The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 191-member National Societies (NSs). The overall aim of IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.” IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.
IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.
IFRC is led by its Secretary General, and has its Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The Headquarters are organized into three main Divisions: (i) National Society Development and Operations Coordination; (ii) Global Relations, Humanitarian Diplomacy and Digitalization; and (iii) Management Policy, Strategy and Corporate Services.
IFRC has five regional offices in Africa, Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas. IFRC also has country cluster delegations and country delegations throughout the world. Together, the Geneva Headquarters and the field structure (regional, cluster and country) comprise the IFRC Secretariat.
IFRC has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment and other forms of harassment, abuse of authority, discrimination, and lack of integrity (including but not limited to financial misconduct). IFRC also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles.
This internship offers hands-on experience in various aspects of finance, including financial administration, budgeting and day-to-day financial operations and accounting. Under the supervision of the Finance Manager, the Finance and Administration Intern will work closely with experienced professionals and contribute to the overall success of the finance department. The Intern will contribute to ensure trust and accountability, and the role demands strict adherence to the IFRC’s Procedures, Audit recommendations and Code of Conduct.
Duties and Responsibilities :
Accounting and monthly closing
Assist with electronic filing tasks, including sorting, naming, organising, scanning, and filing accounting documents (e.g., payment vouchers, invoices, goods receipt notes).
Support the finance team in entering daily transactions into the accounting system.
Help reconcile supplier invoices with the corresponding payment vouchers in the system.
Assist in the preparation of balance sheet reconciliations during the month-end closing process.
Cash and Bank:
Assist in preparing basic cash reconciliation reports.
Support the maintenance and organization of the supplier list and registration records.
Working Advance settlement (National Societies, delegate staff and national staff)
Assist in compiling monthly reconciliation forms for working advances issued to National Societies, delegate staff, and national staff.
Budgeting and reporting :
Extract financial data to support project financial reporting.
Assist in preparing budget revision templates under the guidance of the finance team.
Carbon footprint calculation
Support the collection, calculation and reporting of carbon footprint data.
Duties and Responsibilities
General Administrative Support :
Help maintain records of staff and visitors’ movements and travel plans.
Assist in drafting internal communications (e.g., email announcements).
Contribute to the organization of office wellbeing and staff engagement activities (e.g., group exercises, informal gatherings).
Provide general administrative and logistical support as required.
Assist with special projects or ad-hoc tasks as assigned by the Finance Manager.
Confidentiality :
Maintain strict confidentiality and refrain from disclosing or disseminating any sensitive or confidential information.
Ensure proper archiving and secure handling of all reports and documents, treating them as confidential material.
Education
Required :
Currently pursuing or recently completed (<1 year) a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
Preferred
Relevant coursework or training in financial accounting, budgeting or administrative management is an asset.
Experience :
Pevious internships in the field of Finance or Accounting.
Experience with data entry, document management or using spreadsheets is an advantage.
Experience with ERP system, or accounting software is an asset.
Knowledge, Skills and Languages
Required :
Basic knowledge of accounting principles and financial documentation (e.g. invoices, vouchers, receipts).
Familiarity with Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel.
Strong organizational skills, with attention to detail and accuracy in handling documents and data.
Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
Willingness to learn, adapt to new tools and procedures, and take initiative in a team environment.
