Vacancies at Church World Service

Primary Purpose

This position is primarily responsible for supporting, implementing, and ensuring the systematic application of safety and security policies for all RSC operations. The Security Risk Management Specialist will provide operational security support, consultation, and guidance across the security department, take the lead on special security projects, and assist development and delivery of internal security training programs in liaison with RSC Africa training unit. Compile and draft Weekly security updates to inform program leadership in the areas of operation on any significant impact to program activities. Conduct international staff expat residential surveys, analyse and complete security assessments of ongoing activities, ensure proper documentation and filling of security electronic and physical files.

This position reports to the Security Risk Manager and will act as the primary focal point in daily security risk operations in their coverage area.

Key relationships

Internal to CWS

• Associate Director of RSC Programs, East & Southern Africa
• Regional Security Risk Management Senior manager.
• Senior Program Managers, Kenya/Sudan, West, Central, and Horn of Africa
• Senior Manager, Circuit Rides
• Senior Manager, Projections & Pipeline

External

• UNHCR & IOM security focal points in coverage area countries
• Kenya and US embassy security and other relevant focal points
• Staff within the Office of the RSO and the ARSO
• Other external security touchpoints

Working Environment

• Physical presence in the office is required.
• Occasional holiday and weekend coverage.
• Periodic travel to the field as may be required.
• Short notice response to emergencies, including after hours, on weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

Leadership and Management (10%)

• Under the guidance of the Security Risk Manager, champions and safeguards policies, procedures, and organizational culture by reviewing, anticipating, identifying, communicating, and addressing issues affecting the security Risk Management (SRM) functions and processes.
• Under the guidance of the Security Risk Manager, requests guards’ deployment, supervises and conducts regular briefings of the contracted guard force and activation response and panic button testing.
• Advises CWS travelling teams on context-specific security risks in areas of deployment and reviews risk mitigation measures in place to inform effective programming in consultation with the Security Risk Manager.  
• Take part in supporting the SRM in the implementation of CWS’s safety and security risk management system in the areas of operation and support other SRMs in other CWS country offices when called upon.
• Consistently carry out analysis, update, and delivery of timely and quality security information to the Security Risk Manager using established CWS processes and tools.

Administration (35%)

• Reviews and makes recommendations regarding safety and security field protocols, contingency plans, and CWS Africa security manual conduct awareness sessions to all staff upon review and update.
• In coordination with the training unit, supports the development and implementation of CWS Africa defined security mandatory trainings, trains staff on country-specific security plans, rollout of revised safety and security manual, policies, and procedures, and conducts new hire and refresher security trainings for staff.
• Deploys to support security team(s) in country offices (Uganda, Tanzania Rwanda and South Africa) if directed.
• Ensures proper documentation and filling of security electronic and physical files, including records and schedules for lined up trainings.
• Contributes to the development of country-specific Security Risk Assessments, operational and programmatic contingency plans that respond to different emergency scenarios in liaison with the country office Security Risk Management team(s) and the Regional Security Risk Senior Manager.
• Undertakes periodic office security risk assessments, compiles report with findings and recommendations and advises the Property Manager and the Security Risk Manager on findings.
• Serves as the security risk management focal point for various programs teams in their coverage areas.
• Conduct pre-departure and on arrival security briefings to CWS travelers and maintain the use of the CWS travel portal, schedule security briefings, and monitoring travelers in area of operation.
• Dispense security advisories to all in country CWS staff, including SMS alerts, phone alerts, and email alerts.

Representation (10%)

• Attends partner agencies meetings, prepares, and follows up on action plans arising from such meetings.
• Coordinates and liaises with Property manager on servicing of fire extinguishers and first aid boxes to ensure that CWS/RSC offices are OSHA compliant.
• Attend weekly security risk management meetings and represent Security Risk Manager in his/her absence in the meeting.
• Serve as security focal point on Joint Assessment teams to identify, review, and clear – ensuring minimum security standards are met – worksite and accommodation locations for use by RSC field teams.
• Closely collaborate with the Security Risk Manager and Regional Security Risk Senior Manager for technical guidance.
• Interact with CWS field travelers, security focal points during Circuit Rides, floor wardens, and with external stakeholders as needed.

Compliance (25%)

• Compiles and drafts Weekly Regional Security Updates across the areas of operation for dissemination to CWS Africa staff.
• Continuously monitors surveillance cameras and works closely with the IT team to ensure surveillance systems are up and running, including monitor compliance of access control.
• Undertakes annual risk assessments of office location in Nairobi and advice the SRM on findings, with recommendations.
• Plans and conducts building evacuation and lockdown drills, maintains a schedule of the drills, carry out phone tree drills and report findings with recommendations to the Security Risk Manager.
• Conducts expat residential surveys of international staff residences, compiles report and advise staff on the findings with recommendations.
• Trains all new staff in safety and security procedures and provides periodic refresher training to regular staff. Conducts new hire and visitors’ security orientation.
• Monitors, reviews and adjusts CWS staff tracking systems as necessary and monitor staff compliance Security protocols.
• Ensure CCTV cameras maintain footages of not less than 90 days and ensure servicing is done routinely.

