Director of Global Administration and Program Support

ABOUT URC:

URC is a global company dedicated to improving the quality of health care, social services, and health education worldwide. With a non-profit affiliate, the Center for Human Services (CHS), URC manages projects in over 45 countries, including the United States. URC’s mission is to provide innovative, evidence-based solutions to health and social challenges worldwide. Please join us in carrying out our mission (http://www.urc-chs.com/).

DIVISION AND PROJECT OVERVIEW:

URC has global field programs funded by USAID, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Global Fund, Foundations and other clients, and employs about 250 people as well as locally hired staff in overseas field offices.

The Director of Global Administration and Program Support is responsible for establishing corporate field administrative procedures and policies that guide and standardize all aspects of project implementation including the local hiring, financial and procurement processes for all of our programs.

The Director will be responsible for establishing overseas field offices and administrative systems during project start-up, supporting the operational and administrative needs of projects during implementation and closing field offices upon completion of the project.

The Director works proactively with the company officers, program managers, and project coordinators to seek opportunities to identify and propose improvements of existing, and development of new and improved project support systems, processes and procedures and to contribute to the company’s Knowledge Management efforts for best practices. Up to 40% travel is required as our business proactively defines and mitigates risks as the "standard,” rather than engaging at the point of incident.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Development and oversight of field office Set Up and Close Down procedures including registration, office and housing leases, labor laws, hiring of local staff, training new finance and administrative staff, and other key areas,
• Guide the agenda and organization of the corporate Field Operations Improvement Team.
• Oversee the Field Review process to conduct routine on-site compliance reviews, provide reports to field and headquarters management, and track required adjustment.,
• Organize routine portfolio reviews with Headquarters staff.
• Provide administrative orientation for new field project directors and staff in headquarters.
• Help strengthen internal and external finance and administrative operating support systems as they affect the field offices and programs. Assure appropriate corporate policies and procedures are up to date and accessible to staff.
• Draw upon experience to update key operating manuals with practical and needed guidance for HQ staff and field managers. Address key issues of HQ and field staff through interviews and communications with them on a regular basis.
• Develop and conduct standardized policy and procedure training programs for expatriate and host country national project staff to ensure their in-depth understanding and adherence to company processes and procedures.
• Promote best practices in administration and finance and facilitate field offices sharing what works and what doesn’t for them. Network with other organizations to identify international best practices.
• Establish Knowledge Management systems and encourage field office management issues to be shared and resolved together. Maintain project support documentation on URC’s intranet system.
• Support the audit process, stay current on international audit practices, and identify potential audit issues for field and HQ project staff.
• Other responsibilities as assigned by URC management.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

Please note: All candidates must be eligible to work for an indefinite period of time in the U.S. without visa sponsorship.

• MA degree in management, business, accounting or finance or related field.
• At least 5 years of experience working with USAID contracts, grants and cooperative agreements with understanding of field management and operational issues.
• Understanding of government FARS and cost principles.
• Strong English and communications skills to concisely write and present policies.
• Track record of working with teams in HQ and in field operations & mentoring staff in operations.
• Strong problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to communicate with tact and sensitivity while effecting change.
• Ability to travel to overseas field offices in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and other regions as needed.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

DESIRED EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Business level proficiency in Spanish or French desired.

How to apply:

For immediate consideration, visit URC’s Career Opportunities page at: www.urc-chs.com/careers

Please cut and paste your cover letter and upload your CV where indicated. Also, please complete your application form and attach a completed USAID Form 1420 Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet as well.

Only candidates who have met the required experience & qualifications for this position will be contacted. Thank you for applying and for your interest.