Director of Finance and Administration, Fundamental Freedoms Fund

Counterpart International is seeking a Director of Finance and Administration to support an upcoming Department of State opportunity focused on defending and protecting human rights, countering threats to democratic institutions, and addressing discrimination, inequity, and marginalization globally. DRL will award an overarching cooperative agreement to a consortium of eight NGOs with thematic and global reach (“Consortium”), to collaborate on the execution of individual projects in which “action-forcing events” have triggered the need for intervention to counter or prevent the closing of democratic space and/or where progress in erecting democratic institutions and establishing the rule of law is in jeopardy. Under the guidance of the Chief of Party and the Senior Director of Governance, the Director of Finance and Administration will be responsible for all financial aspects of projects within the Consortium, ensuring compliance with financial guidelines and regulations.

This position would either be fully remote or based in the DC office if the selected candidate has proper work authorization.

Responsibilities

The Director of Finance and Administration will also work with institutional partners and local networks to streamline financial processes and optimize resource utilization, develop and manage project budgets, including forecasting and monitoring expenditures as well as implementing effective financial controls, accounting systems, and reporting mechanisms.

The ideal candidate would have experience a strong understanding of financial regulations, compliance requirements, and the ability to ensure adherence to guidelines set by the U.S. Department of State.

Other key responsibilities include the following:

• Establishing and overseeing financial management systems, procedures and controls.
• Reviewing Counterpart Field Finance Operations Manual, Procurement Manual, Grants Manual, Accounting QuickBooks Manual and other relevant documents.
• Working with HQ to develop the Field Human Resources Manual and update it as necessary.
• Providing regular training to financial and administrative staff on tools, policies and procedures;
• Ensuring that recruiting processes are consistent and streamlined, and establishing filing system to hold all records relating thereto (maintaining electronic and hard copy files);
• Providing oversight on the procurement processes and ensuring all service providers agreements and contracts are up-to-date.
• Establishing, collecting, examining, and analyzing records, policies, operating practices, documentation, and transactions; preparing and presenting audit reports.
• Recommending opportunities to strengthen the internal control structure and assisting with corrective action planning.
• Managing program budget and overseeing all financial and grants disbursements and procurement to ensure compliance with DOS regulations and Counterpart International policies;
• Coordinating monthly requests for funds, based on budget and cash flow projections, to ensure the project has all necessary funds for operations;
• Monitoring program burn rate and supporting the development of pipelines, burn trackers, accruals and spending projections;
• Providing training and technical assistance in financial management to local sub-grantees;
• Assisting with preparation of financial reports to DOS.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A university degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive financial and grants management experience in international development projects
• Proven experience of managing the finances of large ($10M) projects.
• Demonstrated knowledge of USAID and other USG rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Previous experience managing subawards, including short term, rapid response grant mechanisms
• Mastery level in accounting, including: general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivabvle, payroll, budget forecasting, financial analysis;
• Knowledge of MS Word, Excel and QuickBooks accounting software.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, oral and written communications skills.
• Demonstrated supervisory and leadership skills, ability to work well in a team environment.
• Professional written and oral fluency in Russian and advanced proficiency in English.

PREFERRED

• Advanced degree in a relevant field, such as finance, business administration, international relations, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in financial and administrative management within international projects or NGOs.
• Proven ability to evaluate country conditions and design innovative projects in the fields of human rights, democracy, and related areas.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to deploy and initiate activities rapidly.
• Excellent relationship-building skills with diverse organizations and key stakeholders, including at local levels.
• Expertise in monitoring and evaluating project implementation, results, and impact, with a track record of problem-solving and course correction when necessary.
• Commitment to non-discriminatory practices and advancing equity, with an understanding of underserved and underrepresented communities.
• Familiarity with political, legal, and social contexts related to human rights, rule of law, and democratic processes.
• Experience working collaboratively within a consortium or with multiple NGOs, demonstrating effective teamwork.
• Knowledge of compliance with guidelines and processes established by DRL and other relevant bodies.
• Proven ability to contribute to the development of impactful and sustainable programs aligned with DRL’s objectives.
• Understanding of the political landscape, preferably related to the U.S. Department of State and its initiatives.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with stakeholders at various levels.
• Familiarity with the Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Underserved Communities.
• Previous experience in the successful implementation or improvement of projects in human rights and democracy.