Director of Finance and Operations - Targeting the Learning Crisis

Background

World Education, a division of JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI/WE) is dedicated to improving people’s lives around the world through greater heath, education and socioeconomic equity for individuals and communities, and to providing an environment where people of passion can pursue this cause.

JSI/WE is seeking a Director of Finance and Operations for the anticipated USAID’s Targeting the Learning Crisis Activity in Uganda, which aims to create sustained, measurable improvements in development outcomes in Basic Education through Targeted Instruction for foundational skills, a learner-centric pedagogy that reorganizes math and reading instruction based on children’s actual learning levels, rather than on the prescribed grade-level syllabus. The Activity seeks to implement cost-effective, sustainable, and impactful programming, centered around Targeted Instruction pedagogy for P3-P5, Targeted Instruction and other evidence-based approaches for P1-P2, and evidence-based early childhood education for pre-primary years, in order to significantly improve math and reading learning outcomes for Ugandan primary students. 

To apply visit https://www.jsi.com/careers-at-jsi/ and follow the instructions in the application portal.

Application Deadline: April 5, 2024

Job Summary

The Director of Finance and Operations is a full-time position under the leadership of the COP and will be responsible for overall financial management and operations of the program activity. S/he is responsible for providing leadership and direction on the management team as well as day-to-day management of the finance and administration functions for the project. This position will build and sustain the capacity of the finance and administration team and provide exemplary stewardship through the establishment, monitoring, and improvement of accounting, finance, operations, IT, and administrative systems and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Establish, maintain, and monitor program financial systems that fulfill and comply with all USAID requirements, Ugandan government financial requirements, and JSI/WE's financial and administrative policies and procedures;

• Support and guide project teams to ensure compliance with financial controls and operating systems;

• Supervise a team of staff to carry out day-to-day financial, human resources, administrative and operational tasks;

• Manage the monthly accounting cycle, including the payment of staff salaries and bank statement monitoring and reconciliation;

• Ensure that all incurred expenses are paid in a timely manner (including staff income taxes and social insurance);

• Ensure timely and accurate submission of field office expenses and forecasts to HQ and work with HQ's finance and accounting team to rectify any field expense issues promptly;

• Ensure that the provincial office's operational policies, including security, HR, procurement, inventory; and IT, are compliant with project and donor policies and effectively implemented;

• Collaborate with the technical team to lead the preparation of the annual work plan and to prepare and monitor costed work plans;

• Establish and maintain JSI/WE's budget, financial management, and tracking systems to ensure strong financial accountability;

• Provide accurate and timely financial information to the management and project team for decision-making; 

• Establish and monitor the implementation and maintenance of accounting control procedures (documentation, administration, and accountability of financial transactions).

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in accounting, finance, or business administration, a Master’s degree or equivalent is preferred;

• Strong operations and finance experience: has worked in a senior management role for 6+ years with an international organization with progressive experience leading to at least three years of experience in operations/administrative and financial management, preferred in an NGO setting;

• In depth knowledge and direct experience working with USAID financial management rules and regulations and compliance requirements;

• Strong managerial, organizational, and problem-solving skills, as well as professional maturity;

• Technical expertise in all aspects of operations, including accounting, financial management, statutory compliances, tax laws and regulations, and HR;

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with the Government of Uganda on issues of registration, corporate compliances, statutory requirements, audit, and tax laws, preferred;

• Proven skills in organizational development, human resources management, budget, and resource development; demonstrated success developing and monitoring systems to manage both operational and programmatic work that involve high levels of collaboration;

• Proficiency in relevant accounting software and databases, specifically Microsoft Excel and Quickbooks experience highly preferred;

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills;

• Demonstrated experience supervising, mentoring, and training staff; and,

• Must be able to maintain confidentiality for all project and staff proprietary matters.

• Ugandan nationals strongly encouraged to apply.