Context

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) is an intergovernmental organization that advances democracy worldwide, as a universal human aspiration and an enabler of sustainable development, through support to the building, strengthening and safeguarding of democratic political institutions and processes at all levels.

Based on its institutional strategy, International IDEA focuses on six (6) workstreams: Electoral processes; Constitution building processes; Political participation and representation; Climate change and democracy; Digitalization and democracy; and Democracy assessments (including the analysis of the global state of democracy). We also address Gender Equality and Inclusion and Money in Politics as they relate to democracy.

In Latin America, Institutions essential to democratic regimes are increasingly under stress and, in some cases, weakened due to factors such as political polarization, digitalization, rising violence, and other pressures. Questions about the impartiality of electoral institutions, challenges to electoral results, declining public trust, disinformation campaigns, in-person or virtual attacks on electoral officials, and rising electoral violence—especially against women through digital means—are all troubling aspects of this new scenario.

International IDEA will implement a project, funded by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) which aims to strengthen electoral integrity ecosystems, focusing on a gender inclusive approach, to prevent democratic backsliding in Latin America. The project will focus on Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, and Uruguay.

Finance and Administrative Officer will provide high-level financial and administrative support in accordance with project needs and requirements for the Chile Office, and will be responsible for accounting, payments, bank account management and providing support to the office on financial and procurement aspects.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Processes invoices, advance requests, project expenditure reports, prepares and process payment requests accordingly;
2. Performs bank reconciliations and handles the petty cash fund, clearance of receivables, overall cash management and facilitates monthly financial closures in accordance with office and institutional requirements;
3. Assists with expenditure control, advising team members on possible cost-saving measures;
4. Coordinates and monitors the usage and maintenance of project equipment and vehicles;
5. Monitors cash flows and ensures adequate cash levels are maintained every month for the project;
6. Contributes to the preparation of and response to the office and project audits;
7. Operates and maintains use of computerized accounting systems and spreadsheets to assist day-to-day accounting procedures and with reporting requirements;
8. Ensures compliance with donor financial and procurement policies including financial accounting obligations where applicable;
9. Ensures that International IDEA complies with relevant national laws and procedures pertaining to project finance and administration;
10. Maintains records of fixed assets and updates them on a quarterly basis.

General Profile

• Clarifies financial information with diplomacy and clarity to other team members and partners;
• Requires good knowledge, excellent skills and initial experience in their field;
• Has developed knowledge and skills through formal training or work experience;
• Adds value to team-based activities in their unit; collaborates with other entities of the Institute as required;
• Follows internal procedures to ensure high standards of performance and compliance with Institutional guidelines;
• Acts in accordance with International IDEA’s Core Values: Respect, Integrity, and Professionalism;
• Integrates a gender and inclusion perspective in all activities.

Reporting line

• Regional Finance and Operations Manager

Education and Experience

• University degree in business, financial management or other relevant discipline;
• Minimum three (3) years of progressive responsibility in supporting Accounting, Finance, Administration and Grant Management functions;
• Full or part professional qualifications in finance and accounting are considered an advantage;
• Experience in working in an international context, e.g. in an intergovernmental organization, considered an advantage;
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office package (including MS Work, Excel, Project and PowerPoint) and Internet is required; Knowledge of ERP systems (particularly Unit4) is desirable.
• Fluency in written and oral English and Spanish is required.

Terms of Contract:

• Local Post.
• Fixed term appointment until 31 December 2026
• Remuneration - CLP 3,726,167 GROSS per month

Please note as this is a local post, International IDEA will bear no costs relating to the relocation of the selected candidate to the duty station. This position is open to those legally authorized to live and work in Chile for the duration of the contract. International IDEA is not able to support work permit applications. 

Applying for this position:

• Applications should be submitted online no later than 23:59 (CET) 31 December 2024. 
• Please note that all applications must be made in English.

Selection Process:

• Evaluation of qualified candidates will include a written test assessment and up to two (2) interviews.
• Candidates selected to proceed to the next stage of the process will be contacted once all applications have been carefully reviewed.
• All candidates will be notified of the status of their application via email once the process has been finalized.

International IDEA is an equal-opportunity employer which seeks to further diversify its staff in terms of gender, culture and nationality.