Would you like to make an important contribution to the RSPB’s exciting international work? We run a range of programmes overseas that deliver major benefits for both wildlife and local people, working closely with local partner NGOs. We are now looking for an International Finance Officer to join our Project Development and Support Unit to carry out key financial administration, monitoring and reporting tasks.

The post-holder will undertake financial administration work for our international programmes, such as processing payments, preparing and monitoring contracts, checking partner expenditure reports, conducting audit spot-checks, administering our timesheet database and carrying out related checks, and overseeing project budgeting processes. They will also be responsible for expenditure monitoring and reporting for selected externally funded projects; this work will include preparing financial claims, checking timesheets and receipts, ensuring compliance with funder requirements and preparing documentation for project audits.

Aside from excellent numeracy skills, the post-holder will be highly organised, happy to work in a close-knit team and proficient in the use of Microsoft Excel. They will also be skilled at cultivating and maintaining internal and external working relationships. Ideally, the post-holder will have previous experience of handling sensitive financial data and grant/financial administration. Very occasional travel around the UK and abroad may be required.

What's the job about?

The Key Result Areas for the job are listed below. The post-holder will spend 50% of their time working on a large forest protection project funded through USAID's West Africa Biodiversity and Low Emission Development programme (WABiLED) and the other 50% supporting other grant- and core-funded projects and carrying out other financial administration tasks.        

- Manage project budgets and expenditure in close collaboration with project managers to ensure financial propriety.

- Recognise and minimise RSPB financial risk by monitoring project compliance with external grant conditions and taking action to improve systems and processes and/or alert the Finance & Reporting Manager to ensure management is aware.

- Monitor partner expenditure on RSPB-funded projects and programmes and advise relevant staff of issues where necessary.

- Cultivate and maintain relationships with staff in partner organisations to ensure they comply fully with financial reporting obligations to the RSPB, and to assist and advise them in financial management.

- Prepare appropriate contracts with partner organisations and other contractors, ensure they are enacted properly, process payments and liaise closely with the Finance Department to ensure that these payments are made efficiently.

- Monitor and report progress towards achievement of work programmes to the Finance & Reporting Manager and to donors to ensure adherence to their guidelines.

- With the Finance & Reporting Manager, develop annual and longer-term work priorities and deliver these to achieve our strategic objectives.

- Support the implementation of projects and programmes under the relevant Portfolio Board to ensure effective delivery.

- Demonstrate effective team working to adhere to our values.

Essential qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience

• Educated to degree level, or with sufficient relevant experience to be able to carry out duties effectively.
• Knowledge of financial management
• Knowledge of the BirdLife International partnership
• Advanced spreadsheet skills
• Excellent numeric skills
• Highly proficient in the use of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
• Proven relationship and partnership building skills
• Proven financial management skills
• Proven risk management skills
• Proven diplomacy and negotiation skills
• Cultural sensitivity
• Able to work unsupervised abroad in remote locations in developing countries, without good communications 
• Experience of handling financial data – spreadsheets and databases

Desirable qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience

• Proven track record of developing and managing large project budgets up to £500,000
• Foreign language ability (predominantly French), such that communication to a moderate level on daily issues is possible

This is a Fixed-Term, Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week, for 2.5 years. We are looking to conduct interviews for this position during the week starting 20th June 2022. For further information please contact pamela.braham@rspb.org.uk.

As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.