Overview of Pathfinder International

Pathfinder International is a global leader in sexual and reproductive health. We place reproductive health care at the center of all that we do—believing that it is not only a fundamental human right, but is critical for expanding life opportunities for women, families, communities, and nations, and paving the way for transformations in environmental stewardship, decreases in population pressures, and innovations in poverty reduction. Pathfinder provides women, men, and adolescents with a range of quality health services—from contraception and maternal and child health care to HIV prevention and AIDS care and treatment. Pathfinder strives to strengthen access to family planning, ensure availability of safe abortion services and post-abortion care, advocate for sound reproductive health policies, and, through all of our work, improve the rights and lives of the people we serve.

Pathfinder is seeking for Finance and Operations Director - USAID/Ethiopia Empowering Communities – Community Engagement (ECCE) Activity for the 5-year $49.99M USAID/Ethiopia Social Behavioral Change for Health Activity. The objectives of the Social and Behavioral Change for Health Activity are 1) to enhance adoption of healthy household practices, 2) to improve care seeking for health and nutrition services, and 3) to shift social and gender norms that impede health and nutrition behaviors. Specifically, this Activity will focus on FP, adolescent and reproductive health; maternal, newborn, and child health; nutrition; malaria; and selected behaviors related to WASH. 

Reports to: Chief of Party (COP) - USAID/Ethiopia - Social Behavioral Change for Health Activity 

Job Summary: The Finance and Operations Director has primary responsibility for overall financial management and administration of the activity. S/he will be responsible for management of all accounting and sub-grants and ensure financial operations are in compliance with USAID regulations. 

Key Job Outcomes:

Financial Management

• Oversee the project’s management of financial functions ensuring donor/contract compliance.
• Assist COP in the successful implementation of the project, including timely preparation of high-quality budget forecasts and financial statements, and management of expenses within approved budget.
• Develop and maintain appropriate systems and cost-effective, timely procedures and controls such as cash management, vendor payments, and budgeting to properly disburse, account, budget, and report funds.
• Oversee the timely and accurate preparation and submission of regular financial statements and other cost reports to headquarters and USAID, including providing guidance to project staff and partners.
• In collaboration with Human Resources department, identify, select, manage performance of, and mentor finance and administrative staff ensuring professional growth and development as well as capacity building.
• Oversee sub-grantees/sub-contractors ensuring adherence to donor, organizational, and host country policies and build capacity of local organizations to become successful and sustainable quality service providers.
• Coordinate and lead the annual audit process, liaise with external auditors and the finance team and senior management team; assess any changes necessary.
• Effectively communicate and present the critical financial matters to members of senior management team.

Operations Management

• Provide leadership and management during project start-up and close-out with regard to the project office, bank account, operations and logistics, staff administration, telecommunications etc.
• Implement administrative and financial operations of the program, ensuring compliance with agency standards and practices, local laws and donor policy and contract provisions.
• Manage funds at local bank account and approve expenditures in accordance with Pathfinder and donor procedures, cost principles, and regulations.
• Develop management policies and procedures to ensure efficiency, quality, and all resources are in place, adhered to, and in compliance with local laws, donor rules and regulations.
• Contract and manage local individuals/organizations for identified tasks according to donor and agency procedures; negotiate consultancy agreements, provide training and/or develop capacity of local partners.
• Ensure that security guidelines and procedures are established, maintained, updated regularly and adhered to by the project team. Monitor the security situation and provide leadership for staff in emergencies.
• Establish information technology systems and operational facilities to support project staff and programming.

Job Requirements

Minimally Required Education, Training and Experience:

• Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or another relevant field is a plus.
• Eight (8) years of experience in administrative and financial management of large-scale, complex, USAID programs. 

Minimally Required Job-Specific Competencies: 

• Proven expertise in finance, accounting and auditing, including automated financial systems, as well as results-oriented grants management, including financial planning, monitoring of grant compliance and management and establishment of internal controls.
• Proven ability to function effectively with multiple host-country counterparts in both the public and NGO sectors.
• Experience managing USAID contracts mastering USAID rules and regulations and overseeing international and local subcontractors and grantees.
• Demonstrated success managing complex, multi-million-dollar, donor-funded programs through development of cost-efficient budgeting, management of appropriate spending to support project impact, and regular monitoring of financials for programmatic revisions and accurate, timely reporting.
• Demonstrated ability in analyzing financial documents, projections, expenditures, and accruals.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and supervising a team.
• Must have outstanding interpersonal skills and be eager to work in a multicultural organization. Fluency in English required.
• Ability to translate financial concepts and to effectively collaborate with programmatic and fundraising colleagues who do not necessarily have finance backgrounds.
• Previous experience working in Ethiopia, preference for Ethiopian nationals. Strong speaking and writing skills in English and Amharic.

Minimally Required Organizational Competencies:

• Strong computer skills in accounting software systems and Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Passion for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights: Commitment to family planning, reproductive health services, gender, maternal, child health services, and eradication of harmful traditional practices
• Self-Management and Teamwork: Ability to work independently or as a member of the team, ability to be detailed-oriented, and ability to manage stress effectively in a fast-pace environment.
• Matrix Management: Ability to thrive in a matrix organization.
• Confidentiality: Ability to maintain confidentiality on work related matters
• Communication and Influencing Skills: Proven ability to influence others through diplomacy and proven oral and written communication skills.

Other Information:

• Ability to travel internationally (up to 35%)
• Uses cellular and desk phone, laptop or desktop computer

Please Note: This position is contingent upon project award and funding.

How to Apply

Pathfinder International invites eligible candidates to submit their applications via  Ethiopiahr@pathfinder.org on or before August 18, 2021. 

Please send only Cover Letter and CV with 3 professional references including their organizational  telephone number & email address. No additional document is required.

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Pathfinder is an equal opportunity employer and only shortlisted applicants will be considered.