Country Finance Director

Location: Central African Republic
Responsible to: Country Director, Programme Finance Manager
Working with: Country Management Team, Programme Finance Officer and Head Office
Start Date: ASAP
Duration: 24 Months (subject to funding)
Salary: £32,050 to £32,800 per annum (dependant on relevant experience), inclusive of annual Cost of Living Allowance
Benefits: Insurance cover, accommodation, and annual leave entitlement of 24 days per annum rising to 30 days at the completion of 12 months of continuous employment with Merlin.

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Due to the urgency of this position, applications will be short listed on a regular basis and we may offer this post before the closing date.

Please note: this is an unaccompanied position.

Merlin International Profile

Merlin specialises in health, saving lives in times of crisis and helping to rebuild shattered health services. Each year, Merlin helps more than 15 million people in up to 20 countries.

Context and Background

The UN has described the situation in CAR as “the world’s most silent crisis.” Following a decade of coups and mutinies which have destroyed infrastructure and shattered the economy, the resurgence of armed conflict in October 2005 between the government and rebel forces in the north of CAR sparked a humanitarian crisis. The most affected areas were the prefectures of Bamingui-Bangoran, Vakaga, Nana-Gribingui, Ouham, Ouham-Pende and Nana-Mambere.

In response to this situation, Merlin conducted an assessment in CAR in May 2007, which identified significant unmet needs in the health sector. Merlin subsequently set up a primary health care (PHC) project in Kaga Bandoro, the capital of Nana Gribizi prefecture as part of a 3-year strategy to increase access to and the capacity of government health services in CAR.

This program has comprised of curative, inpatient observation, reproductive health services in 11 health facilities, expanded programme on immunisation (EPI) in three fixed facilities, preventive and promotive health services, disease surveillance, capacity building and HIV/AIDS awareness in the community. Merlin will hand over its activities in this region in the course of 2010.

Merlin’s work in CAR is continuously adapting to the situation on the ground and recent developments have led the organisation to focus its activities in Nana Mambere prefecture, in the west of the country. Merlin started a programme in August 2008 in Bouar and its surroundings supporting 3 health centres. Merlin will scale up in this region in the beginning of 2010, continuing its work on primary health care and starting a nutrition programme.

Main purpose of the role

Merlin’s country programmes vary considerably in terms of their focus, size and complexity, and also in levels of financial capability and strategic thinking. The Country Finance Director is a key member of the Country Management Team, which is responsible for managing existing country activities and developing a clear country strategy and associated income streams.

This role is directly managed by the Country Director, and is technically managed by the Programmes Finance Manager in Head Office, and appraisal for this role is undertaken jointly by the Country Director and the Programmes Finance Manager.

This role links directly with the Programmes Finance Officer in Merlin’s Head Office in London on a day-to-day basis and the effectiveness of this relationship directly impacts project management and accountability.

The Country Finance Director, as a member of the Country Management Team, plays a key role in developing and implementing the country strategy especially the required financial inputs, as well as ensuring that there are sound financial practices in country and rigorous budgetary control.

This position provides financial management for a multi-programme and multi-site operation in a challenging living and working environment. A key priority in all locations is to embed clear financial management controls and to ensure understanding of and compliance with these by all staff.

Overall Objectives

Reporting to the Country Director, and working closely with Programmes Finance team in Merlin’s London Head Office, the Country Finance Director will:

• Be a member of the Country Management Team and take the lead role on financial planning, forecasting, budgeting and developing financial management capacity throughout the country.

• Directly manage the Country Finance Team to ensure effective and proactive financial leadership, support and guidance is provided to managers in country.

• Be responsible for the preparation and reporting of field finances to head office and ensure that budget preparation, financial reporting and amendment planning for donors is completed in a timely manner and approved by head office before submission.

• Ensure appropriate systems and procedures, support and guidance for country programmes.

• Be responsible for the Human Resources and Administration functions. (in some locations only)

Responsibilities

Financial Oversight
• Ensure internal financial procedures, systems, policies and controls are applied and complied with throughout the country programme operations by all staff
• Be the lead person and provide financial support on all financial issues in the country Management Team
• Develop the funding/finance strategy for the country
• Prepare budgets, amendments and forecasts working with the Country Director and others
• Provide Head Office with all necessary financial information both proactively and on request
• Ensure donor reports and requirements are complied with to maximise available funding
• Monitor and control the balance sheet accounts

