The Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and of wetland biodiversity and services. It is the first of the modern global multilateral environmental agreements and remains the only one devoted to a specific critical ecosystem.

The Convention Secretariat has its headquarters in Gland, Switzerland, where the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) provides some administrative services for the Convention.

The Convention on Wetlands, also known as the “Ramsar Convention” from the name of the city in Iran where it was signed in 1971, is an intergovernmental treaty which provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and sustainable use of wetland biodiversity and services. It was the first of the modern global multilateral environmental agreements and remains the only one devoted to a specific critical ecosystem.

The Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands has its headquarters in Gland, Switzerland where the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), provides some administrative services to the Convention’s Contracting Parties for the operations and implementation of the Convention.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Finance Manager is responsible for the financial administration of the Ramsar Convention, facilitating positive relationships with donors, providing clear financial information to the Contracting Parties to the Convention and advising the Secretary General on the financial management of the Convention. The incumbent is responsible for financial management within the Secretariat through the provision of accurate and timely information on both core and project finances. The Finance Manager will adjust to the needs of the Secretariat’s recurring triennial cycle.

The Finance Manager has a major role in the effective management of the resources of the Convention. Responsible for approximately CHF 3 million in project funds; and CHF 5 million in annual contributions to the core budget.


DUTIES

The Finance Manager is involved in all areas of preparation of budgets; working closely with the Secretary General for the core budget, and the regional teams for non-core projects. The Finance Manager is responsible for the following operational tasks:

• Reviewing and, if necessary, adapting the Convention’s financial and administrative processes and procedures in accordance with the processes of the host organisation, IUCN, The International Union for Conservation of Nature.
• Preparing budgets for the Convention for approval by the Standing Committee and the triennial Conference of the Parties.
• Calculating the annual contributions (the core funding of the Secretariat) and overseeing the invoicing and collection processes for the Secretariat.
• Presenting the yearly budget and results to the Standing Committee.
• Presenting monthly core financial reports to the Secretary General.
• Overseeing the preparation of travel and expense advances for all related meetings.
• Overseeing the preparation and input of invoices for submission to authorising signatories.
• During the year of the Conference of the Parties, taking responsibility for the Convention’s Conference of the Parties Administrative budget and also sponsored delegates’ travel and travel costs.
• Responsible for the overview and control of all contracts and monitors the register of these commitments. The Finance Manager also oversees the service arrangements between Ramsar and IUCN regarding financial services, and is responsible for the annual external audit.
• Organising training for staff on financial management procedures and provide support to staff to follow the processes in place.
• For non-core projects, including grants programmes, the Finance Manager is responsible for providing guidance to staff with project management responsibilities, preparing budgets, controlling contracts and expenditures and reporting to donors.


SPECIFIC STRATEGIC TASKS

The Finance Manager is particularly responsible for:

• Ensuring that the budgeting process reflects and supports the guidance and instructions from the Standing Committee and the Conference of the Parties.
• Providing a clear picture and understanding of the financial health of the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, including the development of a set of financial performance indicators.
• Closely liaising with IUCN to ensure provision of high quality financial information to the Secretary General and Convention bodies to support good decision making.
• Harmonising Ramsar’s financial processes with IUCN.
• Providing support and high quality relevant information to fundraising efforts to ensure adequate income and strong interest and commitment from donors.


OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

This position will have direct management responsibility for a finance and accounting assistant position.
The Finance Manager works as part of a whole-of-Secretariat approach, thus taking responsibility on the tasks included in this job description and supporting others to deliver on the common goals and objectives of the Secretariat and at the required standards of financial management.

The Finance Manager has a key role in Secretariat technology projects, both in relation to the project specification and vendor selection, and supporting the project management and delivery.