FINANCE AND OPERATIONS DIRECTOR, STRENGTHENING INTEGRATED SERVICES HEALTH ACTIVITY (SIHSA) at Pact

Pact seeks a Finance and Operations Director for the anticipated USAID Strengthening Integrated Health Services Activity (SIHSA). SIHSA’s goal is to contribute to the Government of Sierra Leone’s overarching goal of improving the health of adolescents, pregnant and postpartum women, and children less than five years old. SIHSA’s objectives are 1) improve the quality of family planning, maternal newborn child and adolescent health, and malaria services sustainably; 2) promote adoption of crucial health behaviors, and 3) strengthen the stewardship and governance of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, both at central and district levels, so it is better prepared to plan, budget, allocate resources and monitor health programs.

Reporting to the Country Director, the Finance and Operations Director is responsible for overall country office and project financial operations. The Finance and Operations Director has oversight of project finance and accounting functions; internal control systems and procedures; and forecasting and realigning project budgets as well as office administration, procurement, human resource management and IT support services. The Director is responsible for training and mentoring staff on policies and procedures, donor regulations, new systems, and financial best practices, as well as working closely with the country office staff and head office in DC personnel to ensure compliance with all donor regulations and effective and proactive management. The position will be based in Freetown, Sierra Leone. This position is contingent upon project award and funding.

This solicitation is anticipated to be released September 30, 2022, and awarded February 2023.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management

• Manage all aspects of office and grants finance and accounting functions
• Manage all country or project finances to ensure effective use of resources in order to achieve program objectives in compliance with all donor requirements
• Ensure financial monitoring systems provide timely and relevant reports to Pact staff, including analysis and tracking of grant commitments (i.e. cash advances), obligations, awards and liquidations, to support efficient accountable implementation
• Design and implement policies, systems, and procedures in compliance with Pact standards, ensuring effective internal controls and minimizing risks for Pact
• Ensure that corrective action plans approved by the DC head office in response to external or internal audits and other monitoring reviews are implemented as planned and scheduled
• Help prepare and monitor local budgets for existing projects, and prepare accurate cost estimates and budgets for new proposals
• Mentor and train staff to ensure they have the appropriate skill levels for their positions and are developing to their full capacity
• Conduct training/orientation for other personnel as needed on efficient, effective financial and internal control systems, budget analysis, policy and procedure awareness, and compliance
• Ensure financial records organization, retention, and security.

Administrative Management

• Ensure Administration, procurement and property management policies and procedures are in line with best practices and compliant with Pact global policies
• Oversees management of all office premises, travel, and transportation
• Oversee and ensure the proper functioning and maintenance of all office equipment, and outreach to IT contractor.
• Ensure HR & personnel policies and procedures are in line with best practices and compliant with Pact global policies and local labor law
• Ensure that the highest standards of ethics and confidentiality are maintained
• Process consultant/employment contracts and dismissals
• Other tasks as assigned.

Basic Requirements

• A Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or other relevant fields; or a bachelor’s or certified accounting degree with 10 years of experience.
• A minimum of eight (8) years of experience in accounting, operations, and financial management of large-scale, complex, international development assistance programs in developing countries
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience overseeing the procurement administration and financial management and reporting of a USAID-funded activity
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in developing and managing large budgets, including proficiency in relevant computer applications and databases
• Demonstrated working knowledge of U.S. Government financial and procurement rules and regulations
• Demonstrated supervisory experience, interpersonal skills, and team-building experience.
• Must have professional fluency in written and spoken and English
• Demonstrated experience in USAID/USG contract implementation and management preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of the political, social, and economic context of Sierra Leone
• Expertise and experience in one or more areas; operations, human resources, logistics, or IT
• Sierra Leone nationals are encouraged to apply.