Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners to people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.
Background:
CRS is implementing a project in Niger and Mali funded by DFID: Building Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Extremes and Disasters (BRACED), also known as Scaling up Resilience for 1 Million in the Niger River Basin of Niger and Mali (SUR1M). It is a complex integrated development project focusing on identifying the most effective activities to absorb, adapt and transform in the face of climate change and other shocks. CRS leads a consortium of five organizations working together to implement BRACED/SUR1M in the two countries.
CRS is implementing a project in Niger and Mali funded by DFID: Building Resilience and Adaptation to Climate Extremes and Disasters (BRACED), also known as Scaling up Resilience for 1 Million in the Niger River Basin of Niger and Mali (SUR1M). It is a complex integrated development project focusing on identifying the most effective activities to absorb, adapt and transform in the face of climate change and other shocks. CRS leads a consortium of five organizations working together to implement BRACED/SUR1M in the two countries.
Summary:
Key responsibilities include oversight of budget, budget analytics and forecasting for donor reporting, sub-recipient management and compliance. Operational risk management to increase the effectiveness program execution. Provide leadership to ensure operational excellence with a focus in the areas of procurement and contracting, general management, and partnership and representation with an emphasis on strengthening team capacity in efficient practices compliant with donor and agency policy and procedure.
Key responsibilities include oversight of budget, budget analytics and forecasting for donor reporting, sub-recipient management and compliance. Operational risk management to increase the effectiveness program execution. Provide leadership to ensure operational excellence with a focus in the areas of procurement and contracting, general management, and partnership and representation with an emphasis on strengthening team capacity in efficient practices compliant with donor and agency policy and procedure.
Specific Job Responsibilities:
Management and Administration:
• Coordination and leadership in participatory monthly budget analyses with Technical Leads and partners to ensure resources are being deployed on time and on budget to meet workplan and logframe targets and to drive accurate monthly forecasts.
• With the support of Finance resources, monitor budget variance closely and ensure proactive communication and action regarding contractual budget flexibility.
• Support Finance and Admin Officer to effectively liaise with CRS Niger and Mali and Regional Finance Managers, partner finance teams, internal and external auditors. Support the COP, DCOP, PDL as primary liaison with donor for all program financial and grant issues.
• Ensure compliance of CRS and consortium members with DFID requirements in the prime agreement and Grant Guidelines.
• Use appropriate project management tools to plan, review and track progress on project implementation and utilization of project resources. In coordination with ICT, M&E, Communications specialists, suggest and develop tools to improve personal and collective productivity such as Outlook, dropbox, googledox and others, and ensure they are understood and adopted by project staff.
• Work with CRS Niger and CRS Mali security officers to ensure development, regular revisiting, and consistent adherence to implementation safety and security protocols.
• Perform periodic conduct systems checks in in conjunction with CRS internal auditors to ensure that CRS is in compliance with DFID standards, and to ensure responsive support to staff, programs, and partners.
• Identify management system weaknesses, establish priorities, provide recommendations for improved systems performance and ensure compliance.
• Leadership on logistics and preparation for project close-out and post-evaluation phase (December 2017-March 2018), and possible project extension or follow-on funding.
Management and Administration:
• Coordination and leadership in participatory monthly budget analyses with Technical Leads and partners to ensure resources are being deployed on time and on budget to meet workplan and logframe targets and to drive accurate monthly forecasts.
• With the support of Finance resources, monitor budget variance closely and ensure proactive communication and action regarding contractual budget flexibility.
• Support Finance and Admin Officer to effectively liaise with CRS Niger and Mali and Regional Finance Managers, partner finance teams, internal and external auditors. Support the COP, DCOP, PDL as primary liaison with donor for all program financial and grant issues.
• Ensure compliance of CRS and consortium members with DFID requirements in the prime agreement and Grant Guidelines.
• Use appropriate project management tools to plan, review and track progress on project implementation and utilization of project resources. In coordination with ICT, M&E, Communications specialists, suggest and develop tools to improve personal and collective productivity such as Outlook, dropbox, googledox and others, and ensure they are understood and adopted by project staff.
• Work with CRS Niger and CRS Mali security officers to ensure development, regular revisiting, and consistent adherence to implementation safety and security protocols.
• Perform periodic conduct systems checks in in conjunction with CRS internal auditors to ensure that CRS is in compliance with DFID standards, and to ensure responsive support to staff, programs, and partners.
• Identify management system weaknesses, establish priorities, provide recommendations for improved systems performance and ensure compliance.
• Leadership on logistics and preparation for project close-out and post-evaluation phase (December 2017-March 2018), and possible project extension or follow-on funding.
Program Quality and Operational Excellence:
• Responsible for the timely review and submission of donor reporting, including the monthly donor report and forecast, and quarterly and annual reports.
