Finance & Administration Officer

The Finance and Administration Officer will provide financial and administrative support to the USAID-funded Lebanon BALADI Plus program implemented by Management Systems International (MSI), as well as to other projects managed by MSI, as requested by the COP. The Finance and Administration Officer reports directly to the Finance and Administration Manager. Program Summary: The Building Alliances for Local Advancement, Development, and Investment (BALADI) Plus project is intended to offer technical assistance to select municipalities to allow them to better manage their resources and respond to citizen demands, and to foster civic engagement in municipal life, through close collaboration with USAID/Lebanon’s BALADI project. Specific Duties and Responsibilities Administration and Human Resources Be aware of and ensure compliance with Lebanese laws concerning taxation, labor, benefits, and contracts; Support the Finance and Administration Manager and BALADI PLUS Program Manager on administrative and HR matters; Provide advice to program on personnel-related issues; Assume responsibility for effective implementation of all legal practices as well as legal obligations, Lebanese or per USAID/MSI policy, in conjunction with the appropriate authorities; Oversee daily performance and time-keeping processes as well as the company’s payroll and tax systems, including social benefits; Carry out calculation of staff salaries as well as taxes, duties and all other obligatory payments to be made;  Finance Prepare, execute and document all financial transactions made by the program office; Ensure proper entry and tracking of accounting transactions within the financial software; Prepare all payment-related documentation and maintain necessary files; Organize and maintain an efficient and effective filing system for all financial, accounting, contracting, and other documentation; Compose, or assist in providing budgetary projections that are realistic and adequate in a timely and accurate manner; Ensure that requests to the home office for additional funding are made in such a way that program activities may continue smoothly; Know and respect the regulations concerning procurements under this agreement; Prepare documentation and assist in any audit of the program, whether performed by MSI, USAID or Lebanese authorities; Ensure compliance of financial transactions with USAID regulations and MSI procedures; Assist in the preparation of year-end financial statements for Lebanese authorities; Carry out other duties as assigned.  Professional Skills Familiarity with financial reporting to donors and compliance with donor regulations Strong teamwork skills, creativity, and initiative Computer literacy with a variety of software programs, including MS Office and accounting software At least a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in accounting, finance or business or a related field and 2+ years of relevant experience. Fluency in Arabic and English (written and verbal)    Applications are due no later than July 7, 2013. Note that applications may be viewed and applicants contacted prior to the close date. Cover letters, CVs, and a completed AID 1420-17 (Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet) should be submitted to rsakkab@msi-lebanon.com.  Please include BALADI PLUS and the title of the position you are applying for in the subject line.  AID 1420-17 forms can be downloaded from this site: http://www.usaid.gov/forms. Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.