Liberia: Director of Operations and Finance

Jul 13, 2015 | Conservation International
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CI Liberia is seeking an experienced, dynamic, collaborative and detail-oriented individual to lead our operations program and provide direct financial management to our team in Liberia. Reporting to the Country Director, the Operations and Finance Director will oversee the financial, human resources, and administrative functions for our Liberia program. The Liberia program is currently a small staff of 11 people but is rapidly expanding into both in size and scope of our work. We work to promote environmental stewardship in key areas such as marine protection, sustainable agriculture, responsible mining and forest conservation, working with a range of partners including government, civil society, private sector and communities. The Operations and Finance Director will manage the program’s financial, accounting, donor and grant management functions and work to ensure management has the timely and relevant financial information needed to make informed decisions. S/he ensures operation functions are efficient and effective and continually looks for improvements that improve efficiency, productivity and operational capacity. The Operations and Finance Director will develop and implement guidelines and practices that align operation functions with the program’s business plans and CI’s overall conservation objectives. S/he will be accountable for ensuring operational functions are in compliance with CI’s policies and procedures as well as reporting and governance bodies in Liberia.

The successful candidate must have strong personal integrity, be able to multi-task, prioritize and deliver within deadlines. The candidate will directly supervise the work of several operational staff and must be willing to mentor and coach this staff and the rest of the country team towards excellence in operational delivery.  

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Management

  • Manage the program’s budget and ensure timely and accurate financial reporting. Work with program leadership to identify and implement follow-up actions when necessary.
  • Oversee the timely, complete and accurate recording of accounting transactions.  Ensure compliance with CI policies and procedures and local reporting requirements.
  • Oversee grants administration and donor reporting.  Manage budgeting, reporting and financial compliance of grants and donor agreements. 
  • Lead annual and ad-hoc budgeting and financial modeling. Support fundraising proposal efforts.
  • Ensure the effective and efficient stewardship of CI’s financial resources and direct management of the operations budget
  • Prepare and generate monthly, quarterly and periodic financial reports. Review results with senior management.
  • Provide ad-hoc analysis and projections in support of new funding streams/opportunities, long-range financial plans and revenue campaigns.
  • Oversee the efficient management of accounting, finance and payroll functions, Ensure compliance with internal and external requirements and standards.
  • Support training department staff and other users on using the financial system, navigating system upgrades and generating end-user reports, etc.

Human Resources

  • Work closely with the Country Director and Global HR for guidance on people management issues including performance management, merit review, recruiting, staffing and compliance with CI policy and local labor laws.  Ensure supervisors receive guidance on all personnel issues.
  • Advise management in staffing and strategic planning efforts. 
  • Develop and implement capacity building efforts and partner with management and HQ to ensure staff are engaged and are able to deliver results.  Identify and implement training needs.

Business Operations

  • Lead efforts to improve program efficiencies and effectiveness. Recommend changes in business processes and structure as needed.
  • Align operation functions with program priorities, with a focus on internal client service and maximizing operational effectiveness.
  • Ensure proper use and application of CI systems and processes. 
  • Assist in the identifying and addressing issues of high risk.

Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Working Conditions

  • Typical office environment.
  • No travel expected.
  • Ability to work extended hours to meet deadlines.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or a related field.  Some post graduate college work studies completed.
  • 7 or more years directly related experience in financial management, reporting, and budget oversight, including 2-3 several years in a non-profit setting.
  • Sound understanding of accounting principles, processes and standards.
  • Experience with accounting and financial reporting systems.
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
  • 2-3 years experience supervising the work of others.
  • Strong analytical skills.
  • Strong communication and presentation skills including the ability to effectively convey complex details or technical information.
  • Proven team player.
  • Highly organized and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a dynamic environment.

 

Preferred

  • Master's degree in a related field
  • International nonprofit experience.
  • Highly familiar with etiquette, protocol, and employing cultural awareness and sensitivity.