FINANCE & COMPLIANCE DIRECTOR- Mali At CARE USA

CARE seeks a Finance and Compliance Director for the anticipated USAID-funded Community-based Basic Education Activity in Mali. The purpose of this program is to improve early-grade reading and math skills of young learners (equivalent to grades 1-4) in the regions of Koulikoro, Sikasso, Segou, and Bamako District with a focus on improving the quality of instruction boosting community demand, and broadening safe, equitable formal and non-formal education services. The end goal is expanded access to educational pathways and improved reading and math outcomes, especially for girls and marginalized children.

This activity is expected to be a five-year program in the $25-50M range. The solicitation is expected to be released in May 2022.

The Director will be responsible for all finance and operations including administration, logistics , procurement, budgeting, compliance, property, and sub-award oversight. The Director ensures that project implementation is in accordance with USG regulations a nd procedures and the specifications determined in the Cooperative Agreement. The Director is responsible for ensuring that all procurement processes are fair and transparent, reviewing financial compliance, and monitoring subcontract and sub-award implementation.

The Director is accountable for overall financial and administrative operations systems management and oversight, working closely with the Finance Team. The Director oversees budgeting and forecasting, data processing and record-keeping, internal control systems, and compliance. The successful candidate will ensure that management systems enable quality reporting to the dono r, with accur ate an d timely data from the field that is synthesi zed and in accorda nce with donor requirements. They will also mentor, supervise, and deve lop the capacity of their direct reports.

This position is pending donor approval and funding.

Location: Bamako, Mali

Primary responsibilities :

• Oversee day-to-day operations and financial management of the project.
• Collaborate closely with the Chief of Party, CARE’s Country Director, Deputy Country Director, and other senior project staff to ensure compliance with USAID requirements in all financial, administrative, and other operational areas. Collaborate with the program leads to identify reso urces th at help the program meet its goals, deliverables, and milestones.
• Contribute to the development of annual work plans and translate the work plan to line items in order to develop annual and project budgets. Coordinate input for the annual budgeting process with the Chief of Party and partners. Develop budgets, and budget forecasts, and monitor budgets on an ongoing basis.
• Monitor expenses against the program budget, and provide precise, detailed reports during project start-up and throughout implementation and close-out.
• Manage all aspects of procurement, from planning to purchasing, in compliance with CARE and USG policies and standards.
• Review periodic financial and operations reports with the Chief of Party, Country Director, and other program leads. Take the lead on addressing any operational issues that might impact the program achieving its goals.
• Ensure compliance with all USAID regulations and CARE policies, practices, and regulations.
• Advise project staff on donor requirements; provide training on financial management , recordkeeping, operational systems, and policies as needed.
• Analyze project expenses, including partner financial reports, on a monthly and quarterly basis.
• Coordinate with partner organizations to ensure consistent, effective, and efficient use of project resources. Monitor financial performance and progress toward objectives .
• Provide information, advice, and technical assistance to partners and sub awardees on project-related compliance issues such as financial reporting requirements, audit reports, procurement, and award monitoring.
• Review and audit sub awardees’ reports, budgets, expenses, and proposals to ensure compliance with award terms and USAID regulations and maintenance of accurate financial records.
• Ensure preparation and submission of complete and accurate financial reports and cash requests to CARE and USAID.
• Maintain effective linkages between technical components and finance and administrative functions within the project.
• Prepare all required documentation for accounting and audits.
• Supervise and mentor project operations and finance staff.

Minimum qualifications :

• Master’s degree in business, finance, management, economics, international development or a related field or a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and 5 additional years of relevant experience.
• Minimum of 6 years experience working in an operations management capacity on a donor-funded activity, of which at least 2 years must be in a staff supervisory role.
• Fluency in US Government policies and procedures regarding award management, financial reporting, procurement processes, systems, and grants and contracts management.
• Demonstrated experience managing financial and operational oversight of field/regional offices.
• Balance of strong analytical and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated success in achieving results under challenging implementation circumstances.
• Excellent verbal and written English and French skills.
• Ability to travel within Mali as required and as the security and Covid-19 situations allow.