Director, Finance and Operations at Management Sciences for Health (MSH)

Management Sciences for Health (MSH) is a nonprofit international health organization with nearly 2,500 people from over 74 nationalities working in over 40 countries. Our mission: Saving lives and improving the health of the world's poorest and most vulnerable people by closing the gap between knowledge and action in public health. Together with our partners, we are helping managers and leaders in developing countries to create stronger management systems that improve health services for the greatest health impact.

We are recruiting to fill the position of:

Job Title: Director, Finance and Operations

Job ID: 13-8409
Location: Nigeria
Grade: Senior
Reports to: Chief of Party

Overall Responsibilities

• Management Sciences for Health (MSH) saves lives and improves health by helping public and private organizations throughout the world to effectively manage people, medicines, money, and information.
• Working from more than 30 country offices and our Arlington, Virginia and Medford, Massachusetts US headquarters, our staff from 65 nations is highly regarded for its technical expertise, integrity, and commitment to making a lasting difference in health.
• We live our mission to save lives and improve the health of the world's poorest and most vulnerable people by closing the gap between knowledge and action in public health.
• MSH is seeking highly qualified candidates for an anticipated five-year USAID funded malaria program in Nigeria.
• This program will strengthen delivery of malaria case management: delivery of quality services for management of malaria and its complications, prevention of malaria in pregnancy, and integrated community case management.
• Availability of the position is contingent upon issuance of a USAID funding mechanism, and selection of final applicant is subject to USAID approval. Preference will be given to candidates with relevant experience in Nigeria.

Specific Responsibilities:

• The Director, Finance and Operations is a member of the project's senior management team and oversees the overall financial and project operational functions under the supervision of the Chief of Party.
• S/he is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of technical efforts and field activities by providing accounting, administrative, management and logistical support to facilitate the implementation of project activities.
• The Director ensures that the project's financial management, personnel, administrative and contractual operations systems are conducted according to MSH regulations, standard operating procedures and good business practices.
• S/he provides management support to the technical assistance team to facilitate the implementation of program activities.
• The Director coordinates with the Country Operations Management Unit (COMU) unit to ensure that the project's operational needs (including finance, accounting, HR, IT, and procurement functions) are met, facilitating coordination and integration with other existing MSH country projects, systems, and processes.
• As a member of the project's senior management team, participate in all meetings with USAID, host government, local partners, and other organizations as needed as well as internal joint operations and shared program discussions.
• Coordinate with the Country Operations Management Unit (COMU) unit to ensure that the project's operational needs (including finance, accounting, HR, IT, and procurement functions) are met. Ensure coordination and integration with other existing MSH country projects, systems, and processes.
• With the Chief of Party, lead the preparation and management of country project budgets and pipeline expenditures. Manage monitoring, analysis and reporting of actual and accrued expenditures against project budgets for accurate project pipelines, estimates of upcoming cash needs and overall efficient and effective financial management of the project.
• Exercise independent discretion and judgment in continually exploring opportunities for cost-cutting, cost-sharing and rational use of the project's resources, and advise the Chief of Party accordingly.
• Manage cash flow, including funds transfers from MSH Home Office, local currency exchange, and petty cash. Obtain authorization for and pay local costs. Reconcile the project's bank accounts and field advance accounts each month.
• Assure that all project financial transactions are recorded into an approved MSH Field Expense Accounting System, and submit timely reports each month.
• Verify documentation of all field financial transactions.
• Review all paid invoices, verifying agreement with supporting documentation, including price quotes, purchase orders and shipping receipts.
• Apply internal systems for obtaining purchase approvals and use of assets ensuring the adequate application of internal controls.
• In conjunction with the Chief of Party, oversee project hiring and HR-related functions for the project in coordination with the COMU.
• Maintain project's current standing with all mandated tax and registrations, including submission of payments and required reports.
• Review all approved payments for the project's local vendors, contractors and consultants for goods and services received, in accordance with the laws and regulations of Nigeria, and MSH and USAID regulations.
• Prepare country activity travel advances and process travel claims (TEFs) and work with program staff to resolve accounting related issues.
• Ensure that project staff receive logistics support in booking staff and consultants travel and accommodations, and in processing required authorizations.

Qualifications

• Master's level degree or equivalent of 10-12 years of experience in financial management, with a minimum of 5 years direct international work experience in developing countries with senior-level responsibility for operations and finance managing awards of similar size.
• Proven expertise in finance, accounting and auditing, including automated financial systems.
• Proven expertise in financial planning and budgeting.
• Demonstrated strong management, coordination, teamwork, and planning skills, with proven ability to function effectively with donors and multiple host-country counterparts (public and private sector).
• Computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications (Excel spreadsheets, word processing, and electronic mail), and proficiency in Quickbooks.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Successful experience in sharing knowledge, documenting experience, supporting creative initiatives, and sharing credit.
• Demonstrated strategic agility, diplomacy, conflict management, team building, and negotiation skills.
• Excellent written communication in English is required.
• Qualified candidates currently residing in Nigeria are encouraged to apply.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should
Click here to apply online