Summary
Date Posted: Monday, April 22 2024, Base Salary: Not Disclosed

JOB DETAILS:
Summary Of The Position The FIRST project requires the services of a Finance and Operations Manager based in Lusaka, Zambia to oversee the program’s finances, human resources, administration, procurement, and logistics functions in support of the delivery of the GAC FIRST program. Key Responsibilities Working under the direction of the FIRST Program Director (PD) and in close coordination with the Team Leader, the expected services of the Finance and Operations Manager will include, but not limited to: 1. Program mobilisation and management to achieve the following results: 2. Contribute to all activities, as required, to set up the program office in Lusaka, including management of relevant procurement processes and establishment of all office permits; 3. Lead the establishment and implementation of business processes and procedures and operations, including training and oversight on adherence of the Processes and Procedures Manual, Financial Manual, Security Plan and tools to ensure overall efficiency of systems and processes and in compliance with Donor and Cowater safeguards and policies; 4. Oversee and manage procurement plans and strategies in collaboration with the Cowater Project Director to manage tender activities – including development of scope of services, specifications, basis of payments and forms of contracting – in accordance with program guidelines; 5. Establish, maintain and oversee a functional and secure IT system with support from Cowater HQ IT Department; and 6. Oversee the security operations and staff briefings in relation to security and advise the Team Leader, Cowater Program Manager and Cowater Risk and Security Advisor of any related issues. 7. Program financial management and administration by aiming on achieving the following results: 8. Prepare project budgets in coordination with the Team Leader and Program’s Technical Team; 9. Manage and maintain accounting and finance records for all program activities; 10. Oversee accounting and payment of all program invoices; 11. Track spending totals and provide regular forecasting projections and financial reports, as needed; 12. Assess financial and administrative capacity of partners, and coach them to enhance their capacity in these areas; 13. Manage the Due Diligence process for new partners and beneficiaries; 14. Assume overall responsibility for program administration including operational, logistical and administrative policies and tasks needed by the program in compliance with Cowater and GAC regulations; 15. Ensure maintenance, quality checks of accurate financial reports and quarterly budget forecasts on program implementation; 16. Work to develop the finance team’s capacity in financial management and reporting; 17. Oversee the financial management and accounting system, including fraud control and audit procedures; 18. Ensure expenditures are in accordance with the approved annual plan and implemented with strong financial, administrative and governance principles 19. Oversee all services related to the tendering, contracting, contract supervision, contract monitoring and financial management of activities identified in the annual plan; and 20. Respond to financial audits – including preparation of supporting schedules and information, consolidated reports, and documentation. 21. Planning and reporting to achieve the following results: 22. Provide budget development support to the Team Leader and Cowater Program Manager for the annual planning process; and 23. Work with the Team Leader, Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning Lead and the Cowater Program Manager to develop and deliver quality six-month narrative progress reports and quarterly finance reports. 24. Human resources management and contracting; 25. Oversee the staff performance assessment process for all personnel in collaboration with the relevant FIRST program staff; 26. Oversee the induction of new staff ensuring personnel are briefed with the program policies, including on gender, disability, fraud, anti-corruption, child protection, and the environment; and 27. Ensure locally sourced technical assistance is engaged in accordance with local labour laws and the market. 28. Program Risk Management: 29. Contribute to the ongoing assessment of and response to program and corporate risks; 30. Proactively monitor and report on risks and implement mitigation measures in consultation with the Team Leader and Cowater’s Project Director; and 31. Ensure that Cowater’s corporate interests are respected, including adherence to all relevant policies, procedures, systems and protocols. Job Requirements Education • A University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent would be preferred) in finance, accounting, business administration or another relevant discipline. Minimum Experience • Minimum of 10 years of experience in donor funded project management and implementation as part of a large-scale and complex international development initiative in Southern Africa (experience in DRC, Zambia and Mozambique would be considered an asset) including but not limited to; • Establishment and management of administrative and reporting processes and procedures; • Management of relevant contracting and procurement processes; and • Recruitment and human resource management. • Experience working with donor organisations including FCDO, EU, GAC, Irish AID, USAID and the World Bank. Essential Skills • Excellent project and financial management skills and knowledge of all areas of project management; • Ability to identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and process improvements; • Strong understanding of international assistance funding and related procurement and project management procedures; • Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities within a dynamic environment; • Strong interpersonal, cross-cultural and communication skills; • Commitment to teamwork and ability to build constructive and effective relationships; • Client oriented; and • Demonstrated ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives and a professional commitment to promote a culture of gender equality and social inclusion. Language Proficiency • Professional fluency in English (writing, reading and speaking); Fluency in French and/or Portuguese would be an asset. 

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 120

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Job application procedure
Interested individual consultants must include the following documents when submitting the applications by 6th May 2024. Please note, CVs will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, so we would encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible.
• CV indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references.
• Brief statement as to why the individual / consulting company/firm considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment.
• Qualified women, people with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, are strongly encouraged to apply.
We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.
• Interested and qualified? Click here to apply

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