Finance intern

Background:

Fern is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) created in 1995. Our mission is to achieve greater environmental and social justice, focusing on forests and forest peoples’ rights in the policies and practices of the European Union (EU). We do this by coordinating NGO networks and by working with partners to achieve change.

We believe that to be effective, it is essential to understand and address the social dimension of environmental conflicts; that strong coalitions are more likely to achieve lasting change; and that presenting ways forward is more effective than highlighting problems. We are committed to tackling gender injustice and supporting women’s rights.

We have no director and strive to make decisions by consensus. Details of our work areas and campaigns can be found at www.fern.org. We currently have 18 staff working from two offices, in Brussels (Belgium), and Moreton-in-Marsh (United Kingdom). We work with partner organisations across Europe, South-East Asia, Central and West Africa and South America.

Fern is looking for a Finance intern to support the work of the FAHRM team (Finance, Admin and Human Resources Management).

Specific tasks to be completed by the intern:

Exact tasks will be agreed by the successful intern and their Fern contact point, but indicative tasks will include support to:

• General accounting and cash/bank management
• Purchase invoices, expenses & payments
• Salaries and HR
• Office Management
• Partner financial management
• Donor financial management
• Dealing with audit requests

What will Fern give you?

This is an exciting paid opportunity to get strong work experience in a not-for-profit international organisation, learning how to manage finances and various donors’ requirements.

A chance to experience working in a co-managed organisation without a traditional hierarchy.

Fern will ensure you have a computer and desk to work from in one of our offices.

Fern will ensure you get an overview of all finance and HR areas. You will also get the opportunity to join Finance, Administration and Human Resources Management (FAHRM) team meetings – with the chance to influence Fern’s finance management – and other internal meetings to ensure you are introduced to our non-hierarchical structure and receive support to get the most out of your time with us.

If required, Fern will provide the opportunity to travel to its main offices in Brussels, Belgium.

Requirements:

Essential:

• Relevant qualification or experience in finance/admin/HR
• Excellent computer skills (especially Excel)
• Attention to detail and a ‘support minded’ attitude
• Interest in environmental or social justice issues

Desirable:

• Knowledge of an additional language (French and Portuguese are an asset)
• Experience of working with accounting software
• Experience of dealing with not-for-profit organisations, including those with low capacity around financial matters

Timeline and logistics:

The internship will have a duration of six months, starting from early April 2024.

The monthly allowance for this role is £885 and Fern will also cover travel costs incurred during the internship as well as a working from home allowance of £179 (pro-rata).

This is a full-time position, but we will also consider candidates who wish to work four days per week. The role will usually be based 1-2 days per week at Fern’s UK offices in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, with the remainder being completed remotely.

There will also be opportunities to travel to Fern’s Brussels office.

How to apply:

Send your application to raphael@fern.org by 23:59 GMT, 12 March 2024. To be considered, your application should contain:

1. Your CV;

2. A short cover email explaining your interest in working with Fern.

3. Completion of a short excel based assignment: (download here)
   Under the NORAD-NICFI grant, we have received above quarterly financial report from a partner based in Republic of Congo. They justify the expenses for the period October to December 2022.

   Please review (and if necessary correct and save) the file, then prepare a list of questions / comments to be considered with the partner.

Short-listed candidates will be selected and invited for an interview on the 19th March, in London.  Fern is committed to advancing justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that diverse voices and perspectives are essential to solving the planet's most pressing environmental problems, and we encourage applications from candidates whose identities have been historically under-represented in the environmental movement. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, age or disability.