Director of Finance and Operations – REGAL-IR

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Adeso, formerly known as Horn Relief, is an expanding and vibrant African based international development and humanitarian organization. At Adeso, we work with African communities who are yet to realize their full potential; working inside these communities to create environments in which Africans can thrive. Our belief that economic, social and environmental security is the bedrock of a healthy community drives the nature and intent of our programming. We work to prevent and overcome situations that adversely affect community well-being by: reinvigorating the economy, developing skills for life and work, providing humanitarian aid, and influencing policy.

For the past 20 years we have strengthened rural livelihoods through environmental awareness, training, technology transfer and innovative humanitarian projects in pursuit of a peaceful, self-reliant, and greener future. Currently, Adeso has programs in Somalia, Kenya and South Sudan.

Adeso is an exciting and dynamic organization experiencing managed rapid growth. It offers sound employment conditions with opportunities for personal growth and development.

PROJECT SUMMARY

The REGAL-IR program is a complex and multifaceted five year initiative aiming to reduce hunger and poverty, increase social stability and build strong foundations for economic growth by strengthening social, economic, and environmental resilience in pastoral and transitioning communities in Kenya’s arid lands. It has six strategic objectives including diversifying livelihoods, improving value chain inclusiveness, natural resource management, conflict management, disaster risk reduction, and improving nutrition. The program is based in Isiolo County and implements in Isiolo, Garissa, Wajir, Marsabit, and Turkana Counties. The Director of Finance and Operations will be based in Isiolo with frequent travel to field offices.

POSITION PURPOSE

1. Provide finance and operational oversight and implementation of the REGAL-IR program
2. Supervise the Operations, Finance and Grants Managers and Officers
3. Advise the Chief of Party (DCOP) on project finance and operational matters

SPECIFIC ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of Finance and Operations will develop and implement finance and operations systems, protocols and tools for all finance, operations, and administrative functions applicable to the project HQ in Isiolo and field offices in the project counties. She/he will be a member of the project Leadership Team in charge of finance and operations policies, procedures, and ensuring compliance with USAID rules and regulations in these areas. The Director will liaise with Adeso Finance and Operations Managers at Adeso HQ to ensure compliance with Adeso policies and regulations and to ensure smooth functionality of finance and operations. He/she will undertake a number of duties and responsibilities, including:

Finance

1. Ensure Financial Management in accordance with Adeso and USAID rules and regulations, including strategic management of objectives, resources, and risk;
2. Plan and implement financial policies and systems ensuring consistency, accountability, transparency, viability and integrity in accord with Adeso and USAID accounting principles;
3. Ensure financial accounting records, monitoring, and internal controls;
4. Ensure budget implementation, controls and reporting including forecasts, projections, accruals, funds requests, regular and ad hoc financial reports, variance analyses, and reconciliations;
5. Manage audits of REGAL-IR including consortium partners;
6. Supervise finance personnel;
7. Advise and oversee capacity building within the organization.

Operations

1. Oversee the implementation of operations including compliance with USAID and Adeso rules and regulations;
2. Ensure procedures for procurement according to Adeso and USAID guidelines;
3. Ensure policies and procedures for inventory, asset management and tracking systems;
4. Oversee program budgets in regard to human resources and recruitment, transport, security, procurement and logistics;
5. Ensure that REGAL-IR liaises with stakeholders regarding security;
6. Ensure timely reporting on operational matters for quarterly and other reports;
7. Ensure capacity building for operational staff as needed.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

1. A minimum of five(5) years of professional experience in finance management, and operations;
2. Experience in a hardship post, conflict environment, and remote locations preferred;
3. Knowledge of USAID rules and regulations essential;
4. Undergraduate degree in Business Management or Social Sciences or related field preferred.
5. Excellent interpersonal, organizational and time management skills.
6. Excellent communication skills (oral and written);
7. Cross-cultural sensitivity desirable;
8. Ability to work independently and under pressure in a rapidly changing professional environment;
9. Strong computer skills in MS Office and other relevant applications;
10. Willingness to undertake extensive travel to field offices.

How to apply:

This is a challenging opportunity for a dedicated and highly motivated professional. If you would like to join this dynamic team and be part of building resilience and economic growth in Africa, please submit your application to jobs@adesoafrica.org by January 31, 2014. Each application should be addressed to the Regional Human Resource Manager and include the following:

• An updated CV; and • An application letter which should include remuneration requirements and contact information for three work-related referees. Applications not including all of the above information will not be reviewed.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Adeso is an equal opportunity employer and female candidates are encouraged to apply.