CRS Ethiopia is seeking qualified candidates for the Ethiopian Livelihoods and Resilience Program (ELRP), a five-year USAID Office for Food for Peace (FFP) Title II Development Food Security Activity (DFSA). The DFSA will focus on building resilience to shocks, enhancing livelihoods and improving food security and nutrition for rural households vulnerable to food insecurity. CRS’ DFSA operates in 8 woredas of Oromia Region as well as Dire Dawa Administrative Council.
Announcement: | Internal/ External |
Position Title: | DCoP, Finance and Compliance |
Job Grade: | X |
Duty Station: | Addis Ababa (20% travel to DFSA partners) |
Employment term: | Indefinite period contingent upon funding of the DFSA Program |
Reports to: | DFSA Chief of Party |
Application Deadline | September 26, 2017 |
Job Summary:
The DCoP Finance and Compliance is responsible for DFSA grants compliance including but not limited to Grants Management, Compliance, Finance. S/he will be responsible for ensuring that the services in these areas are delivered efficiently and effectively in support of the DFSA Consortia partners; providing accurate and timely operational information for quality financial management and compliance implementation; ensuring that operating practices are consistent with CRS agency-wide operating policies and with donor requirements; and mentoring local partner finance staff to enable them to manage DFSA’s USAID financial management expectations and reporting requirements.
The DCoP Finance and Compliance will work closely with DFSA Chief of Party, CRS/Ethiopia’s Finance Manager and other Finance Department staff to monitor Partner Financial Management Performance Systems reflecting conformity with relevant requirements and policies.
Specific Responsibilities:
Budgeting/Financial Management
· Through on the job-training, workshops and other direct support, assist in strengthening the capacity of the DFSA consortium members to build the capacity of both Finance Managers as well as the Program Managers to link budgeting with program outputs.
· Provide monthly analysis for the project burn-rate against the current and Board-Approved Budgets, and for the Life of Activities spending.
· Verify Requisition for Goods and Services (RG), Payment Requests (PR) and Cash Disbursement Voucher (CD).
· Prepare cash forecast for the DFSA Program grants based on cash request submitted by the Consortium members and CRS/Ethiopia’s cash forecast. Coordinate with CRS/Finance to ensure all requirements for draw down have been met. Ensure that cash requests are consistent with agreement terms.
· Monitor and validate advances to and liquidations from Consortium Members.
· Serve as key liaison between DFSA Consortium Members and CRS Finance on any specific finance issue that needs to be resolved.
· Ensure the DFSA’s financial system continues to capture financial data in a way that supports project M&E systems and assists the Senior Management Team in utilization of financial data.
· Coordinate budget amendments with CRS/Ethiopia and Consortium Members.
· Translate project budget into information required for CRS APP process. Specifically ensure that CRS/Ethiopia has the appropriate information to insert into the APP. Additionally must review all Board Approved APPs to ensure consistency with contractual agreement.
· When budgets are revised/modified with USG ensure that CRS/Ethiopia reflects any updates through the use of budget maintenance.
· Keep track of funds obligated-to-date by FFP and Mission.
· Assist Consortium Members with budget revisions and the allocation of resources.
· Make regular monitoring visits for all assigned partners to ensure Partner accountability of fixed assets in addition to financial documentation completeness, accuracy and validity and confirm compliance with CRS and donor regulations and procedures. Provide recommended actions to finance and project managers to avoid questioned costs.
Grants Management
Audit
· Adequately and promptly assist the preparation of the agency for internal and/or external auditors, assist the auditors in facilitating the audit work and implement audit recommendations in a comprehensive and timely manner.
· Ensure partners’ financial documents and records meet accepted auditing standards, agency and donor policies and regulations, and local laws.
Administration
· Support the overall administrative needs of DFSA staff including the optimal utilization and maintenance of program assets and resources including computers, vehicles, furniture, supplies and other equipment, logistical arrangement for staff and visitors, and procurement of materials and equipment in a transparent and accountable manner.
· With the CRS Ethiopia Country Program Admin Office, take an active role in inventory planning and management, accounting and recordkeeping of all properties, inventories and fixed assets.
Archives
· Ensure a proper and up-to-date filing of financial documents that shall include project agreements, ARS are maintained – under CRS/Ethiopia’s shared drive and CRS’ Gateway.
General Management
· Participate in Finance management meetings and contribute to the team management of the CRS/Ethiopia Finance Department.
· Maintain good working relationships with Partners and other parties in the course of agency business dealings.
· Perform other duties as assigned by the DFSA COP.
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:
· Communicates strategically under pressure
· Manages stress and complexity
· Actively promotes safety and security
· Manages and implements high-quality emergency programs
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Key Working Relationships:
Internal to CRS: ELRP Chief of Party, ELRP DCOP for Programming, other ELRP Managers, other SILC staff, Finance Manager and Officers, all Country Program staff, Regional and Headquarters technical staff.
External to CRS: Implementing partners, officials at USAID, government bodies at different levels, representatives from for-profit and other non-profit organizations, representatives of non-traditional public donors including UN, World Bank, and others, and relevant GoE stakeholders.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
1. A Master’s degree in a relevant field with five years’ experience or a Bachelors degree with a minimum 8 years demonstrated experience with USG funds, preferably Ethiopian with understanding of the Ethiopian context
2. Experience managing project staff and budgets
3. Demonstrated ability to work and coordinate effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders, including national and local government, donors, community-based organizations, and the private sector
4. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both English and Amharic or local languages;
5. Experience with USAID project implementation, knowledge of rules and regulations;
6. Strong Microsoft Word and Excel skills.