Regional Head of Finance - MENA

Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 191-member National Societies (NSs). The overall aim of IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by NSs with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.” IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.

IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into four main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Coordination; (ii) Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; (iii) Management and Accountability; and (iv) People and Strategy.

IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. IFRC also has country cluster delegations and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.

IFRC has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and lack of integrity (including but not limited to financial misconduct). IFRC also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles.

Reporting to the Regional Head of Corporate Services and the Director, Finance and Administration, the Regional Head of Finance is the senior-most finance and administration professional in the Region (geographic region for management purposes), overseeing the administration of 20 million to 100 million Swiss francs on an annual basis. He/she is also a member of the global finance and administration management team.

Job Purpose

This position is open for both nationals and internationals and the decision will be made based on the selected candidate.

The Regional Head of Finance provides strategic leadership and direction to regional, country, and operational finance functions across the region. As the senior-most finance professional, they act as a trusted advisor to the Regional Director and Country/Cluster Heads on strategic, operational, and risk-related financial matters. The role supports financial sustainability, accountability, and compliance, enabling timely and quality programme delivery in alignment with IFRC policies, procedures, and global standards.

They are responsible for service delivery and improvement across all finance areas including budgeting, reporting, treasury, risk management, and financial systems. The role also includes supporting National Societies in strengthening financial management, internal controls, and sustainability.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Risk Management, Internal Controls and Regulatory Compliance

• Contribute to policy, process, and procedure development and ensure effective dissemination.
• Oversee implementation of finance policies and initiate reviews to maintain strong internal controls while enabling operations.
• Maintain a rigorous internal control environment, including:
  • Proper segregation of duties in regional and country offices.
  • Authorized bank signatories with defined roles and responsibilities.
  • Management of financial system access and rights.
  • Review and approval of contracts for compliance and risk.
  • Conducting financial risk assessments for project proposals.
  • Advising on operational and financial risks, particularly in complex or high-risk contexts.
  • Assessing capacity and risks for National Societies receiving support.
  • Implementing financial modalities that address identified risks.
• Monitor regulatory changes across the region.
• Ensure ongoing regulatory compliance in banking, taxation, and financial matters.
• Support annual regulatory compliance reporting with the Regional Head, Corporate Services.

Representation

• Represent IFRC to donors, member National Societies, and other clients.
• Negotiate grant and pledge terms with donors and contributing National Societies.
• Review donor reports and clarify financial policy applications, including with auditors.
• Represent IFRC to supplementary service clients and non-member partners.
• Maintain active engagement with financial partners, service providers, and regulators.

Programme and Operational Support

• Participate in Joint Taskforces, offering financial risk and management guidance.
• Coordinate with delegation heads and HR for timely deployment of finance professionals.
• Support timely budget development and authorization.
• Ensure prompt fund transfers and contract execution with National Societies.
• Address financial and regulatory risks in operational planning.
• Guide compliant implementation of cash-based programmes, including selecting financial service providers.

Service Delivery and Improvement

Financial Management and Controllership

• Coordinate preparation of operating and programme budgets.
• Oversee transaction processing, accounting, and budget reviews.
• Lead month- and year-end closing processes per policy and IFRS.

Financial Reporting

• Prepare quarterly and ad hoc internal reports.
• Approve donor reports for accuracy and compliance.
• Support audits and prepare financial statements as per regulations.
• Provide financial updates to enable informed decision-making.

Treasury Management

• Manage funds per policy to minimize financial risks.
• Monitor regulatory environment for compliance.
• Ensure timely reconciliations and cash flow management.
• Open/close bank accounts and manage foreign exchange risk.
• Oversee receivables and ensure accurate invoicing.

Continuous Learning and Improvement

• Promote knowledge sharing and good practices in financial service delivery across the region.

Policy Making

• Develop and implement regional and country-level finance policies aligned with global standards.
• Contribute to global finance policy and tool development.
• Support design and implementation of non-financial policies as needed.

