Director of Finance & Operations - CARE International

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CARE began operations in Ghana in 1994 by working to educate mining areas about sexual health and the prevention of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. CARE Ghana now works with more than 40 partner organizations to implement a portfolio of projects worth about US$9 million annually in 150 districts across the country, from our main office in Accra and sub-offices in Kumasi, Sunyani and Tamale.

For 30 years, CARE has been working in Ghana to improve livelihoods and achieve social justice through interventions that address the underlying causes of poverty. Our programming focuses on food and nutrition security and social and economic empowerment, with women and youth as our impact group.

CARE Ghana is excited to invite your applications for a new job opening in our programs and operations. Not only do we offer exceptional opportunities for career growth for Ghanaians especially women and young people, but we are also proud to welcome talented people such as yourself into the global CARE community where our core values of Transformation, Integrity, Diversity, Equality and Excellence are the benchmarks against which we measure ourselves as leaders and employees.

At CARE, we recognize that skills and expertise can come from a range of experiences from work and life, in addition to education or past job titles. As such, we welcome applications from dynamic, curious, and creative Ghanaians with a passion for learning and problem-solving.

Interested? If yes, please see details below:

Job Description

CARE Ghana is seeking a highly strategic and results-driven Director of Finance and Operations to lead and oversee the effective management of all operational and financial functions within the Country Office. This senior leadership role is responsible for setting the direction and ensuring the smooth integration of Finance, Procurement, Logistics, ICT, Administration, Safety & Security and Field Operations in support of CARE’s mission.

The Director of Finance and Operations, based in Ghana, leads CARE Ghana's finance and operations functions, ensuring alignment with CARE’s strategy and vision. The role involves developing a responsive, efficient team and overseeing finance, administration, ICT, supply chain, security and sub-office operations.

The Director collaborates closely with the Country Director and Regional Business Services Director, providing strategic oversight and ensuring integration of finance and operations with programming. As a member of the Country Office Senior Management Team (SMT), the Director of Finance and Operations participates in strategic decision-making and deputizes for the Country Director when needed.

In alignment with CARE putting "People at the Centre of Development" and our Core Values Commitment, the Director of Finance and Operations leads her/his teams with Vision and Purpose; demonstrates respect and contributes to a work culture that promotes staff personal and professional development, wellness and wellbeing; and rewards initiative and accountability.

S/he proactively creates and/or activates growth opportunities for her/his teams through on-the-job training, coaching/mentoring and personal learning while fostering a strong sense of belonging and team spirit, and mutual accountability for collective and individual results. This requires strong leadership and interpersonal skills found on a proven commitment to integrity, excellence and the conscientious stewardship of all entrusted resources.

S/he participates in and contributes to the strategic leadership and direction of the CO; and provides insights and business acumen to improve the agility and efficacy of our financial and operational systems. S/he contributes to the positioning of CARE Ghana as a partner of choice both internally (with other COs, SSC, RMU, Head Quarters (HQ) and CARE Member Partners (CMPs)) and externally (with donors, partners, Government, etc.); and as is required of all SMT members, s/he is a trusted ambassador and champion of CARE's brand and program in Ghana.

The Director of Finance and Operations will report directly to the Country Director and will be stationed in Accra, Greater Accra Region.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE

Strategic Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness:

• Provide strategic leadership and advice to the operations team.
• Develop and organize timely and effective support for country programs to ensure objectives are met.
• Foster links between programs, finance, operations and People & Culture for seamless coordination and program support.
• Ensure that finance and operations strategies are integrated into the overall Country Office strategy.
• Work with the SMT to ensure appropriate staffing structures, management systems and support mechanisms are in place.
• Lead business process improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Manage staff performance, development, and talent management.
• Build the capacity of the operations team and the wider Country Office.
• Influence ways of working within the program support team to positively impact efficiency and add value to the Country Office.
• Oversee operations focal points in designated field locations to ensure support systems and structures are in place and compliant.

 Finance, Awards, Audits and Risks Management

• Ensure proper recording, documentation, control, monitoring and reporting of financial operations.
• Oversee day-to-day financial operations and ensuring high-quality financial services to programs, projects and unit staff.
• Facilitate strong collaboration between finance, program and other support units.
• Ensure efficient finance and accounting process flows, accurate data processing and reporting and timely financial reporting to donors, management and other stakeholders.
• Ensure CO compliance with donor rules and regulations across all program support functions.
• Work with the Senior Manager, Finance and Regional Audit and Compliance Coordinator to prepare for audits and coordinate audit responses.
• Implement audit recommendations and maintain sound internal control systems.
• Coordinate the development of the CO’s operational budgets and ensure expenditure aligns with donor requirements.
• Monitor monthly operational budgets versus actuals.
• Lead the development of operational risk analysis and provide recommendations to the Country Director and SMT.

Operations ( ICT, Supply Chain and Security ) Management

• Supervise ICT, procurement, logistics, administration and related functions.
• Initiate and revise operations policies, systems and procedures in line with legal and donor requirements.
• Oversee implementation of initiatives under the ongoing supply chain transformation project and the newly issued procurement policy and manual.
• Ensure the supply chain KPIs are met and reported on time.
• Provide in-house legal advice and coordinate with CARE USA Legal, AMS and the Regional Office.
• Ensure compliance with internal and external policies across all operational areas.
• Ensure safety and security systems are in place across CARE’s operating areas.
• Manage the Safety and Security Manager and CO field safety focal points.
• Ensure administrative policies for emergencies are clear, well-understood and regularly updated.
• Participate in the Emergency Preparedness Planning (EPP) team and ensure regular updates of the EPP.

 Deputizing the CD, Sub-offices Management and External Representation

• Ensure efficient implementation and monitoring of activities in field offices.
• Facilitate weekly coordination meetings between programs, finance and operations.
• Supervise field office operations focal points and ensure proper functioning of support systems in satellite offices, especially during emergency scale-up.
• Maintain regular contact with units in the Regional Management Unit (RMU), HQ and Shared Services Center (SCC) to address issues requiring external support.
• Represent CARE Ghana in interactions with relevant government institutions and professional networks.
• Collaborate and exchange information with network organizations in areas of mutual interest.
• Ensure that the Country Office maintains transparent, professional and cordial external relationships.

Required Skills or Experience

Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of financial management principles, donor regulations, and compliance standards.
• Excellent IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and experience with enterprise resource systems (e.g., PeopleSoft).
• Fluency in both French and English (written and spoken).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong belief in teamwork, gender equality and participatory management practices. 

Experience

• A minimum of 10 years of leadership and management experience in a large and complex INGO or international organization.
• At least 5 years in a senior position, preferably in Anglophone Africa.
• Broad experience in operations functions, including procurement, logistics, HR, administration and ICT.
• Proven leadership and capacity-building experience.
• Experience in training both finance and non-finance staff.
• Ability to work effectively under time pressure with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across departments and influence senior staff.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and leadership skills.
• Commitment to humanitarian principles, gender equality, teamwork and inclusive management.

 Competence

• Ability to develop internal and external trusting & professional relationships. Purposefully develops networks to build value through collaboration.
• Fosters an inclusive environment where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute.
• Demonstrates a growth mindset by seeking learning opportunities and embracing feedback and innovation.
• Plans strategically to meet goals while maintaining high-quality standards and accountability.
• Builds strong relationships through effective communication, influence, and cultural sensitivity.
• Solid analytical skills, problem solving and experience with major donor audits (e.g USAID, EU, etc.)

 Education  

• Advanced degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Operations, Management or a related field with a professional qualification (ACCA, CPA, CA, CIMA, CIPS etc.)

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