We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Deputy Chief of Party, Operations and Finance for an upcoming USAID-funded opportunity in Rwanda entitled the Schools and Systems Activity: LEARN. This position will be based in Rwanda – in Kigali or field offices in the project’s target states – and is contingent upon award.
Project Description
The anticipated Rwanda Schools and Systems Activity: LEARN will strengthen the education system to enable all pre-primary and lower primary school and classroom environments to be of high quality, inclusive, and focused on learning of foundational reading skills. Specifically, the anticipated five-year activity will improve learning outcomes by focusing on increasing Kinyarwanda literacy skills of boys and girls through primary 3 (P3) through four intermediate results: (1) Pre-primary education system enhanced to develop, promote and improve emergent literacy, (2) Lower primary reading classroom instruction improved, (3) School environments improved for increased lower primary reading outcomes, and (4) Education systems management strengthened for improved literacy outcomes. The Schools and Systems Activity will include a focus on learning for children with disabilities to ensure project approaches reach all children.
Position Description
The Deputy Chief of Party (DCoP), Operations and Finance is responsible for supporting the Chief of Party in staff, operational, and financial management. In close coordination with the CoP, the DCoP will oversee administrative, operational, finance, and HR teams and be responsible for effective utilization of resources including staff with a diverse range of capabilities. Additionally, S/he will provide operational oversight on financial and human resources management, efficient procurement and logistical services, contracts and grants, asset management, ICT, general administration, and will lead efforts to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations as well as timely and effective delivery of program activities.
Job Summary/Responsibilities
- Coordinate closely with COP to lead financial and contractual aspects of the project;
- Responsible for implementing and enhancing internal organizational and financial processes;
- Ensure compliance with US Government and Government of Rwanda rules, regulations and policies regarding contracts and grants, procurements, financial management, etc.;
- Manage the planning and implementation of field activities, including oversight of budgets, grants, operational plans, reporting, and procedural and financial compliance;
- Ensure efficient management and utilization of resources in accordance with applicable FHI and donor policies and procedures;
- Provide guidance and supervision to program staff and managers who are charged to implement activities within the assigned area of expertise;
- Collaborate with FHI 360’s country team, Regional Office and headquarter-based staff to ensure the project is implemented according to organization and industry best practices, program framework, and regulations;
- Contribute to timely and accurate reporting;
- Supervise the recruitment, hiring, and management of operational/financial local staff and consultants; and
- Support performance management and professional development of direct reports, including ongoing feedback, coaching, and career support.
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree (preferred) in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, social sciences, or related field;
- Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible operational and financial management experience in support of large-scale international development programs;
- Experience with USAID-funded projects preferred;
- Proven leadership in the administration of similar-sized international donor technical assistance projects;
- Budgeting, financial management, and policies and procedures oversight experience, especially related to USAID programming;
- Effective strategic planning and project management skills;
- CPA, ACA, ICAN, CIMA, CFE or other similar, relevant professional qualification is required;
- Strong consultative and negotiation skills;
- Ability to build positive working relationships with local communities, government officials, and donor representatives;
- Ability to analyze and establish effective and supportive cross-program coordination, organizational procedures, and management systems;
- Good analytical, numerical and problem-solving skills;
- Must have demonstrated ability to work in complex environments, work across different cultures, and manage diverse teams to deliver impact within agreed timelines;
- Ability to manage tight deadlines and deliver high volumes of work with minimal supervision;
- Experience in the education sector in Rwanda or the region strongly preferred;
- Fluency in English required; fluency in French preferred.
This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.
FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.
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