Finance and Operations Director, Ethiopia SAGCE

At the heart of Pact is the promise of a better tomorrow. A nonprofit international development organization founded in 1971, Pact works on the ground in nearly 40 countries to improve the lives of those who are challenged by poverty and marginalization. We serve these communities because we envision a world where everyone owns their future. To do this, we build systemic solutions in partnership with local organizations, businesses, and governments that create sustainable and resilient communities where those we serve are heard, capable, and vibrant. Pact is a recognized global leader in international development. Our staff have a range of expertise in areas including public health, capacity development, governance and civil society, natural resource management, poverty, fragile states, monitoring and evaluation, small-scale and artisanal mining, microfinance and more. This expertise is combined in Pact’s unique integrated approach, which focuses on systemic changes needed to improve people’s lives.

Department

Program Delivery (PDEL) – Pact exists to help create a world where those who are poor and marginalized exercise their voice, build their own solutions, and take ownership of their future. The Program Delivery Team, contributes to realizing this purpose by: Forging smart partnerships and treating all people with dignity and respect; Applying organizational policies and regulatory compliance appropriately and consistently; Facilitating team spirit among colleagues and promoting the organization through communications; Influencing decision makers through focused, relevant communications; Continually striving to learn and share knowledge and find small ways to make the workplace more enjoyable for all; Cultivating and harvesting innovation; Contributing to the organization’s ability to think and act strategically at all times; Inspiring and spreading our desired organizational culture across the global enterprise.

Position Overview

Pact seeks an experienced Finance and Operations Director for the anticipated upcoming USAID/Ethiopia Strengthening Accountable Governance and Civic Engagement (SAGCE) Activity. Under this anticipated Activity, USAID/Ethiopia seeks to strategically use its convening power and limited resources to support Ethiopian stakeholders from government, civil society and the private sector in applying locally-led, problem-driven, adaptive approaches to enhance citizen-responsive governance. SAGCE will strengthen sub-national government ability to meet citizen needs and enhance citizen engagement in governance.

The Finance and Operations Director will provide overall procurement, financial, operational, safety and security, and compliance support to the SAGCE Activity. Reporting to the Chief of Party, the Finance and Operations Director is responsible for the overall administration and financial operations for the project. The Finance and Operations Director ensures that administrative departments are successfully managed and provides operations support as required. The Finance and Operations Director is responsible for training and mentoring staff on policies and procedures, donor regulations, new systems, and financial best practices is expected, as well as working closely with the Chief of Party and US-based personnel to ensure compliance with all donor regulations and effective and proactive management. The Finance and Operations Director normally manages other administrative functions such as Operations, Grants, HR, Security, and other office support staff. This is anticipated to be a five-year activity. More information can be found here on grants.gov. This position is contingent upon award.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall procurement, financial, operational, safety and security, and compliance support to the project.
• Oversee management of sub-contracts, sub-awards, and/or possibly Grants under Contracts (GUCs).
• Ensure funds expended are compliant with US government regulations and policies.
• Implement fraud mitigation practices and ensure systems and processes are implemented effectively to support implementation of the award, which may be a contract or a cooperative agreement.
• Initiate, develop, maintain, and revise policies and procedures for the general operation of the finance and compliance program and its related activities and to promote cost efficiency and compliance with all rules and regulations.
• Identify potential areas of financial and compliance vulnerability and risk and develop or implement corrective action plans to resolve problematic issues.
• Ensure proper financial documentation and reporting, establish and provide direction and management of project funds.
• Lead and oversee the development, management and complete life cycle of a variety of possible procurement mechanisms, including but not limited to purchase orders, sub-grants, sub-contracts, and/or GUCs.
• Be responsible for managing the contract budget, tracking project spending and preparing financial reports for submission to USAID.
• Analyze financial data with attention to the impact of adaptation on programming.
• Develop, implement, and adjust when required the project’s safety and security strategy and protocols, and serves as the point of contact for the person in charge of security at USAID for any issue related to security reports and procedures.
• Mentor and supervise finance, operations, and other staff engaged in the activities noted here.

Basic Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance or Accounting or equivalent.
• At least eight (8) years’ experience working in international development, preferably democracy and governance activities.
• At least four (4) years’ experience in financial compliance and progressive supervisory work experience directly supervising administrative, finance, and/or operations staff.
• Demonstrable experience with management and/or administration for USAID projects, including experience managing sub-awards and GUCs.
• Knowledge of U.S. government references including OMB Circulars (e.g. A-122), 22 CFR 226 and 22 CFR 228, ADS, FAR, AIDAR, CAS, FFATA, DSSR, and FTR.
• Experience working with Ethiopian civil society organizations.
• Experience managing USAID contracts and/or cooperative agreements.
• Knowledge of USAID rules, regulations and policies, particularly financial reporting and compliance requirements.
• Fluency in English and Amharic (oral, writing, and reading)
• Ability to travel within Ethiopia and occasionally internationally, when health and safety concerns regarding COVID-19 diminish.
• Proficiency in relevant computer applications and databases.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience managing grants, contracts or other mechanisms that allow projects to seamlessly change course in response to new information
• Experience with accounting software such as Serenic, Navigator, ERPs, ACCPAC, or others.
• Ethiopian nationals are encouraged to apply.

Pact is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, citizenship status, genetic information, matriculation, family responsibilities, personal appearance, credit information, tobacco use (except in the workplace), membership in an employee organization, or other protected classifications or non-merit factors.