ABOUT FREEDOM HOUSE

Established more than 80 years ago on the core conviction that freedom flourishes in democratic nations where governments are accountable to their people, Freedom House is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that works to defend and expand freedom globally to help secure a world where all are free. Around the world, repressive regimes are preventing billions of people from exercising their fundamental rights. We identify and analyze threats to freedom, mobilize decision makers to respond to those threats and seize opportunities for progress, and support activists and organizations working to defend and expand freedom. We are dedicated to ensuring that the United States serves as a positive model of democratic practice at home and a consistent champion of freedom globally. By gathering authoritative data and leveraging our global networks, Freedom House is an unwavering beacon in protecting human rights and promoting democratic governance.

POSITION SUMMARY

The USAID-funded Protecting Human Rights in Ethiopia (PHR-Ethiopia) is a five-year program to be implemented with the overall goal of increasing respect for human rights in Ethiopia. The program has four specific objectives: i) expand efforts to monitor securely and independently, document, and report on human rights violations; ii) advance accountability for human rights violations; iii) increase the number and capacity of new human rights actors and advocates throughout Ethiopia; and iv) address conflict-related gender and sexual violence. To realize these objectives, the program will engage key state and non-state actors and strengthen the institutional and operational capacity of local CSOs and justice and law enforcement bodies including judges, prosecutors, and police.

Freedom House is seeking a Finance and Administrative Director who will be responsible for the overall finance and administrative-related activities of the PHR-Ethiopia program. The Finance and Administrative Director will make operational decisions. He/she will coordinate all financial administrative tasks and ensure proper financial procedures and systems are put in place, applied, and updated. He/she must ensure support to teams, including administration, finance, and logistics, function efficiently to support implementation of the activity. This individual must participate and engage in management meetings and maintain positive relationships with GDRC officials, partners, and implementing partners. This position will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and will report to the Chief of Party.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Procedures, Systems, and Compliance

• Prepare financial documents for processing payments and settlements of advances.

• Ensure proper financial procedures and systems are operated and maintained. 

• Maintain and monitor Freedom House internal controls.

• Ensure compliance with government regulations in respect of financial and other matters including but not limited to, taxation and pension contributions. 

• Ensure compliance with the financial and other requirements of Freedom House, USG, USAID, and other donors (if any).

Budget Preparation and Follow-up

• Prepare budgets, amendments, and forecasts working with the Chief of Party, Grants Officer, Program Officers, and other relevant staff members.

• Monitor ongoing levels of expenditure on individual programs/projects against the budget and provide timely advice related to over or under utilization of budget.

• Prepare the plan and the budget for the Ethiopia office administration.

Expenditures and Accounts

• Coordinate with the payroll company for monthly payroll processing.

• Ensure that all payroll taxes and pension contributions are promptly paid, as well as that provident and severance pay funds are timely deposited.

• Make sure that all financial transactions are supported with relevant documents and all expenditures are properly coded.

• Reconcile all bank accounts and cashbooks to actual cash counts and investigate and resolve any discrepancies.

• Make sure adequate funds are available to meet programs/projects requirements by timely settling expenditures with HQ finance staff, preparing expenditure estimates (if requested for fund transfer), and submitting and following up with fund transfer requests.

Human Resources Management

• Ensure that Freedom House staff respect working hours and report time in accordance with Freedom House time reporting requirements.

• Ensure that staff performance appraisals are undertaken regularly based on the global Freedom House timelines.

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date, and compliant employee and employment-related files.

• Manage all employee benefits plans and enrollments.

• Ensure that strategic and individual training needs of employees are periodically reviewed and met.

• Forward recommendations to the Chief of Party to ensure fair allocation of trainings, workshops, symposium, etc., for staff.

• Manage fair and compliant recruitment processes for all Ethiopia-based positions.

• Liaise with US-based Talent & Culture team on employee relations matters in advance of implementing adverse personnel actions.

Material Management

• Ensure that proper procurement and purchasing policies and procedures are in place and followed, in accordance with Freedom House organizational policies and procedures. 

