Job Vacancy Opened at Development Alternatives Incorporated forDirector of Finance

Director of Finance and Operations
Zambia Scaling Up Nutrition Technical Assistance Activity (SUN TA)

DAI works at the cutting edge of international development, combining technical excellence, professional project management, and exceptional customer service to solve our clients’ most complex problems. Since 1970, DAI has worked in 150 developing and transition countries, providing comprehensive development solutions in areas including crisis mitigation and stability operations, democratic governance and public sector management, agriculture and agribusiness, health and nutrition, water sanitation and hygiene, private sector development, and financial services, economics and trade, HIV/AIDS, avian influenza control, water, and natural resources management, and energy and climate change. Clients include international development agencies, international lending institutions, private corporations and philanthropies, and host-country governments.

Project Background:

The Scaling Up Nutrition Program is a cross-ministry and multi-donor program to reduce stunting in Zambia through the implementation of the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) 1,000 Most Critical Days Program. SUN TA provides support and direct technical assistance to sub-national local government departments in target districts to plan, implement, coordinate, and monitor integrated nutrition-sensitive and nutrition-specific activities to reduce the rate of stunting among Zambian children under two and improve the nutritional status of pregnant and lactating mothers. USAID has identified two main objectives that address stunting, including (1) Adequate Quantity and Quality of Dietary Intake among Target Groups; and (2) Adequate Health Conditions for Biological Utilization of Nutrients. SUN TA interventions increase access and availability of safe, diverse, nutritious food; adoption of better child feeding and household hygiene practices; and access to improved health, water, and sanitation services. The project prioritizes sustainability by improving intra-household joint decision making and building the capacity of local government and their stakeholders to ensure coordination, accountability, and learning, following the Scaling Up Nutrition model.

Purpose:

The Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) will oversee the finance and administration team and be responsible for ensuring operational excellence in areas such as grants, procurement, finance and accounting, contract management, cost control, and management systems. In addition, the DFO will provide financial leadership and operational oversight for all aspects of the project in accordance with United States Government (USG) and USAID regulation and policies including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR). S/he will work closely with COP, DCOP, and technical staff to ensure that the project’s operational capacity is effectively leveraged to support the achievement of SUN TA results. The DFO will use existing DAI financial systems and procedures to manage and administer the budget and will create program-specific strategies to contain and track costs as needed. The DFO will manage other finance and administrative personnel to ensure efficient and effective financial and operational management of the project. The DFO will be based in Lusaka, Zambia and will report to the Chief of Party.

Responsibilities and Key Tasks:

Project Management:

The DFO will oversee daily administrative operations of the projects, including human resources, procurement, inventory management, and reporting. The DFO will work with the COP and administrative staff to ensure that operating policies and procedures comply with USAID and DAI regulations and support SUN TA objectives. Detailed duties include:

• Design and implement project management systems, policies, and tools for effective and efficient operations
• Coordinate with technical directors and manage project operations to ensure an integrated vision and successful achievement of program objectives
• Oversee implementation of SUN TA direct implementation (DI) and grant funds, ensuring timely deployment of technical assistance in a compliant manner
• Identify risks related to program implementation and suggest appropriate program adjustments
• Recruit, train, and manage finance, administration, procurement, and grants personnel
• Work with local partners and grantees to build capacity and ensure they are successfully achieving their SOWs
• Oversee implementation and maintenance of IT systems
• Train staff in the use of TAMIS and monitor TAMIS utilization by staff particularly for M&E, procurement, and project administration
• Manage the annual performance assessment and staff talent development process
• Support the COP to produce high-quality deliverables and meet client reporting deadlines
• Identify short-term operational consulting requirements and draft SOWs as needed
• Serve as principal liaison with DAI home office project management team and security focal point
• Supervise Sr Procurement, Contracts & Grants Manager, Operations/HR Manager, Finance Manager, and Data &IT systems Manager.
• Coordinate closely with the Field Technical Assistance Managers and other staff in the district offices to ensure technical activities are implemented in accordance with finance and procurement protocols, as well as that financial transaction and banking systems are coordinated

Procurement Management

• Establish systems and policies for local procurement to promote expediency, accountability, and transparency while minimizing risk
• Manage local procurement in collaboration with dedicated project procurement teams, including developing procurement specifications, conducting tenders, and overseeing vendor selection
• Ensure that procurement is at all times conducted in accordance with USAID regulations and DAI policies and documented clearly and accurately
• Supervises Sr Procurement, Contracts & Grants Manager.

Financial Management

The DFO will oversee the daily financial operations and management of the program, manage the strategic programming of funds and provide recommendations on the overall financial management of the project. Detailed duties include:

• Maintain, regularly update, and analyze the project budget and oversee regular and accurate reporting to USAID and DAI
• Contribute to project pipeline analysis, providing input into the quarterly review process and budget realignments
• Direct and monitor the management of cash and other assets to ensure integrity and efficiency in the use of financial resources
• Ensure the project is in compliance with all tax liabilities
• Establish and implement a sound internal control system to ensure all the reliable, timely, and accurate financial data.
• Conduct regular internal audits of financial transactions, make recommendations and implement follow-up actions
• Supervises Finance Manager

Qualifications:

• ACCA, CIMA, CPA, CISA, or equivalent is required
• Fellow member of ZICA
• Master’s degree in accounting, finance, management, business administration or similar field, preferred
• The DFO must have at least 10 years of experience in the operation and financial management of large-scale, complex, international development assistance programs.
• Strong experience of more responsible supervisory work experience that involved direct leadership of professional and support staff, oversight and evaluation of staff performance and deliverables, and contract management
• Strong experience in overall financial and administrative management and management of a contract
• A high level of knowledge regarding USG and USAID rules and regulations for grants and contracts is required.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage large budgets, and in-depth knowledge of USG Cost Accounting Standards
• Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and/or experiences in accounting, financial planning and management, human resources, procurement and contract management, among other management support areas/functions
• Demonstrated experience implementing activities of similar scope and complexity in Zambia or a similar context
• Extensive experience in developing and managing a donor-funded grants program
• Demonstrated management and supervisory experience of a relevant scope and scale
• Leadership in local capacity development. The DFO must have a demonstrated ability to provide oversight of local capacity development efforts, including working with local partners to ensure adherence to all sub-award requirements.
• Knowledge of applicable Zambian laws and policies on financial, procurement procedures, and human resources.