Procedures, Systems and Controls
• Ensure compliance with local regulations in respect of financial and other matters (e.g. Registration, Foreign Exchange, taxation and labour laws).
• Ensure compliance with the financial and other requirements of donors
• Ensure the development and implementation of in-country financial security guidelines and regularly review their effectiveness and the compliance of all staff with these guidelines
• Conduct internal audits for the field sites every three months, to ensure that all financial and administrative procedures are carried out in line with Merlin policies and guidelines and local Legislation
• Regularly review the financial and reporting systems to ensure that they continue to be fit for purpose

Treasury
• Co-ordinate and maintain a cash forecasting system to ensure that adequate funds are available to meet the working requirements of the programmes
• Ensure that payments are made in a timely and secure manner across all the country operations
• Along with the finance department in Head Office, ensure that all debts are recovered promptly

Donor Reporting & Monitoring of expenditure
• Prepare donor financial reports in line with donor reporting requriements
• Monitor ongoing levels of expenditure on individual programmes against budget, and provide timely advice of likely over or under-spends to the Country Management Team, and the relevant Programme & Finance teams in head office.
• Ensure respective Programme Coordinators and Programme Managers understand variance implications and how to respond to and manage them effectively.

External Relationships & Compliance
• Ensure that contractual commitments (e.g. for the rental of vehicles and/or premises) are financially sound and appropriate for the circumstances of the programme.
• Liaise with local legal advisors when necessary
• Ensure appropriate and timely contact with in-country government agencies to ensure that all legal requirements are met, e.g. work permits, import licences
• Liaise with International NGO Finance Directors in-country and actively participate in inter-agency co-ordination meetings.

Management and training
• Manage and support the performance and development of the in-country finance and administration staff, to ensure the provision of an efficient and effective service.
• Make regular visits to Field sites for monitoring and supervision purposes
• Provide financial support, training and advice to all individuals in country.

Human Resources
• Oversee the HR function to ensure sound in-country HR policies and procedures which comply with Merlin HR policy, local labour laws and good practice, and which promote Merlin’s organisational values
• Advise and coach line managers and staff on Merlin’s national HR policies and good HR practice including appraisal, performance management, staff development, discipline and absence management.
• Supervise the administrative needs of the international staff including flight bookings, obtaining legal documentation, holiday and R&R planning, salary advances and international staff return forms
• Coordinate and support all aspects of the recruitment and selection process of national staff (including job description development, recruitment planning, advertising & shortlisting, selection interviews and tests, job offers, salary calculations and issuing contracts) in liaison with line managers, ensuring that Merlin’s recruitment process and good practice is carried out in all recruitment and selection activity.
• Ensure accurate maintenance and safe storage of all staff HR records (e.g. contracts, leave records, pay history etc)
• Manage timely, accurate and systematic payroll and income tax payments for all national staff
• Manage the national HR Manager

Person Specification
Essential
Qualifications, experience and competences
• Qualified accountant ACCA, ACA, CPA, (or equivalent), or substantial relevant work experience
• In depth knowledge of financial systems and implementing internal controls
• Practical experience of pro-actively monitoring and reporting on budgets
• Proven experience of analysing financial information to understand the current situation and to determine the strategic direction
• Understanding of financial security issues and how to develop appropriate guidelines
• Proven administration skills
• Strong ability to plan and work independently
• Experience of living or working in different cultures and countries
• Strong communication skills, with excellent written and spoken English & French
• Confident and proficient in the use of MS Office with advanced Excel skills
• Experience of establishing strong working relationships with colleagues from different functions or cultures
• Experience of a flexible approach to managing and prioritising a high workload and multiple tasks in a fast paced environment with tight deadlines
• Experience of proactively identifying and addressing issues
• An understanding of and commitment to Merlin’s mission and values

For roles involving HR management
• Knowledge and understanding of HR practices & issues
• Experience of development and implementing HR policies & procedures, and of supporting staff and managers in their use

Desirable
Qualifications, experience and competences
• Experience and understanding of working in a donor environment and meeting donor compliance requirements
• Good experience of managing and undertaking high quality recruitment processes
• Some experience of managing a team within a finance department
• Proven experience of introducing and managing changes to finance systems, procedures and practices
• Experience of dealing with employee relations issues
• Experience of financial management with an international NGO in an overseas setting
• Familiarity with mid-range accounting systems (e.g. QuickBooks, Sage, PS Financials)
• Experience of HR management in an overseas setting (for roles involving HR management)
• Experience of office management

How to apply

To apply for this position
Please download an application form from our website www.merlin.org.uk.The completed form should be emailed to applications@merlin.org.uk stating ‘CFD CAR’ in the subject field.

