Finance and Administration Director At Partners of the Americas

Finance and Administration Director

Partners of the Americas (Partners) is seeking a Finance and Administration (F&A) Director for a USDA-funded Food for Progress project in Tunisia. The project seeks to increase agricultural productivity through the adoption of climate-smart agriculture methods and technologies in the dates and non-dates complementary crop sectors and increase agricultural trade in dates and non-dates complementary crop sectors from the oasis agriculture system.

The F&A Director will be responsible for implementing financial management systems to ensure compliance, transparency and effectiveness in the use of resources. The F&A Director will be responsible for monitoring the project budget and overseeing procurement processes, disbursements, reporting and compliance with United States Government (USG) regulations. The F&A Director will conduct audits of office operations and spot checks of project implementing partners as part of fraud prevention. The F&A Director will be responsible for overseeing the Human Resources area and ensuring that payroll matters adhere to local laws, Partners policies, and USDA regulations.

The F&A Director will be based in Tunis, Tunisia with occasional travel to other parts in the country. This position will report to the Chief of Party.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the administrative, financial, logistics, and procurement processes of the project (office in Tunis and Tozeur) in accordance with USG, Partners, and local rules and regulations.
• Design, implement, and supervise the financial execution of budgets and internal control measures of the project.
• Supervise and, where appropriate, apply the accounting record, ensuring its opportunity and veracity in adherence to local regulations.
• Supervise the budget and financial execution of the sub-agreements, contractors, and consultancies of the project.
• Develop and keep track of complex budgets and financial projections, ensuring transparent, timely, and efficient management.
• Supervise the hiring and management of finance and administration staff members.
• Lead audit processes in case the project is selected for evaluation.
• Lead the expansion or reduction of the project office, according to the duration, extension, or conclusion of the projects in Tunisia both due to situations of force majeure, as well as contractual terms.
• Support the design and implementation of orientation and training sessions on administrative, financial, procurement, and accountability processes for project staff.
• Ensure efficient financial management and mitigate risks against USDA, the Government of Tunisia, and Partners.
• Approve transactions in the financial system and with implementing partners.
• Evaluate and plan the execution of the project’s accounting system.
• Supervise, with the support of the Human Resources Manager, the Administration and Finance systems implemented by implementing partners, ensuring that they adhere to the requirements established by USDA and Partners, and involving project management early in cases that may represent a financial, technical, administrative, or reputational risk to Partners, USDA, and the project.
• Lead or co-lead the institutional strengthening process in the area of Administration and Finance of the implementing partners, aimed at strengthening their processes so that they can directly manage and administer funds from the United States government.
• Lead the development of financial reports, budget projections, and other exercises on project finances to support the implementation of activities and planning around the indicators to be met.
• Monitor project spending according to the goals and indicators established for both Partners and implementing partners. This includes detailed monitoring of financial reports delivered by these organizations, ensuring that expenditures comply with USG federal rules and regulations.
• Support the development of project reports, annual work plans, and other documents required by USDA and the Government of Tunisia by providing accurate and reliable information in the area of Finance.
• Together with the Chief of Party and the Partners home office team, generate policies and procedures necessary for the proper functioning of the project.
• Train and reinforce project, USDA, and Partners rules and regulations around Administrative and Financial issues to the project team and implementing partners.
• Ensure compliance with reporting deadlines established by USDA, Partners, and other interested parties in the area of Administration and Finance.
• Coordinate, together with the management, technical, monitoring and evaluation, and communications teams of Partners and implementing partners, the operation and execution of healthy funds to achieve the technical and financial goals of the project.
• Serve as a liaison and support the relationship of the rest of the operational team with the implementing partners and the technical project team.
• Ensure that project operations are managed and implemented based on programmatic work adhering to Partners and USDA regulations.
• Monitor staff safety and work to ensure the safety of the target population and the implementing team.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting
• Master’s degree in finance or accounting
• Minimum of 8-10 years of professional experience in administration, operations, project management or related field
• Experience managing a team
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Knowledge of USG procurement policies and regulations, specifically 2CFR200.
• In-depth knowledge of laws and regulations in Tunisia
• Ability to multitask and process information quickly and exhibit strong attention to detail
• Interest in international development, project management, and organizational development
• Strong problem-solving ability, outstanding interpersonal skills, and high energy and enthusiasm
• Oral and written proficiency in French
• Excellent organization and time management skills, with ability to prioritize effectively and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, and SharePoint.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and to track and report on progress
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Preferred:

• Prior experience in a nonprofit organization, USG program implementation experience
• Oral and written proficiency in English
• Experience in the finance area of international development projects and/or international cooperation
• Knowledge of USDA-specific rules and regulations
• Experience in public and private procurement rules and processes

Type of contract: fixed (to be transferred to indefinite)

Grade of position:

Partners is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Partners does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.