DRC: Finance & Administrative Manager

Jul 25, 2021 | Jane Goodall Institute
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The Jane Goodall Institute is currently recruiting for a Finance & Administrative (F&A) Manager for an anticipated integrated multi-sectoral governance, conservation and development public private partnership project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The anticipated project is expected to implement activities focused on improving governance through local government and local institutions which enhance biodiversity conservation and human wellbeing outcomes in eastern DRC.

Organization Overview:

Founded in 1977, the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) USA is an international non-governmental organization that continues Dr. Goodall’s pioneering work on chimpanzee ecology and behavior. Its mission is to promote wildlife conservation, in particular chimpanzee sustainability, through research, education, and community conservation. The breadth of JGI’s mission reflects Dr. Goodall’s personal philosophy that the survival of all species, whether chimpanzee or human, depends upon the collaboration of all people. In 2012, JGI formally adopted an ambitious 30-year goal to protect 85% of Africa’s wild chimpanzee populations in their natural habitats. In reaching this goal, JGI will capitalize on its considerable strengths and experience gained from working throughout the chimpanzee range, which includes more than 50 years of chimpanzee behavioral research at the Gombe Stream Research Center; its 20 years of developing people- and community-centered conservation strategies; its impressive expertise in the use geospatial technology to innovatively map and monitor human and chimpanzee use of forest resources; and its global environmental and humanitarian youth program – Roots & Shoots.


Under its Department of Africa Programs (AP), JGI USA implements community-based conservation activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Goma, DRC, and Uganda. Our Africa Programs partners include but are not limited to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Disney Foundation, Arcus Family Foundation, Allen Family Foundation, US Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS), the Turner Foundation, and a strong individual donor base as well as responsible private sector actors.

JGI is searching for a Finance & Administrative (F&A) Manager to join a dynamic team of professionals responsible for the implementation of the program and the responsible stewardship of resources. The F&A Manager has the overall responsibility for ensuring accurate and timely financial and administrative support services are provided to the program team. S/he has overall supervisory responsibility for the finance team and the administration team, focusing on general ledger activity, daily posting process, cash, payroll, accounts receivable and accounts payable, month-end closing process, financial report preparation, and budget monitoring and analysis.


The F&A role involves the ability to manage a queue of priorities; responsibility for making independent decisions based upon knowledge of organization operations, policies and procedures; and assigning and reviewing the work of support staff.

Essential Functions:

  • Ensure the implementation and compliance of local government law, donors and JGI policies and procedures.
  • Assures project coordination and accountability with sub-grantees and multiple donors, including USAID and private sector partners.
  • Implement internal control procedures and ensure consistent compliance.
  • Facilitate the coordination of activities across the various accounting functions: payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable and general accounting.
  • Monitor project budget on a recurring basis and provide periodic financial status reports for the program team.
  • Manage weekly accounts payable process under the direction of program leadership. Support Staff Accountant in payroll, monthly billing and daily accounts receivable processes.
  • Prepare and/or coordinate monthly reconciliation of general ledger accounts. Work with HQ accounting to report timely and accurate financial data.
  • Facilitate “closing” of financial records on a monthly basis and in a timely manner.
  • Support the leadership for the external annual audit process. Work closely with the Goma, DRC and USA program and financial support teams.
  • Monitor the cash flow management of the project.
  • Review expenses to ensure that they have been recorded consistently and in accordance with JGI policies and procedures, generally accepted accounting procedures and USAID requirements.
  • Ensure the collection of accurate and complete documentation to support accounting entries in accordance with established JGI policies and procedures and USAID requirements.
  • Build capacity of all finance staff in all aspects related to accounting, finance and budgeting, as well as training program staff on financial and administrative procedures to help them to understand the importance of the procedures. Work closely with accounting staff to review accounting process and procedures, analyze and reconcile accounts and recommend controls to prevent errors and promote efficiency.
  • Coordinate with the Grants Manager to assess the capacity of grant applicants and review request for advances, liquidations and support documentation.
    Provide high quality and proactive technical support to the program team including the review and interpreting financial results and making corrections in the G/L as identified.
  • Ensures proper cash handling procedures; responsible for proper control of petty cash.
  • Ensure compliance with procurement procedures.
  • Oversee the proper maintenance of office premises and working facilities such as the telephone system, photocopying machines and furniture to provide the best possible physical environment for staff to discharge their duties.
  • Performs related duties as required

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

  • A minimum of a bachelor’s degree (preferably a master’s degree) in Business Administration or Finance.
  • At least five years of experience managing the financial and administrative aspects of donor-funded assistance programs of over $15 million, with complexity of activities and setting.
  • Demonstrated experience in managing and supervising a team.
  • Demonstrated experience in managing sub-grants including conducting risk assessments
  • Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
  • Broad understanding of national laws, policies and norms related to accounting and administration.
  • Demonstrated experience in budgeting, human resources, procurement and compliance issues.
  • Ability to work under pressure

Working conditions

The position will require most of the work time to be spent in a very isolated rural and undeveloped zone of eastern DRC. Accommodation, travel and living conditions may be difficult and may vary over time. Challenging partners and stakeholders may require flexible and time-consuming support, coaching and assistance 

Physical requirements

Climate and health conditions may pose a challenge and candidates should be prepared for physically demanding conditions. 

Direct reports

Chief of Party (COP)