Director of Finance and Operations

Background:

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions, and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

Program Description:

The Jordan Technical Assistance Program (TAP), funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is a five-year education and youth project that seeks to transform the organizational culture and improve the abilities within the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth to ensure officials can implement desired reforms. Creative and its partners will provide technical assistance in the development, roll-out, and tracking of policies and procedures to incorporate international best practices for public education and youth programming. Among the many activities in the Jordan Technical Assistance Program, it will support curriculum development, promote inclusive learning techniques, improve the skills of teachers and school managers, and other tangible activities that ultimately support changing the organizational culture within the two ministries and relevant agencies. The program will further support Jordan’s outreach and behavioral change communications initiatives that are aimed at creating a culture of reading, the inclusion of vulnerable children, and increased youth engagement.

Position Summary:

The Director of Finance and Operations will manage administrative, financial, and procurement processes in compliance with donor rules and regulations. S/he will design, implement, and supervise adherence to financial policy, budgets, and internal control measures. S/he will develop and implement financial and personnel procedures in compliance with Creative and donor policies; oversee the compliant management of any grants fund; manage payroll; draft periodic and annual reports on financial status of project expenses and budget information; support the development of documentation and written materials relating to the project; and respond to inquiries on the status of financial information. The Director of Finance and Operations will track the transfer of funds between headquarters and the field offices and manage accounting and finance records of in-country expenses. S/he will ensure funds’ availability and verify that all procurement actions are compliant with Creative’s financial management guidelines prior to payments. S/he makes operational decisions and works closely with the Chief of Party, other program team members, and external stakeholders, to ensure the program achieves results.

Reporting and Supervision:

The Director of Finance and Operations directly supervise Finance, procurement and Logistics staff and will report to the Chief of Party.

Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities:

• Oversee all program operations, including administration, human resources, procurement and logistics, and IT;
• Coordinate the day-to-day management of operational staff in all project offices;
• Support the COP in in providing overall management and operational oversight to the program;
• Ensure the timely preparation of required reports and deliverables, including annual workplans, quarterly, annual, and financial reports in accordance with USAID guidelines
• Assist in the identification, recruitment, and management of consultants, and subcontractors/ subawardees.
• Establish and maintain financial management and accounting control systems for program expenditures;
• Ensure that the project meets all donor contractual requirements and complies with donor policies and regulations;
• Liaise between Creative Associates' field and headquarters offices;
• Participate in ongoing analysis, forecasting and review of project expenses;
• Participate in budget planning and realignments as required;
• Track the transfer of funds between headquarters and the field office and manage accounting and finance records of in-country expenses, including developing spreadsheet programs for tracking and monitoring all financial project activities, and maintaining spreadsheets with current project expense data;
• Work closely with field-based subcontractors to ensure budgets, projections, and invoices are completed according to Creative/USAID policies and procedures;
• Manage personnel and payroll office staff and procedures;
• Maintain project financial and contractual files;
• Develop financial procedures manual;
• Provide financial management and systems training for project staff;
• Prepare the requisite financial documents and vouchers;
• Draft quarterly and annual financial reports on financial status of project expenses and budget information; and
• Complete monthly field expense reports

Qualifications

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a finance‐related field; an additional two (2) years of experience may be accepted in lieu of a master's degree;
• At least 10 years of experience working in senior financial and operations management positions;
• Strong knowledge of USAID rules and regulations;
• Prior work in Jordan or the surrounding region is highly desirable; and
• Professional proficiency in written and spoken English. Proficiency in Arabic is preferred, but not required.

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