Administration & Finance Officer

About GISF

The Global Interagency Security Forum (GISF) is a member-led NGO network working to strengthen security risk management across the humanitarian and development sectors. With over 140 member organisations, GISF provides resources, convening spaces, and expertise to help keep aid workers safe.

About the role

The Administration and Finance Officer plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of GISF’s operations. This role combines core administrative responsibilities with day-to-day financial support, including grant-related bookkeeping, staff timesheet coordination, and invoice tracking. Training will be provided on financial tasks, though some experience is welcome. This role would suit someone looking for flexibility across their week- a suitable working pattern can be negotiated with the successful candidate.

Key responsibilities

Administration & Operations

• Provide day-to-day operational support to the GISF Secretariat,
• Coordination with outsourced service providers (e.g. IT, legal, finance, audit).
• Maintain and update GISF’s policies systems to support efficient operations.
• Manage the GISF office space in London.
• General HR duties, including support to recruitment processes, leave-tracking and onboarding of new staff and consultants.
• Assist with travel bookings, venue arrangements, and logistics for meetings as well as GISF-led external events.
• Administrative support to the board of directors.

Finance

• Support day-to-day financial processes, including coordination of supplier payments and processing staff expense claims.
• Oversee basic bookkeeping functions, including coding of expenses to relevant grants and cost centres.
• Maintain financial records and assist in the preparation of financial reports for donors and management.
• Liaise with GISF’s external accountants or financial service provider to support timely and accurate reporting.
• Coordinate the collection and consolidation of monthly staff timesheets, ensuring correct allocation to grants/projects.
• Prepare and issue invoices; monitor payments and follow up with members as needed.

Person specifications

• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage logistics, competing priorities, and multiple deadlines.
• Demonstrated experience supporting administrative processes such as scheduling, travel booking, document management, and coordination with external service providers.
• High attention to detail, particularly in maintaining accurate financial and administrative records.
• Confidence working with budgets, invoices, expense tracking, and basic bookkeeping tasks (training can be provided).
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office (especially Excel and Word) and comfortable learning new systems quickly.
• Experience using digital tools such as CRMs or accounting platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Xero) is desirable.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear emails, documents, and reports.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement, and escalate issues appropriately.
• Professionalism, discretion, and the ability to handle sensitive or confidential information (e.g., HR records, board materials, donor-linked financial data).
• Strong interpersonal skills and a service-oriented approach when supporting colleagues, members, and partners.
• Ability to work accurately under pressure and maintain consistency in routine tasks such as timesheet consolidation and invoice tracking.
• A problem-solving mindset, with the ability to suggest and implement improvements to administrative or financial processes.
• Comfortable working in a hybrid or remote environment and managing workload with limited supervision.

What we offer

• 25 days of annual leave increasing annually after 2 years, up to a maximum 30 days (plus bank holidays)
• Office shutdown between Christmas and New Year
• Employer Pension contributions
• A focus on professional development, including access to overseas events, workshops, and training

How to apply

Application is by submission of a CV and cover letter, contact details can be found in the attached document.

The cover letter should be no more than two pages, and explain why you are interested in this post with GISF and how your skills and experience make you a good fit.

Closing date: 16 January 2025 (applications reviewed on a rolling basis)

This post is UK-based. Candidates will need to show evidence of their eligibility to work in the UK. Further information will be provided when an offer of employment is made.