Director of Finance and Operations, USAID Ocean and Coastal Activity Senegal

Counterpart International is currently seeking a Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) to set up and manage the financial, accounting, operational, fiscal, and human resources and administrative functions of the anticipated 5-year USAID Senegal Ocean and Coastal Activity opportunity. The long-term objective of the Senegal Oceans and Coastal Activity is to sustainably manage the small pelagic fisheries to support healthy ecosystems, equitable economic opportunities, improved food security, and increased resilience for the people of Senegal, especially women and youth. This is a full-time position based in Dakar, Senegal and will serve the life of the project. Qualified Senegalese nationals are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

In collaboration with the Chief of Party (COP), the DFO will oversee all the operational and financial aspects of the project, including sub-grants management, and ensuring that financial operations are in compliance with USAID rules and regulations. The selected individual will ensure strict and timely compliance with all applicable Senegalese laws, donor (USAID) and Counterpart’s norms, policies, and procedures. The DFO will endeavor to provide efficient and timely services to support project implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Directly set up and manage the financial and operational functions of the project, including but not limited to management and supervision of cash management, accounting and reporting, project procurement, logistics and human resources processes, ensuring compliance with USAID’s and Counterpart’s policies and procedures as well as with local laws and regulations while applying the best financial and accounting practices.
• Ensure robust and efficient management of project financial processes, including cash management, accounting, reporting and record keeping.
• Prepare the Activity’s monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, including tracking, reporting, and documenting cost share requirements (if any).
• Prepare and coordinate the preparation of budgets, projections, and monthly monitoring expenses.
• Maintain and update the Activity’s financial accounts.
• Lead and coordinate the Finance and Administration team to support the administrative, logistic, and financial processes to support the implementation of the project activities.
• Review and ensure that all recruitment and selection processes for employees and consultants follow transparent and rigorous procedures, comply with local labor laws, and obtain the required documentation and approvals.
• Manage the implementation of the project’s human resources policies and procedures as well as compliance with applicable labor and fiscal laws and regulations.
• Ensure safekeeping and efficient use of the Activity’s assets and the continuous and smooth functioning of the office’s facilities, infrastructure, and equipment.
• Conduct an internal auditing process for the organization’s financial and administrative procedures, ensuring compliance with all Counterpart’s and USAID’s rules and regulations.
• Ensure that the project grant making processes are rigorous, transparent and well documented in compliance with Counterpart and donor rules and procedures. Coordinate disbursements and reconciliations of the grants program.
• Provide support to the project grants program, such as supporting pre-award assessments or providing finance/compliance technical assistance to grantees.
• Recommend improvements or changes to the financial and administrative policies and procedures, as well as manage the implementation of approved policies.
• Keep informed and up to date on changes to the Senegal’s laws and regulations as they apply to the organization and the project’s activities, making appropriate recommendations to the project leadership for implementation and compliance.
• Perform other related tasks relevant to the launching of operations of the NGO Advocacy for Good Governance Activity as assigned by the COP and Counterpart’s Washington DC-based team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting or finance. Advanced degree is preferred.
• A minimum of 10 years of management-level experience in financial, administrative, and accounting areas.
• Knowledge and experience with donor-funded programs, preferably USAID.
• Knowledge and extensive experience using Microsoft Office, QuickBooks and/or other financial software, Teams, and similar e-communications.
• Knowledge of the Senegalese fiscal and banking systems.
• Strong staff management and team-building skills, influencing and promoting a positive working environment.
• Demonstrated leadership, management, decision-making and positive interpersonal skills.
• Ability to perform efficiently independently and under pressure and as an effective team member.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Verbal and written fluency in English and French.
• Ability to think strategically and to act in the best interests of the organization.
• Strong sense of responsibility.
• Punctuality and commitment.
• Positive attitude and interpersonal skills.
• Good judgment and strong ethical principles.