Director of Finance and Operations

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 health, 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 (DFO) for the anticipated USAID Protective Education for Girls in Mali program, which aims to address the multifaceted barriers faced by vulnerable learners, especially girls, in Mali by focusing on improving access to quality education, enhancing teacher capacity, and providing targeted support for girls. By implementing a comprehensive approach that includes accelerated learning centers, teachers’ professional development, and community-driven support, the program seeks to achieve significant improvements in educational outcomes and ensure that primary school-aged children, particularly girls, complete their education with the necessary skills and competencies.

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, administration and operations team and provide exemplary stewardship through the establishment, monitoring, and improvement of accounting, finance, operations, IT, and administrative systems and procedures.

 

• Establish, maintain, and monitor program financial systems that fulfill and comply with all USAID requirements, Malian 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, strengthening capacity of both partner and finance staff where required;
• 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 offices’ and subcontractors’ 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;
• Oversee and strengthen the capacity of subcontractors and/or grants under contract to ensure good stewardship of USG funds in alignment with USAID, GoM and JSI/WE policies and procedures;
• 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 senior leadership 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 Mali on issues of registration, corporate compliances, statutory requirements, audit, and tax laws, preferred;
• Proven skills in organizational development, subcontractor management, 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 strengthening the capacity of local organizations;
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality for all project and staff proprietary matters;
• Fluency in French required; professional proficiency in English and Bambara preferred.
• Malian nationals strongly encouraged to apply.