Job Title: Program Manager I - Grant Finance Manager, Jonglei Food Security Program ( JFSP)
Region/Department: EARO/ Bor, Jonglei State, South Sudan
Position Type: Full Time
Band: D
FLSA: Exempt
Area of Interest: Finance
Location: Bor, Jonglei State, South Sudan
Reports To: Finance Manager and CoP
About CRS:
Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.
Background:
CRS is the lead agency implementing a USAID FFP funded DFAP in Jonglei State in a consortium with Save the Children. The program started in August 2011 and has received two cost extensions. The current CE runs until February 2016. The program has nine field locations, including the headquarters in Bor; two of the locations are under the management of the consortium partner. The program uses food commodity to support program activities to support emergency response, recovery, livelihoods and resilience. The program currently employs over 300 national and international staff in Jonglei State. The program resources available in FY 2015/16 are ab budget of $60 million and food commodity to the value of $20 million. The post is a member of the finance team for CRS South Sudan and reports to the CP Finance Manager in Juba. On a day to day basis in Bor the post reports to the COP of JFSP.
Primary Function: The Grant Finance Manager is a senior position in the JFSP and acts as the technical lead, reporting to the CoP on all issues related to finance and compliance. The post supervises a team of finance staff in Bor and oversees technically the finance staff in the 6 field locations for CRS. The post is also responsible for supervision of the financial management by Save the Children on the JFSP. The JFSP Grant Finance Manager works with the CP Finance Manager based in Juba for data processing in Sun systems and financial reports generation for JFSP. The post is also responsible for providing training and mentoring on finance to both the finance team in JFSP as well as non-finance staff who manage cash budgets and/or commodity. The JFSP Grant Finance Manager is responsible for overall budget monitoring, accepted accounting practices, cash advances, sub-recipient reporting and liquidations and review transactions for accuracy and compliance with internal policies and USG regulations, other donors and private fund awards and all matters. S/he assists in the interpretation of USG regulations for CRS and consortium partner staff. S/he coordinates the assessment and identification of needs for training in compliance, budgeting and financial management and their implementation. This involves significant capacity building, support and field trips. S/he is responsible for supervising and controlling CRS’s spending for JFSP and working with Save the Children’s finance staff in Juba to ensure that budgets are monitored. S/he is responsible for overseeing effective, efficient and safe systems of cash management and supply to multiple field locations in Jonglei State. In coordination with the Chief of Party (COP), the CP Finance Manager and the Management Quality Coordinator, and EARO and global compliance and finance staff, s/he develops and implements strategy to prevent or reduce compliance-related liabilities. The post-holder provides support to the CP Finance Manager and, as necessary, acts for him during his absences.
Specific responsibilities:
· Provide the lead on all matters related to finance and financial compliance in JFSP.
· Lead and direct the CRS finance team in JFSP and provide oversight and technical mentoring to finance teams working for consortium partners.
· Ensure that CRS financial procedures and documentation are followed for all JFSP technical and operational activities.
· Monitor and report on standards compliance by non-finance teams in CRS and consortium partners.
· The post is a senior member of a multi-disciplinary team and will be required to provide appropriate and timely input to other technical sectors in order to achieve broader project objectives;
· Ensure that all SOPs are in compliance with CRS’ finance policies, procedures and internal control standards. Supervise the JFSP’ financial systems, operations and services provided by the finance teams and ensure compliance.
· Ensure adherence of JFSP teams to all applicable Financial Management and Compliance Manuals and USG financial regulations and guidelines.
· Ensure adherence to all CRS and donor accounting and financial reporting standards and timelines. Report to CoP and DCR any significant non-compliance issue on either standards or timeliness by CRS or the consortium partner;
· Ensure effective financial planning, including cash forecasting, is incorporated in all operations and programs conducted by all field based teams and at Bor level;
· Organize all necessary CRS internal control monitoring and assessments and report to CoP and DCR.
· Supervise on a daily basis the processing of Journals and other finance vouchers and uploading into SUN system.
· Train and mentor all field finance staff. Undertake periodic field site visits to check compliance with CRS and donor requirements on internal controls, procurement, and human resource management, asset management, and budget utilization.
