DAI Jobs Ghana 2017

DAI is an employee-owned global development company. For 40 years, we have worked on the frontlines of international development, tackling fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governments, and instability. Currently, DAI is delivering results that matter in some 60 countries.
Our integrated development solutions turn ideas into impact by bringing together fresh combinations of expertise and innovation across multiple disciplines—crisis mitigation and stability operations, democratic governance and public sector management, agriculture and agribusiness, private sector development and financial services, economics and trade, HIV/AIDS and disease control, water and natural resources management, and energy and climate change. Our clients include international
development agencies, international lending institutions, private corporations and philanthropies, and national governments.

Job Description

Job Title: Finance And Operations Manager

The objective of Programme:
The Department for International Development (DFID) is funding Western Region Coastal Foundation (WRCF) programme. This 5 year project (2014 – 2019), implemented by DAI, is based in Sekondi-Takoradi and aims to improve stability and development prospects in the Western Region. This will be achieved through a two-pronged approach; 1) improving relationships between the oil and gas companies and coastal communities through a Dialogue Platform, and; 2) channelling Corporate and Social Responsibility (CSR) funding to priority sectors that demonstrate real potential for providing economic opportunities for communities in the
region.

The scope of Work:

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer/Governance Lead, the Operations and Finance Manager will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of finance/operation, developing and implementing programme policies and practices, ensuring organisational effectiveness by providing leadership on the programme’s financial and administrative functions for Takoradi and Accra offices.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Specific responsibilities for the Finance and Operations Manager will include:

Financial

With DAI Head Office assistance, refine and implement financial control systems, forecasting and accounting procedures for the project in accordance with DAI and DFID contractual rules and regulations;

Track spending totals and provide regular forecasting projections and financial reports for DFID and DAI Head Office as needed;
Maintain Foundation’s Financial reporting tool and prepare quarterly financial reports for the WRCF Board meetings;
Oversee cash disbursements;
Coordinate and communicate regularly with Home Office Programme Manager and DAI finance team on issues related to DFID invoicing and programme profitability;

Manage payroll functions;

Oversee and ensure adequate programme profitability;
Support the Chief Operating Officer in managing Component Leads in completing timely activity budgets and work plans, as well as ensure regular reporting on all activities and advisory services provided under WRCF;
Ensure programme finances and management practices are in compliance with DAI and DFID contractual rules and regulations;
Work directly with the Grants Management institutions on personnel, finance, procurement, and grants policies and issues as they arise;
Provides assistance and coordination during periodic financial audit for DAI and the Foundation.

Operations
Assume overall responsibility for project administration including operational, logistical and administrative policies and tasks needed by the programme in compliance with DAI and DFID regulations;
Oversee the procurement of goods and services and ensure proper files/documentation is maintained in the Takoradi and Accra offices;
Oversee the management of Human Resource issues and recruitment for long term and short term posts in conjunction with the Chief Operating Officer and the Office Manager;
Coordinate with DAI Home Office on execution of international contracts;
Negotiate local contracts, including property leases, on behalf of DAI;
Act as Security Focal Point and coordinate security of project personnel and property;
Identify potential organisations to provide training and technical assistance to strengthen the capacities of project beneficiaries.

Team Management

Manage the Programme Support Unit and directly supervise Project Accountant, Office Manager, Drivers etc.;
Conduct yearly performance reviews for Programme Support Unit staff.

Other

Serve as the Chief Operating Officer’ and Team Leader’s advisor on all contractual and financial matters with DFID, partners, and subcontractors and play a key role in the preparation of budgets;
Represent DAI/WRCF – along with Team Leader – at Client and WRCF Board meetings and otherwise as required;
Any other reasonable requests from the Chief Operating Officer, Team Leader, Home Office Project Manager or Project Accountant.
Timeframe:
Start date: ASAP
Location:
Takoradi with occasional travel to WRCF satellite office in Accra
End date: October 2019, subject to donor funding

Required Skills or Experience

Advanced degree in Economics, Finance or Business or other related field
Skills and Experience:
Minimum of five years’ experience in the finance and operations components of international development projects
Demonstrated knowledge and skills in accounting, procurement, financial and grant management systems is required
Strong knowledge of donor reporting systems and regulations
Understanding of key approaches to monitoring and evaluation and the delivery of value for money for donor client
Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities
Experience working with donors such as DFID, UNDP or World Bank
Strong analytical skills to identify financial and operational risks and ability to resolve in timely and efficient manner
Experience of working in Ghana or West African countries
Experience in using DAI developed systems, e.g. TAMIS, would be a distinct advantage
Excellent communication skills and fluency in English is essential

How to Apply

Please send your resume, cover note and a copy of at least two previously authored case studies to [email protected], with a copy to [email protected]. With a subject heading “Application – WRCF Dialogue Case Studies
Application deadline: February 23, 2017
For more information about the detailed terms of reference contact [email protected]