Background

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is a global, nonprofit organization that strives to share God’s love and compassion for all through relief, development and peace - www.mcc.org.

Established in 1921, MCC has almost 100 years of experience in peacebuilding, disaster response and development and has had an ongoing presence in the Middle East since the 1960s. MCC primarily works through national partnerships to improve the lives of local communities.

MCC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to employment equity. MCC values diversity and invites all qualified candidates to apply.

Start Date: As soon as possible.

Benefits: Severance, medical insurance, children education benefits and vacation days.

Hours: 40 hours per week (9:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday; occasional nights and weekends).

Contract basis: One-year contract with 3-month probation period. This can possibly be renewed based on performance and organization needs.

Qualifications (necessary skills, experience, and education):

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required, degree in finance or business preferred.

Experience

• 2-3 years of experience in accounting or finance. Previous finance role in a CSO or NGO is an asset.

Skills/abilities

• Essential:
  • Thorough knowledge of accounting principles and procedures.
  • Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills (English and Arabic).
  • General office, data entry, MS Office, database, internet, email, and multi-tasking skills.
  • Ability to take initiative and responsibility and to follow through on tasks with little supervision.
  • Flexibility/willingness to be interrupted and to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Proven organizational and administrative skills.
  • Proven ability to problem solve.
• Desirable:
  • Experience working with financial software.

Personal qualities

• Creative and innovative approach to work.
• Demonstrated interest and involvement in issues of justice, compassion and mercy.
• Ability to work as part of a team, to focus under pressure, and to work on tight timelines in support of MCC’s programs.
• Must be able to work with people from all cultures and open to different points of view.

Assignment Narrative: (background information, accountability & support structure, schedule requirements) 

The Finance and Administrative Officer reports to the MCC Lebanon Representatives. She or he will maintain regular office hours, 9:00 – 17:00, Monday-Friday. She or he is expected to occasionally work nights and/or weekends, especially during conferences or times when there are program deadlines.

The Finance and Administrative Officer will be responsible for undertaking the day-to day functioning of the MCC office. The ability to manage a variety of projects simultaneously under minimal supervision is required. The job requires a great deal of multi-tasking and the initiative to complete tasks and problem solve as appropriate. Must also be able to meet and greet visitors and guests in a pleasant and professional manner.

This position requires the Finance and Administrative Officer to work with the MCC Representatives to manage the finances of the Lebanon program, including frequent communication with program and financial services staff in MCC’s Canada and U.S. offices. Excellent oral and written communications skills are required on a daily basis to coordinate the needs of the office and assist with financial management of the program. The position will require attention to detail, working with MCC’s financial systems and policies.

Duties (specific tasks & responsibilities):

Accounting and Finance

• Ensure internal control procedures are followed for all cash disbursement, exchanges, receipts and transfers.
• Check sub-grantee reports, supporting documentation, and arrange payments to them.
• Check and approve financial entries to ensure correct coding and documentation.
• Prepare monthly financial reports for review and submission.
• Prepare fund requests and other disbursements from MCC’s head offices in Canada and the U.S. – anticipating needs for projects and office expenses.
• Work with MCC and local auditors on MCC’s financial records.
• Assist with the annual budgeting process, quarterly budget reports, and anticipated budget variances.
• Prepare required reports to tax authorities (MOF/ MOI/ VAT, etc.).
• Attend INGO Finance Managers meeting.

Office Administration

• Coordinate hosting logistics for the MCC Beirut office including travel, lodging and scheduling meetings for visiting guests and assisting with partner gatherings and program retreats.
• Ensure effective day-to-day cash box disbursements in the Beirut office in coordination with the Rep and Accountant – phone cards, occupancy, services, and etc.
• Responsibility for tracking and purchasing of offices supplies and equipment.

General

• Attend MCC partner conferences and program retreats.
• Attend MCC weekly staff meetings.
• A willingness to help with various tasks to support MCC’s mission.
• A willingness to work extra hours when necessary (i.e., reporting or audit periods).
• Communicate regularly with Lebanon and Syria Representatives.
• Model non-violent peacemaking in the workplace and community through respectful interactions with others.

Challenges:

• Contact with people living in very difficult situations has the potential to bring about sadness and feelings of helplessness (Secondary Trauma). Strong coping mechanisms and balancing workload with self-care is needed.
• At certain times of the year, reporting deadlines may lead to heavier than normal workloads. Meetings or activities with partners can occur in the evenings or on the weekends. Flexibility will be needed.