• Provide leadership in the budget revision process and oversee the production of monthly budget variance analytics ensuring collaborative participation of finance team in support of program managers/budget owners to ensure budget is realistic and appropriate to meet contractual workplan and logframe indicator targets.
• Follow the development, approval and signing of the contractual agreements between the CRS and vendors and consultants to include the negotiation and execution in coordination with the relevant departments of CRS.
• In collaboration with the Communication Officer, assist the COP and DCOP with formal and informal reporting requirements, including preparation of presentations, reports, and material for the media.
• In collaboration with the Communication Officer, ensure effective internal communications including the dissemination of information, such as key decisions, updates, newsletters, policies and procedures, practical tips, success stories/lessons learned with partners (given situational constraints and requirements established conventions);
• Help identify capacity building and training needs and training options for project staff (CRS and partners).
• Coordinate and deliver informal, practical trainings for project staff (CRS and partners) working with program, finance and operations resources to develop / adopt and provide training, tools, etc.
• In Coordination with Country Program resources in Finance and Administration, work with partners to apply relevant tools (Capacity Assessment Tool CAT; Sub-recipient Financial Management Policy-SRFMP, etc.) to help identify the needs for capacity building and institutional strengthening, and developing plans to put into action and follow up.
• Conduct periodic reviews of staff performance in keeping with CRS’ performance management system and mentor staff to ensure high levels of motivation, commitment, capacity, and teamwork.
• Directly supervise program finance and administration staff to ensure optimal admin support is provided to other program staff and ensure compliance with CRS regulations.
• With direct and indirect supervised staff, periodically review and assess the management quality systems in place to ensure that adequate controls are in place pursuant to CRS and donor requirements and regulations
• Supporting the PMPQ, liaise with project and partner staff, particularly to share best practices and solutions to challenges during implementing partners’ meetings and in communities of practices both internal and external to CRS.
• Responsible for the timely review and submission of donor reporting, including the monthly donor report and forecast, and quarterly and annual reports.
• Provide leadership in the budget revision process and oversee the production of monthly budget variance analytics ensuring collaborative participation of finance team in support of program managers/budget owners to ensure budget is realistic and appropriate to meet contractual workplan and logframe indicator targets.
• Follow the development, approval and signing of the contractual agreements between the CRS and vendors and consultants to include the negotiation and execution in coordination with the relevant departments of CRS.
• In collaboration with the Communication Officer, assist the COP and DCOP with formal and informal reporting requirements, including preparation of presentations, reports, and material for the media.
• In collaboration with the Communication Officer, ensure effective internal communications including the dissemination of information, such as key decisions, updates, newsletters, policies and procedures, practical tips, success stories/lessons learned with partners (given situational constraints and requirements established conventions);
• Help identify capacity building and training needs and training options for project staff (CRS and partners).
• Coordinate and deliver informal, practical trainings for project staff (CRS and partners) working with program, finance and operations resources to develop / adopt and provide training, tools, etc.
• In Coordination with Country Program resources in Finance and Administration, work with partners to apply relevant tools (Capacity Assessment Tool CAT; Sub-recipient Financial Management Policy-SRFMP, etc.) to help identify the needs for capacity building and institutional strengthening, and developing plans to put into action and follow up.
• Conduct periodic reviews of staff performance in keeping with CRS’ performance management system and mentor staff to ensure high levels of motivation, commitment, capacity, and teamwork.
• Directly supervise program finance and administration staff to ensure optimal admin support is provided to other program staff and ensure compliance with CRS regulations.
• With direct and indirect supervised staff, periodically review and assess the management quality systems in place to ensure that adequate controls are in place pursuant to CRS and donor requirements and regulations
• Supporting the PMPQ, liaise with project and partner staff, particularly to share best practices and solutions to challenges during implementing partners’ meetings and in communities of practices both internal and external to CRS.
Partnership and Representation:
• Proactive coordination of all contributors to the contractual donor reports (internal and external, program and finance) ensuring they understand the timeline and adhere to deadlines. Iterative editing of the drafts of the reports and version control of the documents.
• Coordinate logistics and support execution of regular meetings including the monthly operational meeting, bi-weekly/monthly team meetings, project Steering Committee meetings.
• Participate in monthly donor calls and assist COP and DCOP to respond to donor requests and to proactively raise issues and questions to the donor on grant management issues.
• Provide regular updates to partners, country program leadership, government and non-government coordination bodies as requested.
• Ensure Sub-recipient agreements are up-to-date including amendments as needed to reflect updates to workplan, budget, and reporting. Provide written and face-to-face communications to ensure contract terms are well understood and that partner has resources and capacity to comply with terms and reporting requirements.
• Manage the risk register, ensure partners’ participation and support, and provide updates to the Fund Manager as needed.
• Evaluate capacity building needs and coordinate with partners to find the resources and the optimal approaches to address their needs in a collaborative manner.
• Support COP and DCOP to maintain good working relations with consortium agencies, local partner organizations, and provincial and local government offices; facilitate exchange of information and experiences.