• Serve as the primary liaison with the owners or legal representative of the office facility and, in consultation with the Chief of Party, ensure office and other lease agreements are renewed in a timely manner.

• Supervise property management to promote efficient and effective utilization of resources.

• Facilitate and provide the necessary administrative support to the Freedom House Ethiopia office.

Reporting

• Close accounts monthly and prepare status report to relevant department of Freedom House HQ.

• Prepare financial reports compliant with USG and USAID reporting requirements.

• Prepare financial reports to the Authority for Civil Society Organizations and other local authorities compliant with their reporting requirements as requested.

• Facilitate and lead the preparation of and submit quarterly and annual reports of the office.

• Prepare annual financial statements and for annual audits.

Supervision/Monitoring

• In consultation with the Grants Officer, MEL Officer, and Chief of Party, pay regular visits for financial coaching, mentoring, guiding, monitoring, and quality control purposes to various subgrantees and local partners offices.  

• Supervise and appraise financial and other support staff, as well as provide assistance, training, and advice, as required.

Additional Responsibilities

• Ensure that the security of the office and staff safety are up to the required standard as defined by Freedom House’s Security Director. 

• Participate in management meetings and maintain positive relationships with the GDRC officials, partners, and implementing partners.

• Perform any other task and additional assignment as deemed necessary and/or assigned by the Chief of Party. 

Work Location Type: On-site

Job Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:     

• A minimum of a Master’s Degree (or foreign equivalent) in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a similar relevant field. Additional experience may substitute for some education.

Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years experience with 6 years of relevant field based experience in coordinating or managing light to moderately complex projects required, with an international NGO in financial management of large, complex, donor-funded projects, with demonstrated experience with funds control; monitoring of fraud and abuse; and demonstrated success in managing sub-contracts/sub-grants with international consortiums including local organizations, and NGOs. 

• Experience in managing USAID and USG-funded projects/programs.

• Experience supervising the daily work of finance and administrative staff.

• Experience in coordinating with payroll companies to efficiently process staff salaries.

• Experience in overseeing human resources processes.

Technical Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent leadership, financial management, and communication skills.

• Strong planning, team building, organization, and supervision skills.

• Advanced computer skills in Excel, Peachtree, and Quick Books.

• Must possess language skills at the following Foreign Service Institute proficiency level or equivalent: English Level IV.

• Excellent report writing and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and demanding timeframes.

• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks at the same time.

• Ability to work independently and as part of an international team. 

Personal Attributes and Characteristics: 

• Exhibit strong and sustained commitment to the mission of Freedom House.

• Show good stewardship in the use of Freedom House resources. 

• Respond promptly to stakeholder needs and solicit stakeholder feedback to improve service quality.

• Exhibit excellent phone etiquette, pleasant demeanor, and ethical conduct. 

• Consistently use good judgment when dealing with all contacts and constituents.

• Exhibit high work standards, adherence to procedures, and responsibility for assigned tasks.

• Assess own strengths and weaknesses, pursue training and development opportunities, and strive to continuously build knowledge and skills.

• Work as an effective team member, successfully balancing individual and team responsibilities.

• Comply with all policies and procedures.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  

• Diversity makes our work stronger. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all background to apply. Diverse backgrounds relevant to the countries in which we have programming are a welcome asset.

• Applicants are required to complete our online application form and to submit a resume and a cover letter that outlines interests and qualifications for this position. 

• Travel to some countries, for business or in some cases personal reasons, while a Freedom House employee, may not be advisable or even possible due to high security risks.  

• Candidates must possess authorization to work in Ethiopia independent from Freedom House sponsorship.   

Working Conditions: 

• General conducive working office environment in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

• Some evening and weekend hours to complete tasks.

• Travel within Ethiopia outside of Addis Ababa.

• Exposed to outside weather conditions when required to complete assigned tasks outside the office.

• May involve work in regions that are remote and lack basic modern infrastructure, and in regions under U.S. travel advisory due to threats of armed attacks, civil unrest, kidnappings, disease outbreaks, etc.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:  

• Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting or remote work. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.  

How to Apply

Interested applicants can apply using Careers | Freedom House (taleo.net)

Freedom House is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.