Head of Finance for Afghanistan

Period: 12 months with the possibility of extension
Starting date: ASAP
Line Manager: Country Director  
Location: Kabul, with occasional travel to PIN’s operational areas based on security clearance

PIN in Afghanistan

People in Need (PIN) is a Czech NGO that provides relief and development assistance in over 20 countries around the world. Formed in 1992, PIN has evolved into the biggest organization of its kind in post-communist Europe, providing relief and development aid where it is needed, and empowering civil society at home and abroad. In Afghanistan, PIN has been active since 2001, responding to humanitarian needs where they arise, and through targeted development programmes. Currently, PIN focuses primarily on the Emergency Response, Food Security & Livelihoods, Education and Shelter sectors, with support from a variety of donors. By working closely with the communities, PIN has managed to maintain a significant field presence in Afghanistan.

About the Role:

Under the direct supervision of the Country Director, the Head of Finance is responsible for mission economy, mission’s compliance with PIN and donors’ financial and admin procedures and policies. The Head of Finance directly manages the finance team and continuously works on its capacity building. S/he also leads on the process of development and capacity building of both national and international staff across departments. The Head of Finance will work closely with other Country Management Team (CMT) members, in particular with the Head of Programmes and Head of Operations, and will maintain a strong technical link with HQ-based Regional Head of Systems and Operations (RHoSO) and Senior Finance Coordinator.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsibility for overall country programme economy (preparation of operational budget and its regular update, cost allocation planning, proper budgeting, cash flow and cost efficiency monitoring, FX rate risk, etc.)
• Supervision of the compliance of the processes and documentation with donors’ requirements, PIN internal rules, local legal regulations (incl. taxes) and administrative measures
• Ensuring that PIN accounting practices, financial and administrative procedures and processes are in place (incl. proper documentation archiving)
• Overall responsibility for accurate, punctual and complete accounting data
• Approval of contracts, invoices, authorization of payments
• Responsibility for the financial and project reporting to donors and PIN HQ
• Local finance team management (approx. 5 national staff) and its continuous capacity building based on personal development plans
• Close cooperation and coordination with the Head of Programmes and Programme Managers on project financial management and other related financial issues, and capacity building of the programme teams in project financial management
• Ensuring financial and compliance management of PIN implementing partners (including assessment of potential partner organizations, partner budgeting, training and regular monitoring)
• Responsibility for correct use of financial/administrative management systems and provision of training and support to all staff
• Key role in annual and project audits

Suitable candidates for this position should possess:

• University degree preferably in Finance/Economics or related field
• Advanced level of English (spoken and written)
• Experience with finance management of projects funded by international donors
• Experience with team management and supervision is an advantage
• Ability to organize and plan effectively
• Ability to work in difficult conditions and under pressure
• Responsible and systematic
• Knowledge of principles of double-entry accounting
• IT literacy, advanced knowledge of MS Excel, preferably experience with accounting and economic software
• Cultural sensitivity and great communication skills
• International work experience in the region is an asset

PIN Offers:

• Flexible and challenging working environment with room for personal growth;
• Robust and thorough induction training (2 weeks);
• HEAT training (unless the candidate participated in one recently);
• Starting salary, as per PIN salary scale, between 4 200 – 4 300 EUR gross depending on previous experience (subsistence and hardship allowance already included);
• Reimbursement of flight tickets to the country of residence once every 6 months of work, PIN also provides 1000 USD allowance per flight for R&R trips (total of max two R&R flights per year, as the R&R is intended to be taken between the 6-month flights to the country of residence);
• Reimbursement of costs of visas and vaccinations; assistance with visa application procedure;
• Comprehensive travel insurance;
• Medical helpdesk and psychological consultation available online;
• 24 days of paid leave annually and 10 additional days of R&R leave per year;
• Accommodation in PIN compound.

How to Apply:

Are you interested in this position? Send us your CV and short cover letter in English via our application form. Please note that only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interviews will be conducted on rolling basis and the vacancy will be closed when filled.
People in Need staff are expected to perform job duties and responsibilities in accordance with People in Need Code of Conduct and key policies (available at: https://www.peopleinneed.net/key-policies-4142gp).