Data management (15%)

• Works with relevant internal software development focal points (within the IT department) to maintain existing Security Risk Management platforms (travel portal under Security Risk Management module, Traveler risk management etc.) and liaises with Systems Development Unit in developing new systems for effective security risk management.
• Ensure the CCTV cameras remain operational 24/7 and recording not less than 90 days footage.

Additional roles and responsibilities (5%)

• Any other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Experience:

• At least 5 years of paid work experience is required.
• A minimum of 3 years professional security experience, two of which non-profit or NGO work experience within international humanitarian programs required.
• 2 years’ Experience within the countries covered by this position preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of INGO security frameworks.
• Familiarity with physical security measures, such as CCTV, safe room design, perimeter security, and access control, as well as a demonstrated understanding of communications technology and procedures required.
• Experience developing security training modules, security plans and implementing safety and security frameworks, conducting security risk assessments, compiling, and drafting security reports (including incident reporting), and coordinating responses to security emergencies required.
• Experience in facilitating security training to large groups of staff and conducting surveys prior and after training.

Skills:

• Strong organizational, facilitation and training skills with excellent writing and communications skills with advanced proficiency (verbal and written) in English.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint.
• Detailed oriented and ability to manage multiple competing deadlines.
• Basic knowledge of humanitarian principles, especially relating to USRAP.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team.

Education & Certifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in a security Risk Management field, humanitarian, or development, is required.
• Certified Security Risk Management professional (Country level) is preferred. 
• Prior experience with managing security plans and security risk assessment documentation within the humanitarian set up is desirable.

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Primary Purpose

The Regional Finance Director (RFD) will be the head of finance for CWS RSC Africa and will be responsible for finance administration, fiscal management, and financial reporting. The RFD will also lead the CWS RSC Africa’s annual budget preparation, financial planning and management, Cash accounting to include payroll and payables operations, reporting, and analysis, for all RSC Africa offices in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda. The RFD will ensure the organization's financial health by providing daily management and oversight of all financial management functions and operating budgets preparing financial statements, charts, dashboards, and fiscal presentations for the RSC. The RFD will actively support the development, use and improvement of related systems, including, but not limited to financial ERP systems, payroll systems, and/or other financial related systems.  The Regional Finance Director will be part of the RSC Africa Senior Management team and will work closely with CWS Chief Financial Officer. The RFD will build and maintain strong relationships with all stakeholders and ensure a productive and conducive work environment between the Program and Finance team.

Key Relationships

Internal to CWS

• Regional Representative
• RSC Africa Director
• RSC Africa Deputy Director Administration and Operations
• Deputy Director, RSC Program Development and Quality
• Deputy Director, RSC Program Implementation
• RSC Africa Senior Management Team
• Regional Procurement Director
• Country Representatives
• Associate Directors
• Direct Reports

External

• Service providers, PRM and other agencies.

Working Environment

• Office environment. Periodic travel to the field as may be required.

Responsibilities

Leadership and Management (20%)

• Responsible for the oversight of the Finance Department to ensure provision of top-tier financial services in line with CWS RSC policies, standard operating procedures and donor requirements.
• Provide direct leadership and management to the Finance team to include team organization, staffing, training and development, performance management, employee engagement, conflict resolution, coaching and mentorship as well as day to day supervision of direct reports.
• Demonstrate active performance management by approving detailed work plans for direct reports, providing feedback on performance, and keeping senior management informed on progress towards departmental annual goals and individual staff performance.
• Responsible for providing strategic high-level leadership, vision, alignment and structuring of finance department to make it responsive to program and overall organizational strategic needs.
• As part of the Senior Leadership Team, participate in the development and execution of CWS RSC strategic plan and support RSC operational plans and budget development, execution and monitoring.
• Help to identify and address leadership and management challenges and opportunities especially as they relate to finance and operations and working with country office leadership to address them.
• Provide guidance and support on matters of leadership, facilitating transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making by staying abreast of regulatory developments and changes in finance governance ensuring compliance and adherence to relevant regulations and standards.