Data Protection
Please note, on submitting your application, you are agreeing to Merlin holding and using the information that you have given for the purposes of recruitment and employment – should an offer be made. Where required by donors funding requirements, some job offers are conditional on our ensuring that potential employees’ names do not appear on counter terrorism lists generated by the United Nations, European Union or the United States. On submitting your application, you are agreeing to Merlin using the information that you have given for checking that your name does not appear on these lists.

Coordinateur de programme (H/F)

Depuis septembre 2009, MdM-F mène à Bamako un projet de renforcement des capacités de l’AME, Association malienne des expulsés, en matière de prise en charge psychologique des personnes expulsées et refoulées qu’elle accueille. Ce projet est considéré comme une première étape pour Médecins du Monde dans son travail auprès des personnes migrantes au Mali.
Depuis mai 2010, MdM-F soutient également l’ARACEM (Association des Refoulés d’Afrique Centrale au Mali), qui mène des activités similaires à l’AME, mais auprès des personnes originaires de la sous-région.
Après cette première phase de projet, qui a permis à l’association de se familiariser avec les enjeux et les acteurs locaux, MdM-F souhaite poursuivre son intervention auprès des populations migrantes en accentuant le renforcement des capacités des acteurs locaux, et en donnant plus fortement à son action une portée politique.
MdM-F souhaite en particulier renforcer et favoriser le travail en réseau des différents acteurs impliqués auprès des personnes migrantes. C’est pourquoi la seconde phase du projet intégrera plus de partenaires, à différents niveaux de proximité.
MdM-F souhaite également à travers ce projet renforcer les liens avec d’autres missions de MdM qui travaillent sur la migration, notamment les missions France, la mission Algérie et la mission Turquie, et ainsi participer au renforcement d’une expertise de MdM sur le sujet, en cohérence avec les engagements associatifs sur le sujet.

Descriptif du projet
Objectif général : Améliorer l’état de santé des populations migrantes subsahariennes en situation d’expulsion, de refoulement et de transit au Mali
Objectif spécifique : Prendre en charge et témoigner des conséquences sanitaires des politiques migratoires sur les populations migrantes subsahariennes en situation d’expulsion, de refoulement et de transit au Mali
Résultat 1 : Les associations partenaires sont en capacité d’accueillir, d’écouter et d’accompagner psychologiquement les personnes expulsées et refoulées ainsi que leur entourage familiale, et de les orienter lorsque c’est nécessaire vers un praticien spécialisé.
Résultat 2 : Les associations partenaires sont en capacité d’organiser une réponse de première nécessité aux problèmes de santé des migrants en situation de retour forcé au Mali ; ces derniers sont mieux informés en matière de santé.
Résultat 3 : les capacités d’organisation des associations partenaires sont renforcées ; ces associations se mobilisent afin que la prise en charge des problèmes de santé des migrants ou des personnes en transit soit établie de façon durable.
Résultat 4 : Les acteurs nationaux et internationaux sur la thématique de la migration sont mis en réseau, développent leur expertise et renforcent leurs capacités de plaidoyer en faveur d’un meilleur accès aux soins pour les migrants


DESCRIPTION DU POSTE :
Nous recherchons un coordinateur de programme pour une période de six mois, pour un remplacement de congé maternité. Il/elle travaillera sous l’autorité du coordinateur général Mali de MdM-France. Outre la coordination du projet au quotidien, il/elle aura pour tâche d’assurer le renforcement des capacités de certains partenaires de MdM (l’AME et de l’ARACEM) en termes de structuration, organisation interne, administration et gestion

Et plus particulièrement :

1-Formation des partenaires en gestion administrative et comptable
-Assurer l’encadrement des associations partenaires en matière de gestion administrative et comptable, structuration des procédures administratives et financières
-Renforcement de capacités des associations partenaires en organisation interne, en administration et en logistique
-Appui à la recherche de fonds et aux relations avec les bailleurs : comment répondre à un appel d’offres, appliquer les contraintes des bailleurs de fonds…

2-Suivi du programme
•Planifie le déroulement du programme pour 6 mois
•Supervise le bon déroulement des activités mises en œuvre
•Supervise les outils de suivi des activités et des résultats du programme
•Suit le contexte de la migration au Mali et identifie les réseaux actifs sur la question
•Veille à ce que les actions et activités entreprises au sein de la mission se déroulent dans le respect des procédures internes et des principes éthiques de MDM

3-Relations avec le siège, les responsables de mission, et les projets de la région.
•Rédige un rapport mensuel d’activités à destination du coordinateur général, du responsable de desk et des responsables associatifs de la mission
•Centralise les informations venant du terrain et du siège, et s’assure du bon fonctionnement de la communication entre les différents acteurs de la mission (remontée/échange d’infos continus sur le déroulement du programme).

