Job Detail

Geneva, Switzerland
[Closing date: 28 October 2018]                                                     

Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) is a collaborative, patients’ needs-driven, non-profit drug research and development (R&D) organization that is developing new treatments for Neglected Diseases. (www.dndi.org)

The Operations Department was created in 2011 to help the Executive Director focus on strategic activities. It coordinates DNDi infrastructure globally (finance, operational and strategic planning, human resources, information systems and technology, legal structuring, risk management and organizational development) and supports decision-making and flows of information across the organization. It also provides oversight to business development and legal activities and liaison offices.

Purpose of the position

The Finance Manager will be responsible for DNDi‘s financial functions including financial reporting to donors, support Internal Control function and compliance. The Finance Manager will support the R&D and Transversal teams with the financial management of their activities (budgetary planning, control, and follow up). S/he will report directly to the Finance and Planning Director and to support the finance managers who in charge of donors and reporting. This is a short-term position for 8 months at 100% (maternity leave replacement).

Specific job responsibilities

In collaboration with Fundraising team

• Prepare and update the global income plan and GAP analysis. Sharing information with the teams


• In collaboration with the R&D, Fundraising, and Finance teams, assist in building financial proposals in compliance with donors’ requirements


• Review donors contract before signature for compliance and share information with the teams (R&D and non-R&D)


• Produce/prepare intermediate and final financial reports for submission to donors in collaboration with R&D and Fundraising teams on time manner


• Allocate grants to activities as per donors’ requirements and organizational needs


• Liaise with Fundraising team to prepare the donor audit and provide information with the Finance team

Ensure adequate financial control is maintained over DNDi projects departments

• Participate in the revision of financial policies and internal control procedures with the support of the Finance team


• Contribute to accounting guideline definitions and modifications


• Collaboration with other departments (legal, fundraising, procurement, HR, etc.) and regional offices to direct compliance issues to appropriate existing channels for investigation and resolution


• Monitor and coordinate compliance activities of other departments to remain abreast of the status of all compliance activities and to identify trends


• Organize or perform ad hoc training sessions to ensure adherence to financial standards

Budgeting process

• Support to build the organization annual budget, conduct budget revisions and follow-up, in collaboration with the R&D team and other departments


• Work closely with Programme Finance team (NTD, Viral, and GARDP) to prepare global budget consolidation to present to the Executive Team for arbitration and decision making


• Support the launching out of the new budget process and tools. Ensure the new budget process and tool are implement for each disease.


• Contribute to establish and manage dash board with R&D teams, Fundraising, and Finance teams


• Undertake ad hoc financial analysis tasks as required. This will include benchmarking for donors’ presentation at the annual meeting, case analysis, etc.

Support the accounting functions

• Support the Accounting team on closing process (year-end closing)


• Work closely with Finance Managers to follow-up yearly expenditure and allocation to appropriate projects/donors on time manner (year-end cut-off)


• Prepare summary of In-kind contribution and collaborative fund to support Finance Managers


• Support the Finance team for processing of the income recognition related to donors


• Any ad hoc tasks to support the Finance and Accounting teams

Job requirements

Skills and attributes

• Strong ability to use initiative, prioritize, multi-task, and work well under pressure to meet deadlines


• Clear and systematic thinking that demonstrates good judgment and problem-solving competencies


• Good communication skills in multicultural, multi-lingual environments


• Strong ability to work effectively as part of a multicultural team


• Well organized and structured


• Strong analytical skills


• Strong ability to provide high level support in project/programme delivery


• Strong management and negotiation skills


• Has autonomy for taking actions and decisions


• Ability to interact with external stakeholders


• Motivate a small team for optimum performance, and provide training

Finance technical skills

• Knowledge of ERP Microsoft Dynamics NAV (Navision) is an asset


• Swiss GAAP knowledge is a considerable plus

Experience

• Minimum 6 years’ relevant experience


• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment and matrix structure


• Experience with multiple currencies and analytical accounting


• Experience of working in public and private sector is highly desirable

Education

• Advanced post graduate degree or graduate degree with equivalent in experience to reach Master level

Other requirements

• Fluency in English


• Proficiency in local languages desirable


• Very good knowledge of Microsoft Suite

Reporting line

• S/he reports to Finance & Planning Director

Other information

• Status: full time – temporary role: 8 months’ contract (maternity leave replacement)


• Starting date: 1 December 2018

To apply

• Please submit your application using the online form


• Deadline for application: Accepting applications until 28 October 2018


• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted