Project Finance Manager

Project Finance Manager 80%

Mission of the Department:

The Project Finance Unit serves the Network as the vital link between programmes, donors, and operations. In doing so we provide financial management, facilitate the flow of funds, are responsible for contracting, and apply operational expertise for the effective coordination of programmes, projects and cost centres. Most importantly, we ensure accountability towards donors.

Location:

WWF office in Gland, Switzerland.

Main responsibilities:

• Coordinates the financial relations of WWF with Governmental institutional donors (mainly European Commission (EC)) and contributes to enhancing the quality of network’s performance in Public Sector Partnerships (PSP), mainly EC, contract development, design and delivery by:       
• providing and coordinating support and advice for the quality management of PSP (mainly EC)  funded projects, and working closely with and in support of implementing teams.
• supporting and coordinating support to proposal development as needed.
• Conducts the operational and financial management of several Global Programmes, Units, other strategic projects, and/or Global Initiatives as agreed with the Head of the Project Finance Unit. Identifies and communicates major funding gaps while recommending best working solutions.
• Advises on operational structure of these programmes/projects in accordance with the Network Standards and donor requirements, taking into account multiple currencies and co-funding requirements.
• Provides support and input to strategic programme financial planning processes, including development of proposals, budgeting, development and/or drafting of contracts, and monitoring contractual compliance and progress, all in accordance with WWF policies and procedures.
• Ensures all issued agreements and payments are processed in a timely manner in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Contributes to planning, directing, coordinating and ensuring the effective operation of the Project Finance department, by providing leadership through ongoing communication to the team.
• Ensures the implementation of WWF standards and best practices in Project Finance and in all operations of the unit and uses this experience to define how those standards and best practices can be further refined.
• Prepares and reviews financial reports to management and donors, ensuring that expenditure is according to approved contractual budgets and that donor requirements are met.
• Ensures that the financial reports to the donors are of good quality.
• Monitors and reconciles funding grants and bank accounts as required for projects within the WWF International portfolio.
• Provide liaison between programme and donors as and when required.
• Ensures adequate cost recovery on the portfolio including Project Finance cost.
• Manages visits to the field to review the financial management of the projects, train field staff as required, support Oracle implementation and ongoing management, participate in Finance workshops or other relevant objectives, if required.

What you need:

Required Qualifications, Skills and Competencies

• University degree or equivalent work experience in fields of business, finance, economics, and accounting;
• Minimum seven years of financial, project management, and/or accounting experience within an international organization with complex donor requirements or multinational company.
• Developed financial management/accounting skills are essential.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to set priorities, complete work with minimal supervision, and meet deadlines.
• Self-starter with strong organizational skills
• Advanced PC skills, particularly knowledge of MS Word and MS Excel software. ORACLE experience would also be a strong asset.
• Excellent communication skills, with fluency (spoken and written) in English. Other languages would also be a strong asset.
• Willingness to conduct international travel and conduct assignments in the field offices.
• Willingness to assist WWF International's fundraising activities.
• An interest in conservation.
• Adhere to WWF’s brand values which are: Knowledgeable, Optimistic, Determined and Engaging.

Please consult the attached job description for more information on the position. 

How to apply?

Upload your covering letter and CV on Linkedin. We will not accept applications without CV and covering letter. Please make sure they are saved and uploaded together as one file.

Deadline for applications: 16th December 2013

WWF is an equal opportunity employer and committed to having a diverse workforce.