Finance & Operations Manager - JSI Research & Training Institute

John Snow Inc. is a leader in improving the health of individuals and communities by providing high-quality technical and managerial assistance to public health programs worldwide. JSI has implemented projects in 104 countries, and currently operates from eight U.S. and 81 international offices for the past 30 years.

Job Description

• Job Title: Finance and Operations Manager
• Job Location: Tamale Ghana
• Professional Level: Senior
• Purpose: To support nutrition activities in 17 priority districts in Northern Ghana as needed.
• Closing Date: June 12, 2020
• Position Category: Local hire, paid in country
• Salary commensurate with experience

Project Description

USAID Advancing Nutrition is USAID’s flagship multi-sectoral nutrition project, led by the JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI), and a diverse group of experienced partners. Launched in September 2018, USAID Advancing Nutrition implements and provides technical support to nutrition interventions across sectors and disciplines for USAID and its partners. The project’s multi-sectoral approach draws together global nutrition experience to design, implement and evaluate programs that address the root causes of malnutrition. Committed to using a systems approach, USAID Advancing Nutrition strives to sustain positive outcomes by building local capacity, supporting behavior change, and strengthening the enabling environment to save lives, improve health, build resilience, increase economic productivity and advance development.

From 2020 – 2022, USAID Advancing Nutrition will provide technical support and assessment services to advance the Government of Ghana’s efforts to improve equitable delivery of quality services that promote household resilience and early childhood growth and development. Technical services provided through USAID Advancing Nutrition will strengthen national and local government planning in Northern Ghana and stimulate the development of multisectoral solutions most pressing food security and nutrition problems. The portfolio will encompass activities funded by USAID/Washington as well as the USAID Mission to Ghana.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Reporting

S/he will work under the direction of the Chief of Party to administer and play a key role in successfully executing and maintaining effective and accountable processes and procedures. The F&O Manager will collaborate closely with program staff in Ghana and with members of the F&O team at home office. This position is based in Tamale, with travel to the 17 priority districts in Northern Ghana as needed.

Job Summary

The Finance & Operations (F&O) Manager is responsible for overseeing the administrative, operations and financial management and accountability requirements of USAID Advancing Nutrition in Ghana. The F&O Manager is responsible for ensuring that the Project functions efficiently in all financial, administrative and operational matters, directly supervising administrative staff and providing oversight to all local procurement issues. Additionally, s/he works collaboratively and effectively with the Chief of Party, assuring compliance with the terms of the Project contractual requirements. This role is expected to be part of the project management team in Ghana as the lead in the aforementioned areas.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

The Finance & Operations Manager will (some tasks may be adjusted as additional staff come onboard):

Startup Operations

• Lead startup operations to ensure rapid mobilization of USAID Advancing Nutrition program.
• Liaise with other JSI Projects in country.
• Recruit and hire F&A staff for Tamale office.
• Locate and secure adequate office space in Tamale.
• Potential for frequent travel during the startup phase of the program.
• Establish systems, manuals, tools and guidelines to support the financial, administrative and human resources aspects of the project with support from the Home Office.

Management

• Provide oversight for all policies, procedures, activities and staff in finance, administration, security, travel, transportation, IT, communication, procurement, HR and the upkeep of office space, equipment for USAID Advancing Nutrition.
• Provide the Chief of Party with financial and operational guidance to support the efficient and compliant implementation of project activities. Identify problems and issues for resolution in a timely manner.
• Participate in development of annual budgets, providing updates, modifications, and analysis.
• Ensure that all USAID Advancing Nutrition activities are implemented in accordance with USAID financial and contractual regulations and JSI policy.
• Assist project teams in managing partnerships and activities, and develop related tools and systems to support implementation
• Supervise finance and administrative staff.

Finance/Budget

• Create, implement and monitor internal controls for accuracy, completeness and timeliness of accounting records and reports.
• Monitor budget spending and conduct financial analysis related to project expenditures, financial obligations, and other financial activity.
• Supervise Project Finance staff to ensure that field expenses meet with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), JSI policy, and USAID rules and regulations as they apply to USAID Advancing Nutrition operations; demonstrate the ability to use sound business judgment in assuring that all costs are reasonable and necessary for the completion of the project goals.
• Manage the day-to-day accounting processes and ensure the production of monthly field office reports sent to HQ.
• Prepare payments to local vendors in accordance with agreed Levels of Authority; ensure that all project expenses incurred are paid for on a timely basis, including VAT free exemptions.
• Approve payments to staff and vendors using QuickBooks voucher system; submit monthly field accounts to HQ; and reconcile bank statements on a monthly basis.
• Oversee the timely and accurate preparation and submission of monthly cash flow requirements.
• Manage the relationship with vendors and bank representatives.

Administration/Operations/Procurement

• Provide operational oversight of USAID Advancing Nutrition office operations to ensure a safe, efficient, and functioning environment.
• Supervise asset management, inventory processes and procedures.
• Oversee office procurement and maintenance of equipment in accordance with USAID regulations, contract requirements and JSI policy.
• Review and approve purchase requests and purchase orders within the established limits per Operations Manual. Ensure that all supporting documentation is in order before they are approved.

Human Resources

• Ensure that timesheets for all local staff are completed and approved.
• Maintain Local Hire Employee Manual, developed for the entire JSI branch in Ghana
• Ensure compliance with all project legal requirements (employee taxes, local labor laws, etc.)
• Provide overall support and direction to assure that the most qualified staff are hired and that staff are supported.
• Ensure that JSI meets labor requirements and adheres to corporate policies, procedures
• Incorporate progressive HR concepts and ensure performance assessments are conducted for every staff member and consultant, and reports filed as required.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Required Skills or Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in relevant field
• Experience: 7-10 years of related work experience in financial and operational management, 1-3 years in a senior management role on USAID funded projects
• Computer Skills: Advanced level proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Experience in Cognos and Quickbooks preferred.
• Fluency in English required.