Closing date: August 18, 2023
SCOPE OF WORK

USAID/SOMALIA PEOPLE-CENTERED GOVERNANCE (PCG) ACTIVITY

Position

Director of Finance and Administration

Maximum Level of Effort

Full-time LTTA

Base of Operations

Nairobi, Kenya (with travel to Mogadishu, Somalia)

position reports to

Director of Finance and Administration

Project Background:
The USAID People-Centered Governance (PCG) Activity is supporting local governments in southern Somalia to improve their effectiveness and legitimacy. To accomplish this objective, the project implements activities aligned with two mutually interrelated and reinforcing immediate results, IR1) that District Councils (DCs) are fairer and more inclusive and IR2) that DCs improve their performance. PCG will engage at the Federal, State and local levels and will eventually work in several districts within the three (i.e. Hirshabelle, Jubaland, and Southwest) federal member states (FMS) of Somalia.

Position Objectives
The Director of Finance & Administration (DFA) will oversee finance, administrative, procurement, grants, logistics, and human resources functions for PCG, ensuring effective and compliant financial management and operations for the seamless implementation of technical activities. S/he will lead collaboration between technical and operations staff. In addition, the Director of Finance & Administration will be responsible for enhancing financial reporting and analysis systems to provide accurate and timely financial information to project stakeholders.

Responsibilities
The Director of Finance & Administration will be responsible for the following:

Quality Assurance and Compliance:

Serve as the Chief of Party’s (COP) advisor regarding processes and compliance on finance, administrative, grants, and procurement issues with USAID and local government officials and service providers.
Understand DAI and USAID rules, regulations, processes and systems for compliant project implementation.
Ensure the establishment of strong relationships with service providers in Somalia.
Monitor finance, administrative, procurement, grants, logistics, and HR actions, assess operational risks, and propose mitigation strategies, such as:
Ensure that DAI is in compliance with local laws at all times;
Ensure that appropriate checks and balances (separation of duties) are maintained, and that staff carry out responsibilities in line with the Project Schedule of Authorities (PSOA);
Ensure that financial transactions, including payroll and remittances to local authorities, are carried out and documented in compliance with DAI and USAID policies and procedures;
Review all biweekly field finance reports prepared by the Accountant before they are submitted to the home office for approval;
Ensure that procurement of goods and services, including procurement of construction services, is carried out and documented in compliance with DAI and USAID policies and procedures.
Oversee the development of all required financial reporting to USAID and DAI Home Office and ensure quality, compliance and accuracy of all financial information reported.
Responsible for providing training and capacity-building support to project staff, local partners, and service providers on compliance with DAI and USAID rules, regulations, and processes.
Tools and Systems:

Establish robust operating systems to guide PCG activity operations in Somalia and ensure their adaptation and maintenance throughout the program’s period of performance.
Lead the development of a customized Field Operations Manual, TAMIS workflows, and other guidance documents.
Ensure staff follows best practices in file management across finance, administration, procurement, and HR.
Supervise the Finance Manager and Accountant in preparing monthly accruals, commitments, and projections for the project to be integrated with project-wide budgeting exercises.
Assist the PCG team with budget and activity planning.
Understand and work with DAI systems, particularly TAMIS, and other project management systems.
Implement and oversee internal controls and risk management procedures.
Personnel Management and Cross-team Coordination:

Supervise the Operations Associate Director, Grants and Procurement Manager, and Finance Manager, proactively addressing any concerns and supporting their professional growth.
Monitor HR issues such as poor performance, employee dissatisfaction, or staff learning and professional development needs, escalating issues, and suggesting solutions.
Serve as a member of activity teams as needed and serve as a member of other temporary cross project teams, such as during startup and closedown.
Contribute finance and operational inputs during activity work planning exercises.
Communicate regularly with the home office Project Manager and Project Associate to promote smooth, effective project operations.
Oversee financial audits and compliance reviews.
Ensure safeguarding of staff and a strict zero tolerance policy towards corruption and unethical.