Finance and Administration Specialist

Job Description

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Finance and Administration (F&A) Specialist provides backstopping and support to ensure the timely and effective implementation of Project’s activities in Ethiopia. The F&A Specialist performs standard accounting, budgeting, and reporting duties in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and grant requirements, and MSH policy, as well as overseeing the quality of office administrative functions. S/he serves as a financial management resource to programmatic and operational staff. The Specialist monitors transactions through the effective use of the review and approval process to ensure propriety with USAID and MSH regulations. With the Project Director, s/he monitors compliance with all internal and donor financial and administrative requirements. The administrative duties of this position will include overseeing human resources, security, travel and transportation, IT and communication, general procurement, and the upkeep of office space and equipment. The F&A Specialist safeguards the assets (financial and physical) of MSH and its donors against fraud, loss or misuse.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Responsible for the financial management of the Project.
2. Has overall responsibility and accountability for any subgrants/subcontracts under the Project.
3. Develops and monitors the Project’s budget and complies with all required financial reporting according to donor requirements. Contributes to briefings for USAID as appropriate.
4. Assists Project teams with their respective budgets, including maintaining accurate expenditure projections, and the Director in consolidating budgets and in containing expenditures within parameters.
5. Serves as principal financial and administrative liaison between the Project and the MSH headquarters office. Establishes and implements fiscal controls and reporting systems to track and monitor funds accurately and control disbursements so that resources are correctly directed to their intended use for technical support activities.
6. Based on MSH and USAID regulations and operational policies and procedures, implements appropriate standard operating procedures (SOPs) in the areas of finance and accounting, human resources, and operations. Trains staff in office SOPs and ensure compliance.
7. Acts as fiduciary responsibility, safeguarding USAID and MSH assets. Acts as signatory authority for Project expenses.
8. In coordination with MSH Senior Contract Officer, provides guidance and training to Project staff on contractual issues, regulations and contracting mechanisms.
9. Supervises F&A staff. Supervisory responsibilities include but are not limited to: meeting with supervisees on a regular basis to discuss issues, track work progress, provide guidance and support, and ensure consistent quality of work performed; conducting performance plan, review and development; communicating, implementing and assuring adherence to Project policies, guidelines and values; developing staff skills and knowledge; approving timesheets; and facilitating supervisee success whenever possible.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Advanced degree in business administration, economics or finance.
2. Minimum Experience: 8 years related administration, with experience with an international organization.
3. Administrative Project management experience and training in international settings. Experience managing grants and subcontracts to local organizations a plus.
4. Knowledge of applicable USG and PEPFAR procurement, assistance, rules and regulations, as well as administrative policies and techniques.
5. Expert skills in MicroSoft Word, Excel, and QuickBooks or similar accounting package; comfortable in a Windows PC environment.
6. Demonstrated English and French language skills (FS-3 level or higher).
7. Previous work experience in Ethiopia desired.
8. Ability to travel up to 30 percent of the time in Ethiopia.

Management Sciences for Health is an equal opportunity employer offering employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship, physical or mental handicap, or status as a disabled or Vietnam Era veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.

To apply for this position, please visit the Employment Opportunities section of our website at .