CONDITIONS D'EMPLOI :
A partir de : 02/05/2011
Durée : 6 mois (renouvelable)
Contrat : SALARIE DE DROIT FRANCAIS
Contrat à Durée Déterminée
Temps plein

PROFIL RECHERCHE :
Expérience significative comme administrateur et/ou logisticien en ONG internationale fortement souhaitée.
Expérience en management et gestion d’équipe.
Expérience en coordination de projet souhaitée

Langues : Français courant (écrit, parlé) obligatoire

"MdM se réserve le droit de finaliser le recrutement avant la date de clôture de réception des candidatures. Merci de votre compréhension."

How to apply

Merci d'adresser votre candidature via notre site : http://www.medecinsdumonde.org/fr/Agir-Donner/Travailler-avec-MdM/Postes-a-l-etranger2

Operations Director, Mali

PURPOSE OF POSITION
To lead, support and coordinate the field operations of World Vision Mali, to ensure that they are efficient and effective, and meet the goals and objectives of World Vision and community partners as laid out in the strategy documents and grant agreements.
To provide leadership and support for project design, plans, proposals, implementation, reporting and operations staff training and development.
In conjunction with the Relief Manager ensure integration of all WV Mali relief operations in the development ones.
Ensure national strategy for the Operations Department is guided by sound developmental principles, is regularly updated and contributes to the mission on WV in Mali.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee all aspects of project and programme assessment proposal, design, implementation, monitoring and reporting.
• Manage and evaluate operations budgets, project funding, expenditures and accomplishment of ministry objectives.
• Ensure that proper accounting systems and practices are in place within the Operations Department, so as to facilitate the approval of funding for projects. Ensure all projects remain within budget.
• Oversee Operations Department compliance with all relevant sections of the Field Financial Manual.
• Support programme and project managers in ensuring high standards of grant management and compliance for all government grant funded projects.
• Develop and maintain good relationships with major (government/private) donors and World Vision Support Offices, including hosting visits, responding to communications, and ensuring that support office and donor requirements are met.
• Ensure that audit reports and audit findings are distributed to project managers and to all senior operations staff, and that implementation plans are developed for the recommendations of the reports.
• Ensure that projects provide responses to the Operations Department on all audit reports and findings, so that these responses can be directed to the Internal Auditor
• Support and supervise base managers and special program project managers, and monitor the progress of projects, including frequent visits to project offices and communities.
• Ensure capacity building of World Vision Mali staff in ADP’s and project life cycle, and planning
• Assess the effectiveness of current projects and identify possibilities for new projects.
• Maintain regular contact with other international non-governmental organisations and government officials in an effort to obtain experience and co-ordinate information regarding current and future works in the country.
• Participate in the recruitment, selection and development of operations staff.
• Attend and participate in weekly devotional meetings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
REQUIRED:
The following knowledge, skills, and abilities may be acquired through a combination of formal schooling, self-education, prior experience, or on-the-job training.

• Bachelor’s degree required, with a Master’s degree in international development, business administration, public health, economics, rural development, or similar, preferred.
• Five year’s experience with international development or relief projects, preferably within WV, with at least two year’s experience in a senior management role in a developing country, required.
• Demonstrated experience in programme or project design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and report writing, preferred.
• Experience in supporting Area Development Programme Management, and Base Management.
• Excellent proven track record of donor relations with multiple donors.
• Strong planning and organisational skills and ability to prioritise and handle multiple tasks. Ability to work gracefully under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with national staff and a passion for capacity building, staff and organisational development
• Computer literate in Microsoft Office, Lotus Notes or similar database, email and Internet.
• Ability to communicate at high level in French and English required.
  

PREFERRED:

Masters Degree in international Development with very strong background in Grant Management.

Operations Director, Mali

Oxfam International Country Director, Mali (Oxfam GB)

£26,843 - £36,006 net p.a. / £36,115 - £50,330 gross p.a.
Bamako, Mali (Accompanied position for partner and recognised dependents)

Purpose of the role
• Provides strategic leadership of Oxfam Country Programme in Mali in accordance with Oxfam International global and regional strategy
• Provides leadership to ensure that the Oxfam International Single Management Structure (SMS) change process is implemented successfully
• Takes the lead in managing, setting and communicating overall country direction for Oxfam International and is accountable for providing leadership as the managing affiliate and ensuring teamwork between all Oxfam implementing affiliates operating within country
• Ensures the delivery of programme quality by all implementing affiliates including donor requirements and delivery of outcomes, either directly or through partners, in line with country strategy and operational plan
• Represents Oxfam International and the Country Programme at the highest levels in country, with partners, within the region and globally
• Coordinates the Country Leadership Team (CLT) of the implementing affiliates in Mali, and links-up to the Oxfam GB Regional Centre to establish, build, represent and lead all aspects of the Country Programme

