Administration and finance manager

Based in Brussels, Belgium or Moreton in Marsh, UK

FERN (the Forests and the European Union Resource Network) is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) created in 1995. FERN aims to achieve environmental and social justice, focusing on forests and forest peoples’ rights in the policies and practices of the European Union. We co-ordinate several NGO networks and work co-operatively to achieve change. Currently we have nine staff and our main campaigns are climate change, forest governance including illegal logging and forest certification, trade and investment and bio-energy. FERN has two offices: one in Brussels (Belgium) and one in Moreton in Marsh (UK). The post will be 4/5 days a week depending on the candidate.

A. Roles and responsibilities

1. Financial management and accounting:

Administer FERN’s accounts, including payments (invoices, expense reports, salaries);

General and analytical accounting and bookkeeping (software VENICE);

Monitor overall use of funds and financial situation;

Monitor individual campaign budgets;

Help produce funding applications in line with fundraising strategy;

Deliver donor reports and financial accounts (joint responsibility with campaigners);

Manage some donor relationships;

Produce financial strategy for the organisation;

Finalise annual budget;

Prepare audits of projects and an annual audit in compliance with legal and contractual requirements;

Manage FERN’s funds in the most ethical and cost effective way.

2. Administrative management

Manage legal aspects of human resources, ensuring compliance with labour law, for both UK and Belgium based staff;

Coordinate the administrative team, consisting of two administrative assistants, one in UK, one in Brussels;

Produce an organisational strategy plan;

nsure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, including rental agreements, insurance etc;

General office support.

B. Other requirements

Staff and Board meetings. The financial and office manager is required to attend all staff, board and strategy meetings.

Travel. As FERN is an international organisation with offices in two countries and activities in numerous countries, travel will be necessary to attend crucial meetings.

Joint responsibility for managing the organisation. FERN does not have a director and as such organisational management decisions are made by a decision making team of which the administration and finance manager would be a part.

Flexibility. FERN is a campaigning organisation, and some flexibility will be required in working hours, in the case of urgent funding proposals, budgets etc.

C. Person specification

We are looking for a teamworker with good communication skills and initiative, who can work quickly and accurately. The ideal candidate will be able to work without supervision and co-manage the organisation so that it runs smoothly.

Essential requirements:

At least three years experience of financial management of an organisation of similar size;

Accountancy skills, either by training or experience;

Familiarity with the Belgian and/or UK administrative environment;

Fluency in English and French;

Excellent computer skills (Word, Excel, Access, Internet, and accounting software);

Interest in environmental and social issues.

Desirable

Experience of working for an NGO;

Familiarity with fundraising procedures and applications/reporting requirements of funders, notably the European Commission.

Indicative salary: From 40,900 Euro– 26,628 GBP gross/year, depending on experience and location.

Applications should consist of:

1. A letter explaining why you are interested in this job, including what attracts you to FERN and why you would like to co-manage FERN;
2. A CV detailing all relevant work experience.

Deadline for applications: 6 April 2009

Interview day: 16 April 2009

Please apply in English with CV and cover letter to: job@fern.org

For questions, contact: Joelle Dubois at +32-2-735 25 00 or Saskia Ozinga at +44-1608-652895

Candidates will not be considered if they do not attach a cover letter addressing the questions above.