Program and Finance Associate

The International Republican Institute (IRI) seeks a full-time Program and Finance Associate (PFA) to assist with in-country program implementation and accounting in Bulgaria for IRI’s municipal anticorruption program, with project dates June 1, 2021 to January 31, 2023. The PFA will serve on a full-time basis and report directly to IRI’s Bulgaria Program Manager. **

IRI is a nonprofit organization based in Washington DC dedicated to advancing democracy worldwide. IRI conducts a wide range of international programs in more than 30 countries to promote and strengthen democratic ideals and institutions. These programs are individually structured for each country and include training on such issues as civic responsibility, the legislative process for newly elected government officials and the mechanics of organizing political parties and election campaigns.

Job Description: The PFA will assist and report to the Program Manager in program implementation. The PFA will also serve as the field accountant for IRI in Bulgaria. This will entail a full range of program implementation responsibilities:

• Fulfilling regular reporting requirements of accounting, procurement and overall financial operations of the Bulgaria office;
• Conducting financial operations in JAMIS, such as AP bills, entries and approvals, expenses reports, reports, rolling budgets, monthly exchange rate calculations, online bank and cash operations, VAT return reporting, etc.;
• Supervising all types of bank transactions in the office (i.e. online bank payments, cash payments, check payments, reconciliations, etc.);
• Ensuring that employees reconcile cash advances in a timely manner, and according to IRI’s deadline policy;

• Monitoring reconciliations and bank accounts, and making necessary recommendations to ensure compliance with the funder and IRI’s financial requirements;

• Conducting the VAT return operations;

• Maintaining petty cash;

• Conducting registration and deregistration of employees at the tax-office;

• Ensuring that all IRI documents (documents, archives, equipment, etc. are well protected at all time and that the inventory list is revised and updated;

• Assisting U.S.–based program staff to ensure that all procurement contracts are processed for renewal or termination prior to expiration date;

• Assisting U.S.–based program staff in coordinating procurement and contract negotiations;

• Coordinating ordering supplies;

• Coordinating logistical arrangements for IRI program events and consultations, including: contacting participants, ensuring that the needed materials and equipment are provided, taking notes during meetings, ensuring participants have filled in attendance sheets and other monitoring and evaluation forms;

• Calculating payroll, submitting financial reports and doing bookkeeping according to local laws and regulations (preferred);

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• University degree in accounting or finance;
• Minimum of 2-3 years of professional experience in accounting, program administration, or a combination of both, preferably working directly for an international organization;
• Familiarity with local finance and accounting regulations;
• Familiarity of Bulgaria’s political system, civic space and system of national and local governance;
• Written and verbal fluency in English and local languages;
• Experienced with various accounting software packages;
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team to effectively meet program needs;
• Familiarity with the financial reporting requirements of USG funders.

Short-listed candidates will be contacted by IRIApplications:** Applicants should submit a Curriculum Vitae, a one-page Letter of Application outlining their qualifications and describing the motivation and added value they bring to the program, as well as contact details of two references. T