JOB DESCRIPTION
The following JD is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It
is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills
required.
Position:
Finance Assistant
Responsible to:
Capital Finance Manager
Merlin International Profile
Merlin specialises in health, saving lives in times of crisis and helping to rebuild shattered health
services. Each year, Merlin helps more than 15 million people in up to 20 countries.
Context and Background
Merlin has been operational in Pakistan since 2005, providing life saving activities for the most
vulnerable communities in Kashmir, Baluchistan, FATA and KPK Provinces. Merlin first became
operational in Pakistan following the 2005 earthquake in Kashmir, and has since responded to a
number of emergencies including the Yemen Cyclone in 2007 and Ziarat quake in 2008 in
Baluchistan, and the IDP crisis from 2009 onwards, affecting various districts of KPK. Since
2008 Merlin has also been implementing a large-scale development project focusing on malaria
control in Baluchistan, FATA and KPK, this has included acting as the procurement agent for
Global Fund partners in Pakistan. Merlin is a major health player in Pakistan, working in close
coordination and collaboration with all involved stakeholders. Merlin’s main objective in
Pakistan has been to improve the health status of the population most affected by natural
disasters, diseases and conflict. Merlin is committed to longer-term programming in Pakistan
and plans to continue to operate to meet the health needs of the Pakistani population.
In response to the July monsoon flooding disaster and subsequent health crisis, Merlin
mobilized health and medical teams to lead a rapid emergency response to meet escalating
health needs of flood-affected and displaced communities. Merlin has continued its regular
programmes and extended coverage to communities affected by the flood; currently reaching
approximately 2,000,000 people through the provision of essential health services, community
management of malnutrition and communicable disease surveillance and management. Merlin
is currently operating in Swat, Buner, Nowshera, and Charsadda districts in KPK province and
MuzafarGarh in Punjab province. Merlin’s model of care is based on the provision of an
integrated package of health and nutrition services via static and mobile outreach services
(currently supporting a total of 38 static health facilities and 26 mobile clinics). Merlin also
currently supports seven diarrheal treatment units across all operational districts. Merlin has
expanded its malaria control operations to six flood affected districts in Baluchistan and KPK
provinces. This has been done through the initiation of malaria case management, surveillance
and outbreak response in disease endemic parts of the country in partnership with the provincial
malaria directorate. Merlin’s malaria programs are therefore now reaching a total of 11 million
people across 16 districts in KPK, Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Baluchistan.
Merlin works closely with the Ministry of Health, Health and Nutrition Clusters and Department
of Malaria Control, to ensure close coordination and collaboration with all involved stakeholders.
Merlin is also currently implementing emergency response activities in Sindh Province, in the
South of Pakistan. The intervention is operational in two districts – Dadu and Thatta,
implementing an integrated health and nutrition response for flood affected populations. The
provincial office is based in Hyderabad
1
SPECIFIC TASKS & DUTIES:
Job Description for Finance Assistant:
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Collect and File Hardcopies from field on monthly basis.
Keep filing system of all the Field and sub-offices in Pakistan
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Mark all the vouchers paid and arrange them for audit & reporting purposes
Assist FO in updating accruals list.
Assist FO in preparing bank reconciliation
Distribute cheques to vendors and get receiving from them
Get signed closing cash counts from field on monthly basis and maintain its file.
Prepare and photocopy vouchers for Reporting and Audit.
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Keep record of Receivables and payables (Book Keeping)
Provide necessary help and support to Field for financial reporting
Update the cash and bank register electronically (On Excel)
Review hardcopies and provide feedback to field staff on monthly basis.
Assist FO & AFM in given tasks
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Pay COLA & travel advances to expat staff
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Adjust advances of National and International staff.
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REQUIREMENTS OF POSITION
2.1
MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:
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MBA in Finance & Accounting and equal certification,,
Excellent computer skills especially including MS Excel spreadsheets and records
Ability to collate and analyse data, and present results to other people
Excellent communication skills, with good spoken and written English and Urdu
Experience working with an INGO in a similar role, with solid Finance experience.
Good team player.
Able to use own initiative and enable creative solutions.
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DECLARATION
Merlin is an international humanitarian organisation involved in emergency programmes.
Therefore all Merlin staff have to be available at anytime in order to respond to any emergency
work, should the need arise.
There will be occasions when this person will be asked to carry out additional tasks outside of
these responsibilities for a variety of reasons, (e.g. urgent requirement, colleague absent, etc).
As a member of the Administrative Team this person is expected to carry out these additional
tasks willingly and responsibly to the best of their abilities.
I, the undersigned, certify that I have read and understood this job description and I pledge to
respect it along with the laws of this country, the Merlin Code of Conduct, the Staff Regulations
and the terms and conditions of the contract I signed.
Signed at:
Date:
Effective from:
Name:
Signature