Director of Finance and Operations - Tisamale Mabuku Project

Company Description

EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER (EDC)

EDC is one of the world’s leading nonprofit research and development firms. EDC designs, implements, and evaluates programs to improve education, health, and economic opportunity worldwide. Collaborating with both public and private partners, we strive for a world where all people are empowered to live healthy, productive lives.

EDC’s approach to equity, diversity, and inclusion is grounded in EDC’s commitment to respect the dignity of each individual. EDC has a commitment to promoting equity and access to high quality education and health services that contribute to thriving communities where people from diverse backgrounds learn, live, and work together. EDC expresses its commitment to increasing equity through its strategies, services and products, which contribute to building capacity and transforming lives.

EDC is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.

We are looking for candidates who share EDC’s commitment and understand the importance of cultural responsiveness in today’s context.

Project Description 

USAID’s Tisamale Mabuku Project (TMP) activates the role of communities and civil society in the management and utilization of National Reading Program (NRP) Teaching and Learning Materials (TLM) and works with Ministry of Education (MoE) system stakeholders at all levels to strengthen TLM provision and use through community engagement, social accountability and collaborative governance. EDC and its team of Malawian civil society partners work with school community management groups, including School Management Committees (SMCs), Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs), and Mothers Groups (MGs), district-based MoE staff and Civil Society organizations to co-create sustainable solutions for improved TLM management, replenishment, and use that are owned by participants and reflect local contexts.

Job Description

Position Description 

The Director of Finance and Operations is responsible for compliance with USAID and EDC policy and the overall financial administration and operation functions of the project, including: administration of project operations, forecasting and tracking field office expenditures, and overseeing daily financial management. This position reports to the Chief of Party. This position is located in Lilongwe, Malawi. 

Essential functions include [but are not limited to]: 

FINANCE 

• Direct and support the finance team to manage all financial issues of the project, to improve procedures, increase efficiency and provide the means to accomplish project goals; 
• Provide oversight for the day- to-day financial operations of the project office; 
• Review all payment documents for proper and adequate back-up and monitor cash flow; 
• Monitor project spending, including quarterly analysis to identify over- or under-spending, bringing any issues to the attention of the Chief of Party for action; 
• Ensure timely preparation and submission of statutory returns, reports and tax compliance; 
• Work closely with the Senior Accountant to ensure all employees and vendors are vetted according to USAID and EDC policies; 
• Serve as a liaison with EDC U.S. Home Office Financial Analyst to facilitate financial management processes including contributing to preparation of cost to complete projections and budget; realignments, providing guidance and oversight on project financial management, and participating, as appropriate, in resolution of financial issues; 
• Ensure compliance and adherence to both USAID and EDC regulations and procedures including maintenance of internal controls, accountability of EDC resources for all financial issues; 
• Manage (with support from EDC’s Director of Corporate Compliance) external financial audits and ensure that management responses and corrective actions are implemented in a timely manner; 
• Oversee work of project accounting team to ensure timely and accurate submission of monthly transaction reporting to the Home Office, including preparation of wire transfer requests; 
• Keep track of accruals and commitments and provide up-to-date reports as needed; 
• Ensure that accountant works smoothly with technical teams to accomplish project goals in a manner consistent with policies and procedures, model collaboration with technical leaders; 
• Develop training materials and organize/facilitate workshops (remote and in person) to support partner organizations and/or grantees to strengthen operational and financial management systems; 
• Other duties, as assigned.

PROJECT OPERATIONS / ADMINISTRATION 

• Direct all operations processes; 
• Ensure procurement, logistics and property are managed and administrated in accordance with EDC and USAID policies, rules and regulations; 
• Regular planning and coordination with the technical teams so project operations can support deliverables and activities; 
• Write and develop materials needed for effective operations. Recommend efficiency improvements or future focus areas; 
• Ensure quality assurance of operational functions and associated materials; 
• Coordination with home office points on contact on HR, procurement, IT, and operations 
• Other duties, as assigned. 

HUMAN RESOURCES 

• Ensure compliance and alignment of EDC’s HR policies and practices to Malawi Labor Law; 
• In consultation with the COP and other relevant staff members, ensure that the EDC Policies and Procedures manual is updated as needed, sound human resources management is practiced in accordance with Government appropriate laws, USAID as well as EDC rules and regulations;
• Work with EDC home office HR team to ensure that the scope of work for jobs are accurately prepared, classification of posts are worked out as required, personnel practices, like hiring, employee entitlements, training, performance evaluations, and contracts are conducted and performed in accordance with the relevant rules and procedures; 
• Maintain all HR record keeping system and files such as personnel files and the staff vacation plan and use as per EDC policy; 
• Coordinate orienting new staff to the EDC policy and procedures manuals. 

Qualifications

Education:

A Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or other relevant field.

Skills and Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years with increasing responsibility in accounting and/or financial management, including the management and oversight of multimillion-dollar, USAID-funded project budgets and financial reporting; 
• Extensive knowledge of and financial management experience with USAID funded-programs (experience with USAID agreements preferred); 
• Demonstrated and detailed understanding of financial management and accounting principles; 
• Significant specialization and managerial experiences in Finance and Operations required; 
• Knowledge of generally accepted accounting practices, financial reporting standards, financial management processes, and procedures; 
• Logistics experience, such as large-scale procurements and coordination of teams for field activities; 
• Proven ability to manage a team and corresponding workflow; 
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite applications; 
• Ability to manage multiple, time-sensitive tasks professionally and with high quality; 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; 
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team of professionals; 
• Must be able to work within a cross cultural setting, negotiate diplomatically, and function well under pressure; 
• Willingness to travel to districts covered by the project. 

Language:

Fluency in English and Chichewa is required.

Additional Information

Job closing date: November 15, 2024 

To apply, applicants are required to apply via SmartRecruiters:

Due to the volume of applications submitted, only finalists will be notified. No phone calls, please. 

EDC is committed to enhancing the diversity of its workforce and ensuring an equitable and highly inclusive work environment. EDC is a smoke-free workplace, and offers a supportive work environment, competitive salary, and excellent benefits. Women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.