Director of Finance and Administration (DFA) — Food for Progress Program (Ethiopia)

WHO WE ARE:

Global Communities champions innovative solutions to complex challenges at the intersection of humanitarian assistance, sustainable development, and financial inclusion. We ensure our approaches are as dynamic and diverse as the communities we serve. We bring together local ingenuity and global insights to save lives and secure strong futures.

Position Summary:

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Reports to: Chief of Party

Program Duration: 5 years expected (anticipated end date of 9/30/2030)

Please note: Local Ethiopian candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We will review applicants on a rolling basis until this position is filled.

The Director of Finance and Administration (DFA) will oversee all financial, administrative, and operational functions—ensuring compliance, financial integrity, and efficient resource management for a five-year, U.S. Department of Agriculture Food for Progress project in Ethiopia with Global Communities. Food for Progress programs help developing countries and emerging democracies modernize and strengthen their agricultural sectors. Food for Progress has two principal objectives: to improve agricultural productivity and to expand trade in agricultural products. This project will use a strategic market-driven initiative to transform Ethiopia’s livestock sector and advance U.S. trade and development interests within it.

The DFA is responsible for overseeing and directing all financial, human resources, IT, procurement, logistics and administrative operations of the program. In particular, the DFA oversees the program’s financial operations and performs ongoing reporting to ensure the program’s financial integrity and the compliant use and allocation of funds and resources.

Financial Management and Compliance

• Ensure financial management, analysis, reporting and control processes for all aspects of the program.
• Ensure compliance with USDA/FAS regulations, including cost-share contributions.
• Develop and maintain sound financial management systems and internal controls in compliance with USG rules and regulations, Global Communities policies and procedures, and generally accepted accounting principles.
• Manage the project bank accounts, cash flow forecasts and monitor liquidity, including foreign exchange decisions.
• Liaise with legal counsel and ensure compliance with all local laws and regulations.
• Act as the primary focal point for audits; oversee audit preparation and ensure timely implementation of recommendations.
• In partnership with HQ, COP and program teams, lead, prepare and analyze annual and life-of-project budgets and monthly projections; ensure budgetary control, monitor financial performance, provide regular BvA reports, and advise on significant variances and compliant budget scenarios.
• Maintain up-to-date information regarding grants and contracts, reporting requirements and financial restrictions.
• Ensure financial reporting complies with Global Communities policies and donor contractual requirements.

Human Resources Operations

• Establish human capital objectives and strategies in line with organizational / programmatic objectives.
• Establish HR objectives and responsibilities, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, compensation management, benefits administration, employee training and development, records management, employee relations and
• Guide the Human Resource Coordinator in establishing, interpreting and updating policy procedures consistent with host country labor laws and practices.
• Ensure that employment and compensation practices are competitive and in line with local labor codes.

IT Operations

• Oversee the planning and implementation of program information systems to meet program needs and objectives.

Procurement, Logistics and Administrative

• Ensure procurement functions comply with USG rules and regulations and Global Communities policies and procedures.
• Ensure process compliance to implement consultant and other procurement actions.

Safety & Security

• Oversee safety and security aspects of program implementation and supervise
• Guide the Safety and Security Officer to effectively manage all security measures

Team Leadership

• Lead, supervise, mentor, and build the capacity of finance, HR, IT, procurement, logistics, administration, and Safety & Security teams to ensure high performance and professional development.
• Develop and deliver mandatory training for all project staff on USDA financial compliance, anti-fraud policies, procurement rules, and ethical code of conduct.

Other

• Other duties and projects may be assigned based on business needs.
• This position is based in Addis Ababa but will travel as needed.
• Promote a culture of excellence, inclusion, learning, support, and innovation.

• A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum of 10 years’ experience of which at least 5 years of senior management experience in the management of finance, human resources and administrative functions for multi-million-dollar USG programs (USAID, USDA or similar) and other donors of similar size and scope with other INGOs; OR,
• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum of 15 years of the same experience.
• Professional certification (CPA, ACCA, CIMA) is highly preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of not-for-profit accounting practices, including US government rules and regulations and multi-currency accounting.
• Ability to design and implement compliant and efficient financial systems for the program and partner organizations.
• Advanced accounting and analytical skills, with a high degree of proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, NetSuite).
• Excellent critical thinking skills, impeccable ethics and sound judgment; able to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Excellent knowledge of the country’s operating environment and INGO-specific compliance.
• Strong management skills and direct personnel management experience in finance, human resources, purchasing and administration functions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; proven ability to communicate effectively with others.