Vital Strategies, headquartered in New York City, is an international public health organization. Our programs strengthen public health systems and address the world’s leading causes of illness, injury, and death. We work in more than 80 countries, supporting data-driven decision-making in government, advancing evidence-based public health policies, and mounting strategic communication campaigns. Vital Strategies’ priorities are driven by the greatest potential to improve and save lives. They include non-communicable disease prevention, tobacco control, road safety, food policy, environmental health, civil registration and vital statistics, and overdose prevention. Our programs are concentrated in
low- and middle-income countries and cities in Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Pacific.
Please visit our website at www.vitalstrategies.org to find out more about our work

The Deputy Director, Finance & Operations is responsible for the finance, operations, human resources, and office administration of the Vital Strategies Ethiopia office. This role will be under the supervision of the Country Director, Ethiopia and the Deputy Director, International Finance. The position also receives guidance and support from the Global Human Resources and Global Operations teams. 

This role will primarily be responsible for the day-to-day Finance operations with functional responsibilities including accounting, budgeting, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, grants administration, financial reporting, and audits. The Deputy Director, Finance & Operations will ensure that systems, procedures, and trainings are in place to support compliance and effective program implementation; as well as meet the financial Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The Deputy Director, Finance & Operations will manage the audit process in collaboration with the Deputy Director, International Finance. The Deputy Director will work closely with program leaders and their staff to educate them regarding finance and accounting procedures and to explore how the finance function can support program operations. This position will also partner with global HR, IT, and Operations to ensure compliance, operational efficiencies, and organizational excellence.

Duties and Responsibilities

Finance:

• Oversee and lead the annual budgeting process in conjunction with the Country Director; administer and review all financial plans and budgets; monitor progress and changes; and keep the senior leadership team abreast of the organization’s financial status;

• Oversee the general accounting function, which includes inter-company accounting, cash management/reconciliation, financial reporting, and balance sheet management;

• Supervise the completion of all tax reporting requirements (including income, property, sales and use, payroll, and other local taxes), insurance reports, and other reports required by government regulation;

•  Ensure adequate use and reporting of donor funds, as well as optimal use of core funds by ensuring it is used as per approved annual plans;

•  Ensure strong internal controls are in place for procurement and contracting; review procurements, contracts, and agreements with external parties, identify areas of non compliance;

• Play an important role in the financial oversight of proposal development and fund-raising 
  efforts;

• Analyze and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicate monthly and annual financial statements; collate financial reporting materials for all donor segments, and oversee all financial, project/program, and grants accounting. Process fund requests from grants managers/programs to headquarters. Manage grants and office accounting, including overseeing the local accounting/payroll firm;

• Coordinate and lead the annual audit process, and liaise with external auditors;

• Manage organizational cash flow and forecasting. Track financial performance: analyze, review, and accurately report financial results to ensure the integrity of financial statements and communicate financial results in a manner to be understood and acted on by management;

• Manage Vital’s financial management/reporting system; ensure that the contract billing and collection schedule is adhered to and that financial data and cash flow are steady and support operational requirements;

• Set in place a cycle of review to continually improve the finance department’s accounting practices and related policy and procedure manual;

• Work closely with the local Operations team to update, implement, and provide guidance on finance-related matters;

• Communicate and present critical matters to the Country Director; Deputy Director, 
  International Finance; and the ImpactHDSS Ethiopia Project Director, as appropriate;

• Any other task assigned by the Country Director or Deputy Director, International Finance.

Supervision of the Finance & Operations Manager
Risk & Compliance:

• Oversee compliance with both local regulations and Vital Strategies operational and HR 
  policies;

•  Coordinate with the Finance and Operations manager the assessment of operational risks and 
  raise issues with the Country Director and appropriate New York staff;

•  Support the Country Director and legal team on sensitive issues, and liaise with local attorneys 
  as needed on legal matters.

Human Resources:

• Ensure compliance with Ethiopian employment law including residency and tax requirements.

• HR Administration: Oversee payroll management, benefits renewals, administration, government reporting, employee agreements, and documentation;

Operations, Safety & Security:

• Oversee the implementation and monitoring of internal controls in areas such as procurement, 
  contracts, and agreements;

• Serves as a focal point for safety and security for Vital Strategies' work in the country including (a) monitoring for threats and risks (b) implementation of the security and crisis management plan (c) Leading the incident management team when it is convened;

• Oversee the office lease renewal in close collaboration with the Country Director and the VP, Global Operations. Oversee and manage relationships and activities with the local property management company, including the upkeep of the physical office facilities;

•  Provide strategic oversight for office facilities, travel coordination, procurement, and IT 
  management. 

Job Requirements

Education and Degree

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Finance, business administration, accounting, etc.)

Skills and Abilities –

• Ability to translate financial concepts and processes effectively;

• Advanced MS Office skills with emphasis on Excel, Word, and PowerPoint;

• Experience using financial software (Exact Globe, Net Suite, etc.);

• Minimum intermediary level of English required. Advanced level of English preferred;

• Analytical mindset with strong attention to details;

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills;

• Strong customer service and negotiation skills;

• Desire to work in a global organization requiring flexible work hours to accommodate time zone 
  differences;

• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and dedication to the mission of Vital Strategies;

• Requires exceptional time management and good organizational skills. Accuracy with numbers is 
  essential;

• Exceptional analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to handle multiple 
  tasks under tight deadlines and competing priorities;

• Strong financial modeling and budgeting skills utilizing advanced Excel techniques;

• Exceptional collaboration skills to work with cross-institutional teams.

How to Apply

If you are interested in being considered for this role, please send a brief cover letter and CV to samrawitdebebe@ethiojobs.net   Subject: “Deputy Director, Finance & Operations"