The Opportunity

Abt Associates is seeking a Finance and Operations Director for an anticipated USAID-funded Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Project in Malawi.  Under the supervision of the Chief of Party, the Finance and Operations Director is responsible for financial, administrative, and operational management and oversight of the project and ensuring adherence to the requirements of the agreement. You will supervise and maintains oversight of all program support staff located in the project’s central office and regional/satellite offices, and establishes the systems, procedures, and support functions to support project implementation and personnel. The position is based in the project’s headquarters office in Lilongwe and will require local travel.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead and direct activities of an internal team to support contract administration, finance, human resources, procurement, subcontracting, grant management, space management, inventory, information technology, and office equipment and supplies.
• Establish and implement the financial, administrative, and reporting/tracking systems and support functions required for sound management of project financial and material resources, in adherence to both US government and Abt Associates policies.
• Ensure the financial and administrative integrity of all business transactions.
• Ensure adherence to local laws and policies set forth by the Malawian government such as those related to procurement, labor, and taxes.
• Develop and institute procedures for logistical support of all project activities (local and international travel, procurement, management of office premises; support for local and international STTA).
• Oversee financial reporting and analysis; prepare budgets and revenue plans for project plans/programming and corporate reporting; and prepare budgets and financial reports for project deliverables and as required over the course of project implementation.
• Oversee the issuance of RFQs for local procurements, receive and analyze bids, and assist in negotiating final agreements with the vendor selected in accordance with input from home office.
• Issue purchase orders or subcontract/grant agreements, depending on nature of the procurement.
• Issue consultant agreements.
• Ensure the proper inventory control and recording of procurements including lead teams to conduct semi-annual physical inventory review and record any losses or damaged furnishings or equipment.
• Keep track of documentation for annual property and/or other report to USAID.
• Oversee the project’s vehicle pool and ensure procedures for the operation, maintenance, and scheduling of project vehicles are in place and followed.
• Oversee and manage the organization of local conferences, seminars, and meetings in coordination with other project staff and the Abt Rockville office.
• Provide training to staff on project procedures as well as building skill-levels of project staff in the area of finance, administration, and project management.
• Oversee finance and operations officers in correct use of the financial system and accurate and timely preparation of monthly financial reports and cash projections.
• Directly supervise and manage the performance of the project’s administrative teams that includes finance, operations and IT officers, and program/office assistants, receptionists, and drivers in the central, regional, and satellite offices.

What We Value

• Bachelor’s Degree + Twelve years of relevant experience, or Master’s Degree + Ten years of relevant experience, or PhD+ Eight years of relevant experience
• Master’s Degree in Administration, Business, Management or relevant field strongly preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience in contract administration, financial management, project management, and/or program operations.
• Five or more years of international project administration experience, preferably in Malawi.
• Experience with USAID contracts and/or cooperative agreements required.
• Successful track record as financial and operations manager, and in successfully managing a sizable staff and multiple site offices.
• Ability to independently plan and execute complex tasks while addressing daily management details and remaining organized and focused on long-term deadlines and strategy.
• Excellent leadership and management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and written/oral communication skills, initiative, and good judgment.
• Computer literacy (MS Word, MS Excel).
• English language proficiency.

What We Offer

Abt Associates is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt Associates provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

Disclaimer: Abt Associates will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.

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