Finance Subject Matter Expert (SME) – USAID Contracts

The Opportunity

Save the Children International has an exciting opportunity for you to join our team as the– Finance Subject Matter Expert (SME) – USAID Contracts at any existing Save the Children International office location.

Role Purpose:

Save the Children is evolving its organisational structure in order to stay true to its mission, vision and values, whilst being able to withstand external pressures – be those geo-political demands; increasing stakeholder expectations; challenging funding environments; reduced access to funding due to localisation; or declining trust in large INGOs. The project this role will support is focused on supporting Save the Children to take on and prime (in line with donor compliance requirements) US Governance Contracts. USAID Contracts has been identified as a priority for SCUS in 2021 and beyond due to the high funding opportunity and potential for this type of funding to be more and more common and therefore we need to adapt to avoid ultimately losing income. Historically SCUS has not focused on New Business Development relating to priming USAID Contracts due to the structure of SCI meaning we would likely not meet donor requirements which could ultimately result in disallowances.

The main role of the Finance SME is to support the design and implementation phase of our USAID contracts project. To play this role successfully you will need to have experience of working with USAID contracts, understand the key finance requirements for contracts e.g. for example invoicing and be able to get up to speed quickly with the full finance related scope of the USAID contracts project. The finance SME will focus on key packages of work including our Cost Accounting Standards compliance and the design and development of our system and data provision requirements for areas like effort reporting, invoicing, financial reporting etc. The Finance SME will work closely with the Project Lead, Business Analysts and IT colleagues to explain any system or process solutions in the finance space for contracts and ensure these are fit for purpose for USAID Contract regulation.

In order to be successful you will bring/have:

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Essential

• Demonstrable experience with and a strong technical understanding of financial management processes in a large multi-lateral organisation, ideally within an NGO
• At least three years of experience of working with USAID contracts and experience of invoicing under USAID contracts
• A strong familiarity with the AIDAR and FAR regulations, and 2 CFR 200 Subpart E Cost principles
• A strong results orientation and attention to detail;
• Experience of implementing financial systems and process improvement projects
• Strong analytical skills and ability to identify and assess alternative options and proposals
• A proven ability to deliver to the highest standards in a fast-paced and complex environment, with high quick turnaround times
• Ability to work independently and judge when to ask for advice or inputs
• Excellent planning, management and coordination skills
• A good level of knowledge and experience of using finance systems, ideally Agresso
• Ability to manage a complex and varied workload; to work effectively under pressure; and to organise and prioritise work to ensure deadlines are met.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to explain complex issues to a variety of audiences.
• A team player, able to work with other functions to find the best solution for the organisation as a whole.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft applications, especially Excel.
• Ability to challenge and negotiate assertively and cooperatively with senior staff.

Desirable

Experience of working as finance personnel under a USAID contract overseas

Working knowledge of FAR Chapter 99 Cost Accounting Standards

We can offer circa £50,000 per annum (If based in UK) with an option of flexible working hours. If the role is based outside of the UK, National T&C (including pay) will apply.

This role can be based in London or any existing Save the Children International Regional or Country office location on approval, provided the successful candidate has proof of eligibility to work from the preferred location.

Where we Work – Where We Work | Save the Children International

The Organisation

We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard.

We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:

• No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday
• All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
• Violence against children is no longer tolerated

We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children. We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive environment where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.

Application Information:

Please attach a copy of your CV and cover letter with your application, and include details of your salary expectations. A copy of the full role profile can be found at www.savethechildren.net/careers/apply

We need to keep children safe so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our global anti-harassment policy.

Save the Children does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.