· Lead the preparation of the budget and forecasts for the program implementation plan and provide technical advice to the COP and technical and operation leads on reports submission budget submissions.
· Review consortium members’ cash forecasts and recommend on approval to COP.
· Undertake budget monitoring and provide monthly BCRs to budget and program managers in JFSP.
· Monitor the budgets and expenses monthly basis and ensure that the aggregate budget for CRS and consortium partners is maintained accurately at the donor approved levels throughout the year and commitments do not exceed the available budget.
· Work with the Juba based finance department to review and approve cash disbursement advance journals, ensuring accurate postings particularly.
· Ensure that necessary control systems on cash advances are in place and compliance is observed by all CRS and JFSP partner staff.
· Review and post liquidation journals ensuring accurate postings.
· Participate in ensuring that physical stocks of all JFSP project materials, equipment, tools and food are verified and reconciled according to the donor and CRS prescribed format and timeline. Review internal systems used by the Commodity management team to reconcile physical stocks.
· As basis for risk management, ensure that the CRS financial policies and procedures are followed and the USAID compliance requirements are met to standards
· Ensure that adequate internal controls are in place for JFSP to monitor and mitigate financial risks.
· Conduct and document internal control systems assessment as it relates to the JFSP program on annual basis and develop action plan to address weaknesses within six months.
· Promote efficient and innovative solutions to cash management based on JFSP field offices needs. Such solutions include OCH set-up and management and staff cash dollar payments in Opposition areas. S/he designs and implements internal controls adapted to such innovative solutions.
Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff) These are rooted in the mission, values, and principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and to achieve the desired results.
· Serves with Integrity
· Models Stewardship
· Cultivates Constructive Relationships
· Promotes Learning
Emergency Competencies: These are rooted in the mission, values, and principles of CRS and used by each staff working in emergencies to fulfill his or her responsibilities and to achieve the desired results.
· Communicates strategically under pressure
· Manages stress and complexity
· Actively promotes safety and security
· Manages and implements high-quality emergency programs
This post-holder will be one member of a multi-national team. It is essential that the successful applicant demonstrates the capacity to operate effectively in a multicultural environment. The post-holder must be willing and prepared to work extended hours in difficult circumstances.
KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
Internal: JFSP COP/DCoP, budget managers and field area coordinators, JFSP finance staff, Save the Children country finance manager, CRS South Sudan CR and DCR, CP Finance Manager, CRS/EARO Deputy Regional Directors, CRS /EARO Regional Finance Officer (RFO), PDL CRS HQ.
External: USAID South Sudan Mission, USAID FFP.
Essential qualifications and experience:
· Master’s degree in finance, business administration or accounting;
· A recognized professional qualification in accounting (ACCA, CPA or equivalent);
· Minimum seven years work experience at a managerial level in accounting and budgeting;
· At least three years’ work experience in USG finance and compliance;
· Track record in overseeing large budgets in developing country settings;
· Demonstrable track record in building capacity and providing training and technical assistance to finance and non-finance teams;
· Proven ability in staff supervision of a dispersed finance team.
· Excellent communication skills in English, both oral and written.
· Working experience of SUN system and a high degree of proficiency in the MS Office suite and other appropriate tools.
· Demonstrable track record in effective team membership and communications.
The post-holder is a member of a multi-disciplinary team and will be required to provide appropriate and timely input to other technical sectors in order to achieve broader project objectives
Desirable qualifications and experience:
· Possession of a degree in accounting from a recognized university is an advantage.
· Auditing experience would be desirable.
· Experience of supervising financial management and USG compliance with consortium setting is desirable.
· Familiarity and working experience in South Sudan, especially in Jonglei, would be an advantage.
Mental / physical Requirements:
· Must express thoughts and ideas by spoken and written word; listen effectively.
· Must sit for prolonged periods of time; drive to various locations; work at a computer.
· Ability and willingness to travel up to 30-50% of the time within S. Sudan with sub-region visits in-country to project sites; travel within or outside EARO and to HQ when requested.
· The position is based full-time in Bor, Southern Sudan.
This is a non-family post in location with limited amenities Disclaimer:
This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skills, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.
CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
NOTE: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
