Organization: Gardens for Health International
Location: United States
Eligible Citizenship: All Non-US Citizens
Application Code: US08-Int
Job Function: Finance / Budgeting, Operations
Issue Area: Agriculture, Education / Health Education, Food Security / Nutrition
About
Gardens for Health International (GHI) works in Rwanda to provide lasting agricultural solutions to chronic malnutrition by:
- Partnering with health centers to integrate agriculture and comprehensive health education into the treatment of malnutrition
- Advocating for policies and programs that include nutrition-focused agriculture in the treatment of malnutrition
- Providing technical assistance to partners interested in adapting our model and methodology for their communities
We currently partner with 18 government-run health centers across two districts of Rwanda, helping an average of 2,160 families each year to break the cycle of malnutrition by providing them with the knowledge and inputs they need to grow healthy food. At the same time, recognizing that seeds alone can’t solve malnutrition, our unique approach combines targeted agricultural assistance, comprehensive health education, and regular home visits to ensure that families receive the resources, education, and support to keep their children healthy over the long term.
Our work is having a tangible impact on the families we serve: one year after enrolling in our program, 71% of children in one cohort were at a healthy weight. Not only are children getting healthier, but the consumption patterns of entire families are changing. On one survey, 88% of families reported that they were eating 4 or more types of food each day – much of it food that grew in their own gardens.
Position Overview
The US Finance and Operations Associate will be based in Boston and will work closely with the US Managing Director and with the Finance Team in Rwanda to support financial planning and analysis. Their primary responsibilities will include developing and managing effective systems for budgeting and reporting, developing financial projections, and contributing to growth planning. They will also work closely with our development team to support grant writing and reporting.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate monthly budget request and reporting processes in collaboration with the Finance Team in Rwanda
- Prepare quarterly and annual financial reports for the Board of Directors
- Contribute to development and management of improved financial policies and procedures across the organization
- Oversee preparation of materials for annual audit
- Work with the Development Team to build out financial projections
- Work with Executive Director and Country Director to develop financial models for various growth scenarios
- Contribute as needed to grant proposals and reports
Required Skills and Experience
- Demonstrated experience with financial accounting software, experience with Quickbooks and/or Aplos a plus
- Advanced knowledge of Excel
- Ability to synthesize information into clear, concise reports and presentations
- Creativity and resourcefulness
- Ability to teach her/himself quickly
- Ability to adapt to new situations and systems
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Ability to manage deadlines
- Organizational skills and attention to detail
- Patience, flexibility, resiliency, and community spirit
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Experience with financial analysis preferred
Fellowship Logistics
During the fellowship year, all fellows are provided with:
- A pre-tax living stipend of $1100/month
- Housing and utilities
- Health insurance
- A professional development grant of $600
- An award of $1500 upon successful completion of the fellowship year
- Travel costs covered to and from placement site, training and retreats
Living and Working in the United States: Fellows are provided with housing and utilities during the fellowship year. Housing arrangements vary based on location within the country. Fellows placed at Gardens for Health will live with other fellows in a furnished apartment in Boston, Massachusetts, an urban center.