Role & Responsibilities
• Provide leadership in the developing of the long term vision and undertake strategic analysis and planning for the Country Programme, and organises regular updates consistent with the political, social and economic realities and Oxfam International's expectations that its joint program will bring more impact and can be managed more efficiently
• Ensure that Oxfam International Joint Country Analysis and Strategy (JCAS) is developed, implemented, monitored and reviewed; consistent with Oxfam International program policies, processes and standards
• Ensure overall leadership of disaster preparedness, mitigation and management including partner organisations capacity building and Oxfam International humanitarian response activities for Category 1 / 2 / 3 emergencies
• Be accountable for all aspects of Oxfam GB's financial and people management in country, and ensure systems are in place to allow all implementing affiliates to meet Oxfam International financial and people management standards.
• Build effective, collaborative and accountable relationships between Oxfam International affiliates and with their partners to identify joint opportunities, developing strategies and implementing programmes and related campaigns, influencing significant and high profile external relationships in country and / or globally, taking into account the Southern Campaigning Principles
• Work with, and be accountable to, the Oxfam International Regional Programme Governance Group (PGG) in terms of providing annual plans and reports related to the delivery of country programme through implementing Oxfam's operating within country
• Provide leadership and people management expertise in managing complex change initiatives within country, bridging different ways of working and diverse working cultures amongst affiliates
• Represent and demonstrate accountability for Oxfam International corporately in accordance with Oxfam International brand
• Develop and maintain professional networks and relations with partners, national and international agencies, government entities, civil society organisations and other relevant private sector or public organisations, ensuring that Oxfam International develops and maintains a positive profile including ongoing access to relevant information
• Ensure high standards of communication (internal and external), programme management, partner and community engagement and accountability to Oxfam International's stakeholders in country
• Ensure the implementation, monitoring and assessment of programmes (country, regional, thematic) and embed gender sensitive Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) principles as an important way of working
• Identify new funding sources and negotiate funding opportunities within country to support programme implementation
• Develop and maintain internal and external relationships and networks to build, coordinate and implement long-term advocacy and campaign strategies, delivering changes in policy and practice, and contributing to regional and global campaigns
• Actively participate in Regional Programme initiatives, staying informed of relevant programme issues in the region and to contribute to wider programme learning

Skills, Experience & Knowledge
• Senior management experience in leading the development, and ensuring the delivery, of programme strategy, either through partners or directly, in one or more challenging locations
• Proven analytical skills and ability to think strategically, including the ability to think beyond the country programme context and to act within a regional and global framework
• Ability to manage the development of, and contribute to, the high level analysis of factors driving poverty, marginalisation and vulnerability in developing country contexts, including the ability to 'think politically' by understanding motivations, pressures and challenges faced by colleagues, partners and other actors
• Experience in leading and motivating multi disciplinary, multi-cultural, geographically remote people & teams in the delivery of the programme strategy; a high degree of self awareness and an understanding of how to drive and support excellent team performance and individual development & coaching capacity
• Experience of managing complex change processes and relationships involving a wide range of both internal and external multi-cultural stakeholders across a variety of disciplines & geographical areas bridging the affiliate's different ways of working and organisational cultures.
• Experience in representing Oxfam with partners, government agencies, private sector organisations, and donors at senior level: locally, regionally and globally
• An active commitment to promoting gender equity and the interests of marginalised people in all aspects of an organisations work
• High level financial management skills to steer the operational budget
• Experience of fundraising from diverse institutions, both local and international
• Understanding of managing security and risk within an INGO context
• Substantial knowledge or appreciation of the country in the Sahel Sub-Region in terms of its political, economic and social trends and an understanding of the key development, policy and humanitarian issues in the Region
• Good level of IT literacy and an understanding of how new developments in technology can positively contribute to the aims of an INGO
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to motivate, influence, and negotiate
• Fluency in both written and spoken English and French
• Masters degree in a relevant discipline (preferably, development, economics, politics, sociology, humanities) OR
• Minimum of 4 years proven experience of programme development and advocacy work including some experience of humanitarian work. This should include a mature understanding of relevant issues derived from field experience, preferably both in campaigns and development

How to apply

To find out more about this role and to apply, visit www.oxfam.org.uk/jobs and quote ref: INT4424.

Closing date: 31 March 2011