Job Announcement

Financial Management Officer

About CRS

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

The Government of Liberia, through the Liberian Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MGCSP) is implementing the Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP) (P173677) with financing from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank Group. The LWEP aims to improve social and livelihood services for women and girls in targeted communities, foster positive social norms, and strengthen the government’s capacity to advance women and girls’ empowerment through a “whole community” approach targeting multiple actors and levels. The World Bank views this project as creating a platform for the empowerment of women where policy dialogue happens, evidence of what works is produced and disseminated, and partnerships are strengthened. The project will be implemented by the Liberian Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MGCSP). Catholic Relief Services is a member of a consortium that has been awarded the contract of Lead Service Provider for components 1,2 & 3 of this project under the supervision of the Project Management Unit (PMU) of the MGCSP. Catholic Relief Services is leading the implementation of component 3 of the project. We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Financial Management Officer to join our team in Rivercess and Grand Gedeh counties. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in leading financial management and compliance in executing the budget, leading budget performance tracking and ensuring the budget is executed as planned and in accordance with the grant workplan.

Job Summary:

You will support the Finance department’s management of accounting systems, policies and procedures in compliance with CRS’ established accounting standards, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), donors’ rules and regulations, and legal requirements to support high-quality programs serving the poor and vulnerable. As part of an experienced finance team, you will help coordinate daily financial activities through the preparation and delivery of financial services.

Title: Financial Management Officer (x2)

Location: Field Based (Grand Gedeh, Rivercess counties)

Type of Role: Fixed-Term Contract

Reports to: Lead Financial Management Specialist

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee all financial transactions of LWEP at the county level, including project accounting, day-to-day financial management, maintenance of financial records, budget category assignment, and project financial statements and reports preparation.
• Record and documentation of financial transactions to ensure all required documents are accurate and complete.
• Maintain complete county-level financial and accounting records in compliance with established financial and procurement policies and procedures.
• Keep a full audit trail of all financial transactions.
• Exercise fiduciary/financial responsibility over all components of the LWEP, including the development of budgets, at the county level.
• Contribute to the preparation and development of annual work plans, budgets, and withdrawal applications.
• Record delegated financial transactions following appropriate authorizations. Review various accounts to detect irregularities.
• Verify the eligibility and accuracy of all payments by ensuring that the documents comply with donor and Government of Liberia requirements.
• Participate in periodic evaluation and financial audits.
• Provide any technical training to staff or partners as needed and appropriate
• Help share information with subrecipients and staff on financial accounting policies and procedural compliance issues.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration or related fields; professional accounting certification (ACCA or equivalent) is preferred.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in accounting and financial management using computerized accounting systems, preferably with an international or local NGO or a financial/banking institution.
• Proven experience in donor resource management and/or grant administration.
• Working knowledge of World Bank and GoL Financial Management standards and procedures.
• Experience using QuickBooks, SUN, and other computer accounting software; MS Office, and Internet.
• Ability to work with stakeholders, including government structures, officials, and communities.

Required Languages – English

Travel – This position is field-based and will require frequent travel to project communities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to detect and report inconsistencies
• Excellent organizational skills with great attention to detail
• Ethical conduct in accordance with recognized professional and organizational codes of ethics
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented
• Ability to work collaboratively

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with the relevant public donors’ regulations is a plus.
• Proficient in Excel and experience with Word and PowerPoint. Knowledge of Oracle’s financial accounting package or similar financial reporting software is a plus.

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and are used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
• Acts with Integrity – Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission Is considered honest.
• Builds and Maintains Trust – Shows consistency between words and actions.
• Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
• Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

• Lead Change – Continually look for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
• Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
• Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: LSP Manager, Lead Gender Specialist, Lead Livelihood Specialist, County Coordinator, Lead Climate Change Specialist, County Coordinator, M&E Officer, BFM/CE Officer, Operations Officer,

External: Ministry of Gender and Social Protection, Ministry of Agriculture, The World Bank Group, Implementing Partners, Local Government and Project community leadership.

Applications:

Please send a cover letter and a resume/CV to LR_HR@crs.org by January 24, 2025, with the subject line “Financial Management Officer County Name.” Both cover letter and CV/resume should be in PDF format and submitted as a single document. Applications will be reviewed and assessed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. No phone calls, please. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

No phone calls. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity; however, if you don’t hear from us after two months of the vacancy deadline, kindly note that your application was not successful.

CRS follows an equal opportunity policy and actively encourages diversity welcoming applications from all especially women and people living with a disability.

By applying to this job, I understand and acknowledge that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Further, I understand that if I am a successful candidate, I will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and my personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate my behaviours related to the above safeguarding-related topics.

***Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skills, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people – especially children and vulnerable adults – to live free from abuse and harm.