National Society Development

• Support National Societies in strengthening financial systems, including:
  • Conducting capacity assessments.
  • Identifying and agreeing on targeted support areas.
  • Providing expert advice on financial policies and processes.
  • Coordinating and delivering financial training.
  • Sharing standards and good practices.
  • Introducing leadership to external development partners.
  • Promoting peer-to-peer development.
  • Following up on capacity-building implementation.
• Support internal control improvements to enable effective programmes and accountability.
• Ensure compliance with IFRC financial obligations: Statutory Contributions, audited financials, and Declarations of Income.
• Raise awareness of financial risks, including fraud, and direct National Societies to training and policies.
• Facilitate compliant solutions for contributions in restricted financial contexts.

Trusted Advisor

• Advise senior leadership on financial risk, compliance, and reporting.
• Monitor KPIs and recommend improvements for programme delivery and cost-efficiency.
• Review shared office cost budgets and suggest improvements.
• Track and follow up on outstanding donor pledges.
• Assess financial sustainability of delegations and advise on openings/closures.
• Prepare year-end compliance declarations.
• Act as Regional Head, Corporate Services, when required.

Leadership

• Lead regional finance teams, both direct and remote.
• Set performance goals aligned with regional and global objectives.
• Manage team resources for effective service delivery.
• Deliver financial training and briefings across offices.
• Recruit, train, and supervise finance and admin staff.
• Maintain a trained surge capacity for emergency deployments.
• Promote staff mobility within the finance function.

Audit Support

• Ensure audit readiness for all types of audits.
• Coordinate audits with internal/external auditors and field offices.
• Review audit reports and prepare responses in consultation with leadership.
• Follow up on implementation of audit recommendations.
• Identify high-risk areas for internal auditors.

Note: The incumbent may be required to undertake short-term missions to large-scale humanitarian operations.

Education

• Relevant university degree (Master in Business Administration or equivalent)
• Professional qualification in accounting (Chartered accountant, CPA or equivalent)

Experience

Required:

• A minimum of 12 years of relevant professional experience, including at least 5 years in a finance management role overseeing a comparable budget and scope.
• Experience in Team Management and remote support
• Experience in plan & budget, financial analysis & statements, reporting & treasury management, external financial audit.
• Experience working in multicultural environment

Preferred

• Minimum of 2 years work experience with an International Organisation, international non-governmental organization, NGO and/or government development agency
• Experience working with the International Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

Required:

• Advanced skills in computer productivity applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
• Advanced knowledge of accounting concepts
• Knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards or equivalent
• Advanced knowledge of financial management and reporting applications (e.g. CODA and Business Objects)
• Understanding of internal control and treasury management concepts
• Financial management skills
• Ability to effectively provide training on finance & administration management matters, contributing to a learning culture, sharing knowledge and engaging partners
• Service minded, ability to lead, delegate and manage from distance
• Result-oriented, ability to lead transitions within a matrix management structure
• Proven good judgment and ability to work with complete integrity and confidentiality, acting as a model of highest integrity in personal capacity and at team level.
• High degree of discretion, tact and sensitivity with internal and external stakeholders
• Good ability in representation, negotiation, networking and communication
• Languages
• Fluent spoken and written English

Preferred:

• Good command of another IFRC official language (Arabic and French)

Competencies, Values and Comments

• Values: Respect for diversity; Integrity; Professionalism; Accountability
• Core competencies: Communication; Collaboration and teamwork; Judgement and decision making; National society and customer relations; Creativity and innovation; Building trust
• Functional competencies: Strategic orientation; Building alliances; Leadership; Empowering others
• Managerial competencies: Managing staff performance ; Managing staff development

How to apply

For interested candidates, applications will only be considered through the IFRC website via the following link: Head of Regional Finance Unit (Open for both Nationals and Internationals) - IFRC website