Background:

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.  

Project Summary:

The five-year READ II project, funded by USAID, will boost the quality of literacy instruction and student support, reaching out to children at risk of failure and dropout caused by cognitive, emotional and physical effects of hunger, violence, and displacement. READ II seeks to better equip teachers with effective early grade reading instruction techniques and materials in seven mother-tongue languages and English, while simultaneously building a culture of reading in the school, home and community.

Position Summary:

The Grants Finance Officer will be responsible to ensure grantees’ financial compliance to set policies, procedures and systems in the management of funds granted to them from READ II. S/he will ensure utilization of funds as per the budget and agreed upon flexibility provisions, existence of pertinent and adequate documentation/filing system and maintenance of accurate, reliable and up-to-date records on advances to grantees and their spending.

Duty Station: READ II Central Office (Addis Ababa)

Required Number: One

Reporting & Supervision:

The Grants Finance Officer reports to Director of Finance.

Primary Responsibilities:

·       Perform review of financial reports and reimbursement requests of grantees considering set policies, procedures and guidelines.

·       Provide feedback to grantees, follow up for their timely response addressing issues and concerns.

·       Facilitate advance disbursements and reimbursement to grantees fulfilling all necessary internal procedures.

·       Maintain budget versus actual tracker for each grantee and provide management with report of any issues associated to budget and spending trends.

·       Maintain advance disbursement and settlement tracker per grantee

·       Facilitate necessary accounting work to record approved advance disbursements to and actual expenditures of grantees.

·       Facilitate submission of VAT Refund Claim Reports of grantees to USAID.

·       Scan and upload supporting documents to grantees financial report

·       Perform field work to conduct financial monitoring on activities of grantees.

·       Other duties as assigned

·       At least BA/BS degree in accounting, finance or related fields

·       Must have at least five years of related work experience

·       Knowledge of USAID Rules and Regulations, previous experience working on USAID-funded projects preferred

·       Advanced knowledge of Spoken and Written English highly desired, Medium level required

·       Working skills and knowledge on financial management software

·       Excellent skills in Excel and similar applications