Finance & Operations Advisor

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Due to the urgency of this position, applications will be short listed on a regular basis and we may offer this post before the closing date.

Please note that this is an unaccompanied position.

The Health Support Organisation (THESO) is a leading 501 (3) (C) registered South Sudanese based international nongovernmental, non-profit organisation dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering in Low Middle Income Countries (LMICs). Our mission is to implement evidence-based, culturally Sensitive, innovative projects promoting health, according to perceived public health needs and priorities as understood through quality research. THESO 2030 strategy is contributing to achieving global strategies 2030 Sustainable Development Goals 3, 4 and 6 set targets and beyond in LMICs. To establish well-performing sustainable health system, Education system, and WASH system in developing countries, THESO is working with governments, UN Agencies and other stakeholders to achieves resilience and sustained outcomes through continuous improvement of the four sectors of Health, Nutrition, Education, WASH and Research.

Context and Background

THESO has been working in South Sudan since mid 2008, and currently runs 4 field programme offices across Africa. However the current South Sudan country strategic plan (2021 – 2025) includes expansion of its programme to all states, deepen its working relationship with host government partners at all levels, develop a gradual exit strategy to allow the smooth transfer of specific facilities to government, and support affected people with emergency response, recovery and resilience programmes. The primary focus of THESO South Sudan programme is integrated healthcare, Education, WASH, and community based and health facilities-based management of malnutrition. The special emphasis is given to maternal and child health care services. Using our expertise, we support aid workers and strengthen existing services. We build resilience by helping societies at risk of future disasters, to be better prepared.

We believe that everyone has the right to access and utilise free public health services with dignity. We believe good health is fundamental to transforming societies in transition that’s why THESO is a Force for Health to build healthy communities.

THESO is seeking to recruit a Finance & Operations Advisor for its South Sudan programme to be based in Juba.

Under the guidance of the CD, provides operational oversight on financial and human resources management, efficient procurement and logistical services, contracts & grants, asset management, ICT, and general administration as well as ensuring consistency with donor’s rules and regulations. Oversees overall financial management to include budget management and monitoring, forecasting needs, procurements, management of financial systems and enforcing controls.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for implementing and enhancing the internal organisation processes. Oversees reporting and monitoring of organizational performance metrics. Ensures compliance with donors’ rules, regulations and policies as regards operational issues such as contracts & grants, procurements, financial management etc. Manages the planning and implementation of field activities which includes oversight of budgets, grants, operational plans, reporting, and procedural and financial compliance. Ensures efficient management and utilisation of resources in accordance with applicable THESO and donor policies and procedures. Applies and updates the standard operating procedures for programmes operations and assures consistency with donor’s regulations and policies in operational matters. Improve the operational systems, processes and policies in support of the objectives of the program. Ensures proper budgeting, expenditures tracking and audit of financial resources in accordance with donor’s rules and regulations. Oversees monthly and quarterly assessments and forecasts of organisation’s financial performance against budget, financial and operational goals. Oversees the management and coordination of all fiscal reporting activities for the organisation including organisational revenue/expense and balance sheet reports, reports to donor’s, development and monitoring of organisational and contract/grant budgets. Develops and maintains systems of internal controls to safeguard financial assets of the programmes. Oversees all internal and external audits of the project; coordinates activities of independent auditors ensuring all compliance issues are met. Ensures that substantiating documentation is approved and available such that all transactions may pass independent and funder audits. Ensures compliance with donor’s rules, regulations and policies as regards operational issues such as vendor selection, procurements, financial management, contracts and grants, inventory management etc. Manages day to day processing of accounts receivable and payable; produces reports as requested. Oversees cash management processes, including liquidity management, recommendation of impress level, risk assessment, bank relationship management; timely accounting and reconciliation of all transactions, security for cash assets on site. Routinely monitors financial exception reports for unusual activities, transactions, and investigates anomalies or unusual transactions. Coordinates responses to requests for financial information in a timely manner regarding program challenges, subcontractor or grantee issues, or changes to work plans or budgets. Oversee the maintenance of the inventory of all fixed assets, assuring all are in accordance with regulations.

Operations:

• Works closely and transparently with all external partners including third-party vendors and consultants.
• Oversees administrative functions as well as facilities to ensure efficient and consistent operations as the THESO policies and procedures and funder rules and regulations.
• Manages project procurement processes.
• Ensures continual review of internal and strategic controls, communications, risk assessments and maintenance of documentation.
• Supports partners as needed to ensure sound financial management and operations.
• Ensures that sub-contracts, sub-grants and local consultancy documents and procedures are completed in a timely and correct manner and comply with THESO and funder policies and regulations.
• Provides overall administration coordination and support to ensure an effective and efficient operating platform for the program.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A Master’s degree in business administration, finance, accounting, other relevant field, or a bachelor’s or certified accounting degree with 10 years or more of experience;
• A minimum of 12 years of experience in administrative and financial management of large scale, complex, international development assistance programs;
• Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and /or experiences in accounting, financial planning and management, and procurement, among other management support areas/functions, as required;
• Strong financial and operational management experience with proven management skills;
• Demonstrated experience and skills in developing and managing budgets with an annual value of over $5 million;
• Experience and working knowledge of accounting, finance, procurement and administration of multi-donors funded awards;
• Contracts Management including grants under contract experience is a must;
• High degree of proficiency in written and spoken English communication, including presentation and training skills;
• A successful track record in setting priorities; keen analytic, organization and problem-solving skills which support and enable sound decision making; and
• Strong interpersonal and team-building skills with significant experience building strong host country national team.

THESO Values:

We uphold the Humanitarian Principles: humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and operational independence. We affirmatively engage the most vulnerable communities. We value:

• Inclusiveness

• Transparency and Accountability

• Agility and Innovation

• Collaboration

• Sustainability