Finance and Operations Manager in Burundi

Management Sciences for Health (MSH) saves lives and improves health by helping public and private organizations throughout the world to effectively manage people, medicines, money, and information. Working from more than 45 country offices and our Arlington, Virginia, and Cambridge, Massachusetts, US headquarters, our staff from 73 nations is highly regarded for its technical expertise, integrity, and commitment to making a lasting difference in health. We live our mission to save lives and improve the health of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people by closing the gap between knowledge and action in public health.

MSH seeks a Finance and Operations Manager to support a program designed to assist the Ministry of Health improve the quality of the package of basic maternal and child health services; to build the capacity of health center staff; to build the capacity of national, provincial and district authorities to collect, analyze, disseminate and act on health information data; and to provide targeted communities with the knowledge and skills to identify, prevent and address key MCH risks.

This position is contingent upon project award and funding.

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES
The Finance and Operations Manager oversees the overall financial functions as well as office management duties of the MSH office in Madagascar under the supervision of the Project Director. S/he is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of technical efforts and field activities by providing accounting, administrative, management and logistical support to facilitate the implementation of program activities. The Finance and Operations Manager ensures that financial management, personnel, administrative and contractual operations systems are conducted according to MSH regulations, standard operating procedures and good business practices. It may be necessary that s/he supervises administrative staff and drivers and provides management support to the technical assistance team to facilitate the implementation of program activities.

The Finance and Operations Manager safeguards the assets (financial and physical) of MSH or other donors against fraud, loss or misuse. S/he ensures that any money expended in the field is done in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, MSH Policy, and any cost principles imposed by MSH or a donor agency. S/he must demonstrate the ability to use sound business judgment in assuring that all costs are reasonable and necessary for the completion of the office projects and MSH’s mission.

This position is contingent upon project award and funding.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Manage cash flow, including funds transfers from MSH Arlington or Boston, local currency exchange, and petty cash.
2. Estimate upcoming cash needs and accrue expenditures as appropriate.
3. Issue and collect project advances.
4. Obtain authorization for and pay local costs.
5. Reconcile bank accounts and field advance accounts each month.
6. Record all financial transactions into an approved MSH Field Expense Accounting System, and submit timely reports each month.
7. Maintain thorough documentation of all field financial transactions.
8. Ensure that all paid invoices agree with supporting documentation, including price quotes, purchase orders and shipping receipts.
9. Apply internal systems for obtaining purchase approvals and use of assets ensuring the adequate application of internal controls.
10. Maintain current standing with all mandated tax and registrations, including submission of payments and required reports.
11. Oversee local procurement and execute all approved payments for local vendors, contractors and consultants for goods and services received, in accordance with the laws and regulations of Burundi, and MSH and USAID regulations.
12. Assist in the preparation and management of country project budgets and pipeline expenditures.
13. Maintain inventories and controls over project office fixed assets, such as furnishings, and computer equipment.
14. Manage timesheets for office staff ensuring timely submission, approval, accuracy and filing.
15. Prepare country activity travel advances and process travel claims (TEFs) and work with country program staff to resolve accounting related issues.
16. Maintain communication with the SPS Budget/Contract Analyst and SPS Program Coordinator supporting Bangladesh project, to seek guidance on financial and contractual issues. Facilitate communication between country technical staff and MSH offices in Arlington and elsewhere.
17. Maintain an effective office country filing system, order and replenish office and stationery supplies and manage the document courier service between Bangladesh office and MSH Arlington.
18. Provide logistic support in booking staff and consultants travel and accommodations, and in processing required authorizations.
19. Provide support to country staff and consultants in coordinating appointments, preparing/disseminating materials, translating and formatting letters, technical documents, reports and presentations.
20. In the absence of a contracted local accounting firm, process local payroll and benefits and administer benefits plan.
21. Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
1. Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business management, or office management preferred.
2. At least three years experience in an independent administrative position with advanced bookkeeping responsibilities.
3. Work experience with projects supported by international organizations.
4. Computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications (Excel spreadsheets, word processing, and electronic mail along with data entry experience).
5. Demonstrated translation/interpretation skills and relevant experience.
6. Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
7. Experience with organizing workshops and training courses, preparing and monitoring budgets.
8. Experience developing and interpreting standard financial reports (Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Cash Flow) and creation of Journal entries preferred.
9. Excellent communication skills.
10. English and French fluency required including speaking, writing, understanding, and reading and the ability to conduct business in both languages.
11. Ability to work in a team.

How to apply:

Management Sciences for Health is an equal opportunity employer offering employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship, physical or mental handicap, or status as a disabled or Vietnam Era veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces. To apply for this position, please visit the Employment Opportunities section of our website at www.jobs-msh.icims.com. If you cannot apply online or have difficulty doing so, please email an explanation of your problem to iRecruiterproblem@msh.org.