Finance Officer (noc) Damascus Va016-2026

Organizational Context

WFP Syria operates in a complex humanitarian environment marked by conflict, economic contraction, and climate shocks. The Country Office delivers large-scale assistance using diverse modalities and requires strong coordination with various stakeholders. Agile planning, robust internal controls, and continuous risk management are essential to ensure accountability and efficient resource utilization.

Job Purpose

The Finance Officer in Damascus will provide senior oversight for financial and resource management across the Country Office and Area/Field Offices. This role is crucial for ensuring sound stewardship through effective budgeting, accounting, reporting, financial closures, and cash/bank management, adhering to IPSAS, WFP controls, and donor requirements. The Finance Officer will deliver essential financial planning, analysis, and risk management to support timely operational decisions and compliant implementation, including for partner arrangements. By working closely with senior management, the job holder will set priorities for the finance function, strengthen assurance and audit readiness, and drive continuous improvement to maintain operational continuity and donor confidence in a challenging operating context.

Responsibilities

The Finance Officer is responsible for overseeing the financial and resource management strategies of a Country Office, ensuring adherence to WFP standards and processes. This includes leading the implementation of finance, budgeting, and resource management operations to facilitate the timely and effective delivery of food assistance. Key duties involve developing and refining financial policies and procedures, conducting financial assessments of partners to mitigate organizational risk, and designing, monitoring, and analyzing project budgets. The role demands accurate financial reporting and analysis in compliance with IPSAS, alongside regular bank reconciliations, cash management, and monthly financial closures. A critical aspect is the continuous monitoring and analysis of financial data to identify trends, forecast issues, and propose solutions to management regarding budget status, fund availability, and program effectiveness. The Finance Officer also plays a vital role in enhancing operational efficiency through system improvements, conducting risk and internal control assessments, and coordinating financial controls. Furthermore, the position involves leading and developing the finance team, representing the unit in various meetings, contributing to preparedness activities, and acting as a technical focal point for financial negotiations with government entities and the Central Bank to ensure operational liquidity and compliance with local and international principles.

Work Experience

Requires a minimum of five years of progressive professional experience in finance or accounting with a Master's degree, or seven years with a first university degree. Must have experience in a specialized finance area within a country office, including developing financial policies and procedures. Proven experience is needed in liaising with government financial institutions or central banks, particularly managing complex currency exchange, regulatory reporting, or financial diplomacy in sanctioned or volatile economic environments.

Skills

Financial Management, Budgeting, Accounting, Reporting, Financial Closures, Cash Management, Bank Management, Risk Management, Policy Development, Financial Analysis, Coordination, Liaison with Financial Institutions, Audit Readiness, Process Improvement, Team Leadership, Training, Mentorship, Compliance, Donor Requirements, IPSAS, Value for Money, Operational Decisions, Partner Assessment, Project Budgeting, Data Analysis, Internal Controls, Preparedness Activities, Contingency Planning, Financial Negotiations, Regulatory Compliance, Humanitarian Principles

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