Global Finance & IT Director

The organisation

Hivos is an international organization that seeks new solutions to persistent global issues. With smart projects in the right places, we oppose discrimination, inequality, abuse of power and the unsustainable use of our planet's resources. Counterbalance alone, however, is not enough. Our primary focus is achieving structural change. This is why we cooperate with innovative businesses, citizens and their organizations. We share a dream with them of sustainable economies and inclusive societies.

Hivos is an international NGO with its global office in The Hague (the Netherlands). Some 100 to 130 people of all nationalities and backgrounds work at Hivos' global office in The Hague. Worldwide, Hivos employs approximately 350 people.

The position

Hivos needs a Global Finance & IT Director to lead the rebuilding, optimization and further professionalization of its Finance and IT departments.

Your job is to redesign and build a solid finance structure, building on an existing basic design. Recent operational improvements include new software (AllSolutions) and procedures for financial and project management. Initially, procedures have focused more on day-to-day , so implementation has been slow. And processes (like reporting) need further adjustment and optimization. There is also room for improvement in IT solutions (and their use), and in personnel. Hivos is looking to have the right people in the right place with proper guidance and suitable expertise.

Tasks & responsibilities

Your process will bring focus: from high up down to practical procedures. You will start by assessing the current status of Hivos' finance and control discipline. Looking at, for example, processes, IT, job classification and the needs of management. Naturally, you will take into account cultural differences between the countries where Hivos operates. Based on the information gathered, you will make a design and draw up a project plan with requirements, timelines, priorities and resources needed. Once the COO and the Executive Board give their approval, you can start implementation throughout the organization.

Your results are all very important. You and your team's work will give adequate insight into Hivos' financial performance. Other deliverables range from a global accounting manual, to better use of IT potential; from increased transparency through information management, to more clarity for staff, better use of their skills and, consequently, greater job satisfaction. Ultimately, you will put Hivos more in control of itself as an organization. This will help make room for Hivos to focus on its goal: a free, fair and sustainable world for all.

Your scope is broad. You will lead the Finance and the IT department and have a direct line with Control. You will be intimately involved with the finance process. For example you will lead the year end process and, together with the controller, you will redesign the P&C cycle and ensure that a solid routine is created. Your scope will also involve Risk & Compliance.

In this role you will be a member of the Management Team and report to the COO.

Candidate profile

You are a seasoned Finance & IT Director with proven experience in implementing change. You have done so in complex settings with a global focus and a social component. Preferably you have an academic degree and have an academic thinking and working level. You are specialized in Finance & Control, are IT minded, and have demonstrable experience in leading both Finance and IT departments.

Your approach is project oriented and based on results. You are able to see things from a design and long-term view, without overlooking the indispensable details needed for success. You can untangle and understand complexity in an environment with competing interests. You are used to taking responsibility and have the patience to deal with difficulties without losing sight of your plan and goals. In this job you will have to juggle between focussing on the big picture from a distance and hands-on substansive involvement. You are able to convince others to follow your path through inspiring leadership, not dominance.

Your motivation is overcoming challenges and achieving results. You thrive in complex environments and love an intellectual challenge. Implementing change in a global organization with many multi-stakeholders and central versus regional needs would appeal to you. You want to build the new engine room and will not be satisfied until you have seen the proven results of your hard work. You want to create an organisation with robust, standard and reliable processes, where more time can be used for analysing and steering the organization in financial terms, than just collecting financial data and basic reporting. Your team will be confident about its consistent and reliable performance in support of the Hivos organization.

You have ample experience with Dutch GAAP and Dutch legislation. Furthermore you are proficient in spoken and written Dutch and English. As you will interact with colleagues from around the world, flexibility is key.

The offer

Hivos offers a stimulating work environment in an international organization with very dedicated staff. Global Finance & IT Director is a fulltime position (36 to 40 hours). Your work location is The Hague, but working from home occasionally is possible. Hivos is looking for a suitable candidate who can start immediately and is willing to make a long-term commitment. We will start with a one-year contract that will be extended if we are both satisfied with our cooperation and results.

Your salary is based on Hivos scale 14 and, depending on your experience, can amount to € 6.539,00 gross per calendar month, based on a 36-hour workweek. Dependent on the candidate, a slight plus can be discussed. Travel costs are compensated in accordance to Hivos regulations as well as participation in the pension fund. 

Interested?

You are invited to apply for this position by following the link below. For more information, please contact Bart Diepenbroek (Managing Consultant/Partner of ISA GROUP) at +31 (0)6 55 20 13 21.

The recruitment process is led by external partner ISA GROUP through Recruitment & Sourcing Advice. ISA and Hivos insist on direct application through the website of ISA GROUP only. Acquisition is not appreciated.

Please note: This is not a € 100k+ position. Lintberg has published this position, because we believe the nature of the organisation (non-profit) and the level of the position fits the ambitions of our members.