Deputy Chief of Party/Finance and Administration (DCOP)

Summary:

The Deputy Chief of Party/Finance and Administration (DCOP) will be responsible for the administrative oversight and financial management of the program.  The DCOP/Finance and Administration will supervise and work with the Blumont administration, finance and program staff in country to ensure that adequate and appropriate internal controls are in place to comply with both Blumont policies and donor requirements for human resources, procurement, program reporting (financial and programmatic), records management, and financial management and accountability.  The incumbent of this position will also be responsible for ensuring that Blumont is in compliance with all local laws, rules and regulations.  The DCOP/Finance and Administration will work under supervision of the COP, but will also work closely with and provide direct reporting to the Finance Department and Program Operations Division of Blumont /HQ.

This position is pending award of a 5-year contract through the US Agency for International Development.

Essential Job Functions:

• Supervise the day-to-day administration and financial management of the USG funded program.
• Supervise the day-to-day operations of the program office and staff.
• Coordinate and oversee all Blumont tendering and procurement activities, ensuring strict compliance with Blumont policies and donor regulations.
• Develop and implement tracking and reporting systems for all aspects of administrative and financial management for both Blumont /HQ and Blumont’s donors.
• Supervise the local staff responsible for program accounting to ensure that generally recognized accounting standards are being followed.
• Develop and implement a tacking/reporting system to ensure that Blumont is in compliance with all local laws, rules and regulations.
• Develop and implement a tracking/reporting system to ensure that all Blumont and donor requirements regarding program documentation and records management are followed.
• Ensures implementation of targeted strategies to respond to stabilization priorities as identified by key stakeholders.
• Ensures that all policies and practices instituted are compliant with USAID’s performance monitoring, policy and compliance programming requirements set forth in the USAID Automated Directives System (ADS) and other rules and regulations.
• Provides capacity-building workshops for prime and sub-partner staff to improve performance management.
• Manages and leads staff, consultants and contractors to ensure efficient and timely implementation of project;
• Provides policy guidance, training and ongoing guidance to each of the Office staff members;
• Ensures the timeliness, cost and quality of all activities performed under the project;
• Prepares weekly and monthly reports to Blumont/HQ Finance;
• Prepares quarterly and/or semiannual financial reports according to the contract requirements;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Experience:

• An undergraduate degree from an accredited university is required. 
• At least 7 years’ experience relevant to proposed position on similar international, donor funded programs; USG experience highly desirable.
• At least 8-10 years of progressively responsible experience managing staff.
• Experience directly collaborating with host country government representatives.
• Fluent oral and written English communications skills.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including diplomacy, tact, and the ability to negotiate and influence.
• Strong computer skills, including ease and skill in using word Excel spreadsheets, email, the Internet, Windows applications.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of project development, grant administration and management procedures as well as a mastery of the principles, methods, practices, and operational procedures of a variety of successful private business enterprises, NGOs or development programs.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• An undergraduate degree in a field relevant to the position.
• Demonstrated experience agricultural value chain programs.
• Lebanon experience.
• Master’s degree.
• Experience training staff.
• Prior experience in USAID funded projects.
• Fluency in French and Arabic.

Success Factors:

• Must be innovative and resourceful in creating an awareness of new initiatives which respond to the needs and practices of project beneficiaries.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate, take direction, assume leadership, and make rational decisions while working remotely from country leadership.
• Ability to train and facilitate dialogue among a diverse group of individuals with various skill sets and work styles.
• High motivation, initiative, and adaptability.

Travel Requirements:

• This position will be based in Beirut, Lebanon.

Physical Requirements:

• Normal Office Conditions.