About the Centre for Social Science Research and Action (CeSSRA)

The CeSSRA is an action-oriented, non-profit research centre for and about civil society.

We are a multidisciplinary space creating synergies and bridging between researchers, experts, civil society and NGO practitioners, and activists. The CeSSRA aims to foster social change through innovative uses of social science, digital technologies, and publication and exchange of knowledge.

Job Purpose: 

Ensure strategic, effective, and sustainable management of the center’s financial and administrative issues, as well as their compliance with the centre’s regulations and procedures in addition to donor guidelines. 

Main Tasks

The Administration and Finance Manager will be responsible for finance management, accounts maintenance, budget control, and for coordinating broad administrative support functions, which include execution of administrative tasks as summarized below:

Under the supervision of the Co-Directors, and in close collaboration with research and project officers/ managers/ coordinators, and the administration assistant.

Specifically

• Responsible for co-developing and implementing a financial strategic plan, procedures, and ensuring sound financial operations, planning, and forecast.
• Lead and manage the administration and finance department of the centre.
• Ensure that all financial transactions are carried out and recorded in accordance with international and Lebanese standards, and maintain a sound and up-to-date entry on the accounting and finance management system.
• Participate in resource mobilization efforts and strategy of the centre. 
• Provide oversight, financial control, and backstopping on budgets, forecasts, expenditures, and audits. 
• Analyse financial data and provide concrete action plans (including exchange rates and adjustments). 
• Develop monthly, yearly, mutliyearly, or as requested financial reports, forecasts and plans. 
• Approve and manage budgetary allocation in accordance with established regulations and procedures and within the authority delegated.
• Approve and manage the processing of payments and expenditures.
• Control all updated financial records and brief continuously the co-Directors and concerned officers about the financial status of the centre or the programmes;
• Act as the main focal point with external counterparts such as auditors (internal and external), MoF and MoI, donors etc. 
• Manage and prepare reports to all external counterparts (authorities in Lebanon and Cyprus), donors and partners etc. 
• Perform other duties as requested.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or technical equivalent in accounting or finance. Master degree is preferable.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in finance and administration.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in working with nonprofit organisations.
• Strong computer skills, Microsoft office and especially Excel.
• Ability to give and receive feedback constructively
• Fluent in Arabic and English.
• Ability to complete tasks on time.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills required.
• Ability to work independently, coordinate, and plan with relevant team members.