**
Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff) **these are rooted in the mission, values, and principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and to achieve the desired results.
• Serves with Integrity
• Models Stewardship
• Cultivates Constructive Relationships
• Promotes Learning
• Proactive coordination of all contributors to the contractual donor reports (internal and external, program and finance) ensuring they understand the timeline and adhere to deadlines. Iterative editing of the drafts of the reports and version control of the documents.
• Coordinate logistics and support execution of regular meetings including the monthly operational meeting, bi-weekly/monthly team meetings, project Steering Committee meetings.
• Participate in monthly donor calls and assist COP and DCOP to respond to donor requests and to proactively raise issues and questions to the donor on grant management issues.
• Provide regular updates to partners, country program leadership, government and non-government coordination bodies as requested.
• Ensure Sub-recipient agreements are up-to-date including amendments as needed to reflect updates to workplan, budget, and reporting. Provide written and face-to-face communications to ensure contract terms are well understood and that partner has resources and capacity to comply with terms and reporting requirements.
• Manage the risk register, ensure partners’ participation and support, and provide updates to the Fund Manager as needed.
• Evaluate capacity building needs and coordinate with partners to find the resources and the optimal approaches to address their needs in a collaborative manner.
• Support COP and DCOP to maintain good working relations with consortium agencies, local partner organizations, and provincial and local government offices; facilitate exchange of information and experiences.
**
Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff) **these are rooted in the mission, values, and principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and to achieve the desired results.
• Serves with Integrity
• Models Stewardship
• Cultivates Constructive Relationships
• Promotes Learning
Supervisory Responsibilities: Finance and Admin Officer, Finance Analyst, Administrative Assistant. Dotted-line support/supervision of small-grants officers and Communication Officer.
Key Working Relationships:
Internal: Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party, Program Technical Leads,; Country Representatives, Heads of Programs, Head of Operations and Finance Managers of Niger and Mali; WARO Regional PQ and MQ Technical Staff, and WARO Regional Deputy Regional Directors and Technical Advisors.
External: Consortium agencies, donor representatives, local/international NGOs, target country government representatives (national and provincial levels) including project’s Steering Committee; UN and international community representatives, and other stakeholders.
Internal: Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party, Program Technical Leads,; Country Representatives, Heads of Programs, Head of Operations and Finance Managers of Niger and Mali; WARO Regional PQ and MQ Technical Staff, and WARO Regional Deputy Regional Directors and Technical Advisors.
External: Consortium agencies, donor representatives, local/international NGOs, target country government representatives (national and provincial levels) including project’s Steering Committee; UN and international community representatives, and other stakeholders.
Qualifications and Skills:
• Master’s Degree with demonstrated competence in financial management or a related field;
• Or work equivalent of 7 years’ experience and a relevant Bachelor’s Degree. Educational experience in foreign languages, International Affairs, Law, Business, Liberal Arts education are desirable, and practical experience supporting complex development projects is paramount.
• Demonstrated experience in working successfully with donor agencies in developing country context and the ability to manage program project grants.
• Proven leadership and inter-personal skills and ability to build and motivate a multi-cultural team with a high level of respect for local culture.
• Commitment to gender responsive/transformative programming to advance women's empowerment.
• Proven experience in managing complex consortium or partnership relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and work effectively with partners and communities as well as transfer knowledge to diverse audiences through workshops, training and meetings using participatory methods.
• Strategic vision and capacity to oversee a complex program, public relations skills, and ability to work well both within a team and independently.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook.
• Full fluency in English and French with excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience drafting/reviewing legal agreements, and advanced excel skills are desirable.
• Physical Requirements/Environment: Based in Niamey, some domestic/regional travel.
**
Disclaimer: **This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.
• Master’s Degree with demonstrated competence in financial management or a related field;
• Or work equivalent of 7 years’ experience and a relevant Bachelor’s Degree. Educational experience in foreign languages, International Affairs, Law, Business, Liberal Arts education are desirable, and practical experience supporting complex development projects is paramount.
• Demonstrated experience in working successfully with donor agencies in developing country context and the ability to manage program project grants.
• Proven leadership and inter-personal skills and ability to build and motivate a multi-cultural team with a high level of respect for local culture.
• Commitment to gender responsive/transformative programming to advance women's empowerment.
• Proven experience in managing complex consortium or partnership relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and work effectively with partners and communities as well as transfer knowledge to diverse audiences through workshops, training and meetings using participatory methods.
• Strategic vision and capacity to oversee a complex program, public relations skills, and ability to work well both within a team and independently.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook.
• Full fluency in English and French with excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience drafting/reviewing legal agreements, and advanced excel skills are desirable.
• Physical Requirements/Environment: Based in Niamey, some domestic/regional travel.
**
Disclaimer: **This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.
CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
EOE
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