GAAP RPC standards;
• Familiarity with auditing standards;
• Fluency in English and French.

Personality: The successful candidate should have excellent communication, organisational and training skills, with good analytical and synthesis abilities. S/he should have leadership and management skills; in addition to the integrity, initiative and sense of responsibility.

If you are interested in this position and meet the criteria defined above, please send your CV and a motivation letter reflecting your interest and suitability for the role to the following address hrgeneva@hdcentre.org by 30 April 2022.  Please include “Director of Finance and Administration” in the subject line of your email.

HD promotes equal opportunities in employment and women are encouraged to apply. For more information, please visit: www.hdcentre.org.