Strategic Financial Planning and Budgeting (20%)

• Develop, implement, and ensure compliance with financial strategies, policies, and procedures for long-term financial sustainability of the organization.
• Actively oversee the financial health of RSC across all offices, continuously monitoring and projecting the financial performance, risk analysis, revenue projections and cash flow.
• Offer expert financial advice and analysis to aid management teams in strategic decision-making ensuring performance and key trends are effectively communicated to stakeholders.
• Lead the annual budgeting process, budget revision process to include devising process and tools for use by other managers or department heads for budgeting purposes.
• Help design and implement a coherent organizational structure that is consistent with agency practices and appropriate to programme needs. In collaboration with senior management and Operations Director, establish and ensure compliance with finance and operations policies and processes consistent with best practices in the industry
• Ensure that financial systems and policies are consistent with tax legislation and statutory obligations in all countries that CWS operates
• Keep management informed of the current financial health status of RSC Africa operations regularly. Be up to date with the changing external developments in financial management, tax regulations, and other leading practices in similar organizations which directly or indirectly impact RSC Africa's business

Financial Reporting and Analysis (20%)

• Ensure that all financial records, reports, and statements are prepared and submitted on a timely basis. These include monthly financial reports, financial statements, gain/loss analysis, depreciation reports, audit reports, inventory and capital purchases, etc., and maintenance of a due date schedule as required under the terms of the Cooperative Agreement and by CWS/IRP and RSC Africa Management.
• Oversee the finance process by which all financial information, including monthly management accounts, cashflows, and annual reports are produced on time, accurately, and in a format that is understood by the users, especially the non-finance staff.
• Monitor completion of financial reports for awards/contracts. Oversee proper accounting and closing of books upon receipt of completed reports and documents from various sub-offices
• Provide lead on the process of budgeting, forecasting, and setting and reviewing annual budget and rolling multi-year NOFO budget in alignment with CWS plan and priorities.
• Lead budget holders to estimate funds requests on a timely basis to ensure resources are in place for carrying out project activities

Finance Systems and Accounting (15%)

• Functional responsibility for all accounting, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll, ensuring compliance with appropriate GAAP standards, U.S. Federal OMB Circulars A-110, A-122, A-133, and Kenyan statutory laws and regulations.
• Develop methodologies to ensure quality control and maintenance of supporting documentation of financial disbursements and accounts under US Government audit requirements and CWS/IRP standards.
• Develop and maintain system strategy for financial accounting systems for cash management, general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and petty cash.
• Develop and implement policy strategy for all CWS Africa policies and procedures to ensure that personnel and financial information is secure and stored in compliance with current compliance standards and legislation.
• Lead and participate in the development of finance policies and procedures to be able to maintain a well-financially controlled environment in both development and emergency contexts.

Internal Financial Controls and Financial Risk Management (10%)

• Develop and implement accounting policies and procedures to enhance the accountability, transparency, and efficiency of RSC Africa's financial operations and to ensure compliance with the Cooperative Agreement, the relevant OMB Circulars, e.g., Uniform Guidance, etc. and DOS/PRM and CWS/IRP policies
• Document, update, implement, and ensure compliance with accounting and administrative policies and procedures in the RSC Africa’s Administration and Finance Procedures Manual
• Coordinate all the activities done in preparation for annual external RSC Africa audits in all RSC offices in Africa as well as any additional CWS and CWS/IRP, monitoring and compliance audits
• Ensure implementation/ resolution of all recommendations given by auditors and reports on the same to Management within 90 days of receipt of the Auditor's Management Letter.
• Lead and/or participate actively in CWS Africa efforts to reduce cash in all operations with the ultimate goal of eliminating the use of cash.

Finance Fund Accountability (10%)

• Ensure funds are available throughout the grants award, coordinating fund request from HQ, liaising with sub-offices to ensure high quality forecasting and managing funds available.
• In coordination with HQ address issues raised by the donor on fund request and general management of donor funds, oversee fund transfers to the sub-offices as per month forecast and or on a need basis. Ensure there is sufficient measures to mitigate fund losses.

Additional Responsibilities (5%)

• Other duties that may be assigned to enhance the quality and efficiency of Finance Department to attain the set objectives and maintain high professional standards of RSC Africa.
• Execute special projects and other duties as assigned by CWS/RSC Africa Leadership.

Qualifications

Experience:

• A minimum of ten (10) years of professional work experience in accounting, finance, auditing or a related field.
• A minimum of five years’ experience in a senior management position within the Finance Department.
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressive work experience in financial management ideally within the international development or humanitarian sectors is required.
• A minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience is required.
• Previous experience working with USG funding is required.

Skills:

• Excellent strategic thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills to support the smooth running of finance within a complex organization
• Proven ability to lead, manage, inspire and motivate staff at all levels including motivating technical staff in a matrix structure.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience in communicating effectively across cultures and with diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of financial management, banking, auditing and internal controls methodologies.
• Excellent skills in MS Word, Excel, Access and good working experience with accounting software systems or any ERP software.
• Ability to cope with rapidly changing environment and handle high levels of pressure and multi-tasking.

Education & Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting or related fields is required.
• Finalized professional qualifications such as CPA/ACCA/CIMA or related fields is required.
• Master’s degree in business administration, finance, accounting or relevant technical area is preferred.