Project Finance Director, OVC Job Vacancy at Save the Children, 17th April, 2018

Save the Children is a leading international organization helping children in need around the world. First established in the UK in 1919, separate national organizations have been set up in more than twenty-eight countries, sharing the aim of improving the lives of children through education, health care and economic opportunities, as well as emergency aid in cases of natural disasters, war and conflict. In Nigeria, Save the Children has been working since 2001. The early focus was on getting children actively involved in shaping the decisions that affect their lives. Today, Save the Children is working in seven federal states - Zamfara, Yobe, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Bauchi and Kaduna - focusing on providing basic healthcare and protecting children. We are recruiting to fill the position below:     Job Title: Project Finance Director, OVC Location: Abuja Summary

• Save the Children is recruiting an experienced Project Finance Director for an anticipated USAID/PEPFAR project valued at approximately $25-50M USD that will provide support to orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) affected by HIV/AIDS in select states within Nigeria.
• The Project Finance Director is responsible for the overall leadership of the project’s finance team and oversees all aspects of financial management.
• S/he will manage the implementation of accounting systems, budgeting, expenditure tracking, and financial reporting and human resources for both the prime recipient and any sub-awards.
• S/he will also oversee financial grant management to ensure the best use of resources by preparing sound budgets, monitoring project expenses, and ensuring timely preparation of donor financial reports.
• This position sits on the project’s senior leadership team.
• The Project Finance Director is responsible for ensuring that an appropriate structure exists to ensure effective support of field operations and to protect the integrity of the programme financial and administrative operations.
• S/he will also need to maintain consistent coordination and teamwork with other senior positions and individuals working on this program as well as with donor guidelines.
• This position is contingent on the issuance of USAID funding and the selection of applicants is subject to USAID approval.

• Provide day-to-day leadership, management, and oversight of the project’s finance team (2-4 people)
• Oversee the development and implementation of robust local financial systems and processes (e.g. cash management, cash transfer payment methods, electronic payments) as appropriate
• Ensure that an appropriate segregation of duties exists for effective support of field operations and protect the integrity of the country office finance and administrative operations.
• Provide an internal control function to the department
• Prepare and revise finance and operation guidelines to adhere to SC and USAID requirements.
• Ensure compliance with agreement obligations and deliverables in line with USAID regulations and SC policies and procedures.
• Actively participate in all award specific audit and donor assessments.
• Collaborate with Country Office and US teams to develop and implement strategies and foster a culture of transparency and collaboration that enables the Finance Team to perform at high levels of effectiveness and efficiency

• Monitor budgets to ensure that spending occurs as planned and that variances are anticipated, noted, and corrected.
• Ensure that key program personnel are aware of budgetary resources and are able to monitor their budgets respectively and provide capacity building as needed.
• Consistently perform pipeline analysis, including review of accruals and commitments of the project to ensure in operates within allocated obligations and budget
• Prepare any budget revisions and projections and respond to any questions.
• Monitor burn rates, advise on spend projections and maintain and up-date the status of obligated fund.

• Oversee the execution and timely posting of all financial transactions
• Review and consolidate monthly sub-office accounts and reports to ensure accuracy and to provide regular feedback to the senior leadership team.
• Confirm availability of funds for all requests for payment or charges to grants.
• Oversee the preparation and monitoring of core work plan budgets as required
• Ensure all financial plans, invoices, reports, and other documents are accurate, timely, and consistent with agency and USAID guidelines and regulations.
• In close coordination with the finance staff, maintain and update all the financial documents (reports, plans) and ensure confidentiality of project financial information.
• Supervise finance team to ensure proper allocation of expenses according to the funding source and expense categories and ensure

• Oversee preparation of monthly and quarterly reports, accruals and projections, and any other required donor submissions.
• Review and consolidate monthly financial reports for distribution to senior management.
• Prepare a consolidated annual fiscal report, including a cumulative life of project report.
• Manage the reporting component of the award including reconciling timesheets with financial reports; oversee other administrative duties as needed.

• A Bachelor’s level degree in Finance, Business, Accounting or other relevant field is required; Master’s degree is preferred.
• A minimum of ten years’ progressively responsible experience in financial management for large and complex programs funded by international donors, including the U.S. Government, of which at least five years were working in the field of international development, preferably with USAID.
• Demonstrated capacity and prior experience in supervising others as a coach/mentor to train staff and develop financial skills of colleagues.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team.
• Excellent oral and written English communication and presentation skills.
• Expert computer skills in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Qualified Nigerian nationals are highly encouraged to apply.
• In-depth knowledge of US Government rules and regulations including 22 CFR 226.22 CFR- 145 OMB Circulars -A122 and A-133.
• Demonstrated experience in management of sub awards and strategic partnerships agreements.
• Demonstrated strong analytical and financial analysis skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to lead and work effectively in team situations.
• Proven ability to prepare multi-year budgets, donor financial reports and USAID Audits.