Head of Finance & Operations, Syria and Jordan - National Contract

1. General Objective of the Job

The Head of Finance & Operations (HFO) is responsible for overseeing the operational support functions for the War Child Jordan and Syria Programme. This includes financial management, budget control, audit & compliance, logistics & procurement, administration and ICT. The HFO is accountable for ensuring the Syria and Jordan Programme benefits from timely, efficient and high-quality operational support.

The HFO manages a team comprising of finance, administration and ICT/logistics staff, which is subject to change over time, and he/she is responsible for their performance enhancement/management. This includes building the capacity of these staff and actively supporting their learning and development journeys. The HFO will also promote and support activities designed to enhance the operational capacity of War Child’s partners in the Syria Response programme across its various locations.

1. Position in the Organisation

The HFO leads the Finance and Operations department of the Syria and Jordan offices and reports directly to the Country Director (CD). As a member for the Senior Management Team (SMT), the HFO will proactively contribute towards strategy development and management-level problem-solving, plays a central role in maintaining positive relationships with partners, and is committed to ensuring positive and productive working relationships across all departments of the Syria and Jordan Programme offices, as well as with relevant parts and colleagues of the wider War Child Alliance, both regionally and globally. 

1. Result Areas

Internal Financial Management and Risk Management

• Advise and support the CD in maintaining efficient financial control (of cash flows, local payment, etc.), accountability standards, procedures and records,
• Ensure financial management policy and guidelines are developed and adhered to, within the framework of (partially) remote programme management and implementation,
• Prepare budgets, reports and financial management information for internal stakeholders (CD and Head Office), including 3M, 6M, 9M, 12M and Annual Plan,
• Enhance the planning and control cycle in line with Head offices guidelines,
• Ensure accurate, timely and correct bookkeeping,
• Report relevant developments on finance administration to Global Department of Shared Operations,
• Oversee the effective management of money transfers, cash and bank relations by the finance team,
• Prepare a monthly financial situation summary, including analysis of expenditures versus budgets and reports to the CD for review and discussion,
• Timely identify (potential) financial risks and proactively propose solutions to the CMT to address these.

Ensure the efficient and reliable functioning of banking systems and payment modalities in Syria.

Budgeting, Donor Reporting, Audit & Compliance 

• Responsible for budget preparation of new proposals to donors,
• Accountable for periodic financial reports to donors according to their guidelines/regulations and liaise with relevant donors’ focal points as needed,
• Ensure continuous budget (vs. actual) monitoring through monthly reporting and accompanying meetings, timely identifying and flagging issues of (potential) concern,
• Responsible for end of the year closing and audits commissioned by donors, 
• Manage internal and external audits,
• Develop, maintain and ensure adherence to screening guidelines and other relevant aspects of counter-terrorism policy, among others through supervising the screening of (partner) staff and suppliers.

Procurement & Logistics

• Ensure procurement/logistics policies and procedures are adhered to,
• Ensure systems and guidelines are in place for relevant aspects of logistics, including procurement procedures,
• Oversee the proper maintenance and registration of all company assets,
• Review and approve partners’ procurement and logistics policies as and when relevant,
• Review and approve tenders, including those led by implementing partners,
• Ensure continued widespread awareness and understanding among staff and partners about War Child Procurement policy and procedures.

Ensure all required framework agreements are established, approved, and effectively implemented to support operational needs.

Administration & ICT

• Oversee administrative management and support related processes with regards to: office space and guesthouse(s); staff travel; visitor management (airport transfer, accommodation, etc.) and other administration,
• Responsible for quality and security in the management and maintenance of IT and communications (laptops, printers, telephone and other means related to Information and Communication Technology),
• Coordinate timely update of software/hardware systems to enable functioning of IT equipment,
• Ensure the Operational Support department serves as an effective, accessible ICT help desk for the country office team and maintain active coordination with the global ICT team.

Act as the focal point for coordination and communication with lawyers on various legal and operational matters.

Supervision and Capacity Building (staff & partners)

• Supervise the Operational Support department, including allocation of tasks, roles and responsibilities among the Finance Manager, Officer(s), Finance Assistant(s) and Administrative Officer,
• Contribute to capacity building of all finance staff within WCH and of partner organizations,
• Contribute to capacity building of all Procurement and Logistics staff within WCH and of partner organizations,
• Contribute to capacity building of non-financial staff in finance and procurement,
• Conduct performance management cycle (including goal development and review meetings) for all direct reports in accordance with relevant policies and procedures, and ensure continuous support (motivational, technical and otherwise) to direct reports through regular check-ups,
• Maintain an open, productive and pleasant working environment for all staff in the Operations Department.

Other

• As a SMT member, contribute to country strategy development and management-level problem-solving, including resolving interdepartmental bottlenecks,
• Support the process of identifying and assessing potential new partners,
• Participate in the recruitment process as and when required.

1. Profile

Knowledge and Experience

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in similar positions with an NGO/INGO, 
• Holder of a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting or similar degree,
• Relevant mid-to-senior level experience across at least one additional operational function other than Finance (such as procurement, logistics, ICT, Administration),
• Solid understanding of procurement policies and procedures, preferably from the non-profit sector,
• Strong track-record in successfully managing other staff of various backgrounds and levels of capacity,
• Experience in complex humanitarian contexts such as the Syria response is strongly preferred.

Skills and Competencies

• Fluency in Arabic and English, 
• Knowledge of and experience in Financial Planning, monitoring and Management, including using relevant software applications for the same,
• Knowledge of and experience in Budget Planning, monitoring and Management,
• Knowledge of and experience in ensuring compliance with donor rules and regulations,
• Understanding of the reality on the ground and hands on approach to solve issues related to the programme,
• Affinity with the non-profit sector and comfortable with low-resource environments and cost consciousness,
• Strong computer skills, Microsoft Office and in particular Excel,
• Cultural sensitivity, 
• Result-oriented,
• Excellent attention to detail,
• Works well in teams,
• Flexibility,
• Proactive approach.

• Location: This position is open to candidates based in either Jordan or Syria. The selected candidate will be based in their country of residence while supporting operations across both Jordan and Syria. Regular travel between the two countries will be required.
• Contract Type: The selected candidate will be offered a national contract based on their duty station—a Jordan national contract if based in Jordan, or a Syria national contract if based in Syria.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for capacity building and growth, both within the role and through War Child’s broader network.
• Meaningful Impact: The chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families affected by conflict, contributing to long-term, sustainable change.
• Equal Opportunities: War Child is an inclusive employer committed to diversity and inclusion, respecting all individuals regardless of age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability.
• Workplace Culture: War Child is dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace that prioritizes safety and fairness for all individuals. We strictly prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying within our organization

• Make a Real Impact: Your work will directly contribute to providing quality education to children who need it most, creating lasting change in their lives.
• Career Growth: Join a dynamic organization that values your professional development and offers opportunities for learning, growth, and innovation.
• Collaborative and Mission-Driven: Work alongside passionate colleagues and partners united in a mission to protect children and help them thrive despite adversity.