Head of Finance (f/m/d) (German speaking) Berlin

For our Finance Department at Johanniter International Assistance Headquarter in Berlin, we are looking for a

Head of Finance (f/m/d)
(German speaking)

open-ended contract

Organisation Description: Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe e.V. is a German Christian non-governmental organisation, dedicated to excellence in the field of first aid, ambulance service, social service programmes and other projects in the medical and social field. Johanniter International Assistance (JIA) is the operational unit for humanitarian aid and development cooperation worldwide. The Federal Headquarters (HQ) is based in Berlin, Germany. Our Global Strategy 2027 focuses on three key working areas: emergencies, health and livelihoods implementing and supporting projects with a specific focus on climate change and gender equality worldwide (https://johanniter.org). Our commitment to a partnership approach and localisation agenda is based on mutual learning, respect and trust. We prioritise accountability, inclusivity and safeguarding in our work.

Overall Job Purpose

The jobholder is responsible for the strategic development and effective implementation of the financial management of Johanniter International Assistance (JIA). He/she is responsible for the management of the Finance Department and ensures that it fulfills its mandate.

The jobholder maintains a close exchange with the staff of JIA at Headquarters in Berlin (HQ) and at Regional and Country Office level. In an interface function, he/she ensures the connection to the operational management of JUH HQ and other units of the JUH.

What you will do:

Strategy and Vision

• Actively supports the values of Johanniter and shapes the work of the Finance Department accordingly
• Joint leadership and management of Johanniter International Assistance
• Contributes to the development, operationalisation and monitoring of the Global Johanniter International Assistance strategy. In particular, works closely with key contacts at Headquarter (HQ), Regional and Country Office level to ensure the coherence of the overall approach in achieving JIA’s organisational objectives

Finance

• Ensures the expansion, strengthening and conceptual development of financial management at Headquarter (HQ), Regional and Country Office level
• Responsible for the strategic development of controlling in JIA
• Responsible for all financial procedures and processes in JIA as well as their documentation in the quality management system
• Supports and advises the Director of JIA, the programme department, all other departments and the project countries on financial matters
• Responsible for all compliance issues and quality management aspects as well as adherence to third-party donor requirements in relation to financial processes in coordination with the Head of Accountability & Compliance and Programme Funding
• Undertakes business trips to project countries to monitor compliance with financial guidelines in country offices and at partner organisations
• Responsible for JIA budget planning (process and global monitoring, responsible for budgeting and monitoring of departmental budget)
• Main contact person for external audits at HQ
• Accompanies audits, represents JIA vis-à-vis JUH stakeholders, together with the Director and vis-à-vis auditors
• Keeps track of external audits in the country offices on financial matters

Staff and team management

• Leads the Finance Department, including line management of Finance Department’s staff with different areas of expertise
• Creates and maintains a team culture that ensures all staff have a clear understanding of their contribution to achieving Johanniter’s strategic objectives
• Develops and maintains an organisational culture of learning and reflection that leads to positive change
• Ensures effective teamwork, supporting each other and being sufficiently involved in key decision-making processes
• Maintains open and trusting dialogue through regular exchanges to ensure alignment with the overall Johanniter and finance strategy
• Promotes accountability, communication, feedback, supports performance appraisal methods and processes
• Ensures appropriate capacity development and talent management
• Participates in recruitment processes at HQ and project countries

Interface with other Desks

• Ensures effective regular exchange and collaboration with all other desks at HQ, Regional and Country Office level
• Acts as an important interface with other JUH units in terms of operational management
• Participates in the management of emergency relief operations where appropriate, assumes staff functions and on-call duties
• Maintains and expands professional networks at national and international level
• Ensures that all stakeholders receive regular new relevant information

What you bring:

Professional Qualification and Experience:

• Academic degree (MA / MSc) in a relevant field (e.g. Finance and accounting, international accounting, ACCA)
• At least 10 years’ experience in a humanitarian context, at least 5 years in a management position
• Context-related and longstanding work experience in the field in the area of finance; ideally also in cooperation with partner organisations
• Experience in strategy development and implementation, in particular strategic development of Finance Management
• Experience in ensuring compliance with organisational policies, practices and systems that ensure compliance with legal/regulatory requirements and organisational risk management standards
• Strategic and analytical thinking combined with drive to shape the organisation
• Extensive people management skills and several years of experience in leading teams (including leadership at a distance and experience in matrix management structures)
• Proven ability to drive continuous improvement and develop new ways of working
• Adaptable working style and high tolerance for ambiguity

Skills

• Skills in change management and leading organisational development processes are an advantage
• Ability to deal with conflict, manage resistance, stay focused and deal with frustration
• Excellent communication skills internally and externally
• Willingness to travel to project countries including low-security contexts
• Fluent in German and English
• Good knowledge of French/Spanish is an advantage
• IT competence

What we offer:

• The opportunity to strategically shape the future and further development of the Finance Department at Johanniter International Assistance
• Remuneration**:** Competitive, attractive remuneration, in line with internal tariff and relevant previous experience
• Benefits**:** 13th month salary, 30 days paid leave, child bonus, allowance for public transport and Urban Sports Club and many more