Director, Finance And Operations

World Learning has an immediate vacancy for a Beirut-based Director, Finance and Operations for the USAID-funded Improved Basic Education Services Program (IBESP) in Lebanon. Duration: 4 years. Reporting to the Chief of Party, this is a senior level finance and operations position that will lead the country office’s team of finance, operations, and HR professionals.  This position is for a Lebanese national or a resident of Lebanon. Please transmit CV and cover letter (in English) with the post title on the subject line explaining why you are best qualified for this position, and three references with contact information. No telephone enquiries please. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis and qualified candidates must apply as soon as possible. Thank you. Background: IBESP will improve reading outcomes for primary-level public school students, strengthen Lebanese institutions to better direct and monitor education, and expand access to safe education for all children, including Syrian refugees.   Primary Responsibilities: Provide guidance to and overall supervision of the project finance and operations teams; Ensure application of documented policies and procedures for finance and all core operations functions to ensure ongoing efficient, effective support and compliance across the project; Oversee the timely preparation, review, approval and submission of all internal financial reporting requirements, including month end closing and balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring that balances are adequately supported; Direct the timely and accurate preparation of, and approval of all donor financial reports in respect to accounting, legal and contractual requirements; Work closely with senior management, subcontractors and implementing partners to develop and monitor annual operating budgets and budget updates; Perform final financial reviews of budgets prior to approval and submission; Monitor the effective oversight and support to recipients of sub-awards and sub-contracts by the project to ensure consistent compliance with the terms of their agreements including financial management and compliance with donor regulations; Monitor the timely submission of accurate financial and activity reporting by sub-award recipients; Reduce audit risks by establishing appropriate internal controls; Assess and monitor compliance with institutional and donor operational policies and procedures through field visits and management report reviews; Provide support for contract/agreement administration in consultation with the Deputy Director, Compliance/DC including ensuring proper review of contracts/agreements and adherence to WL signatory policy. Oversee & coordinate bidding, contracting, ordering and purchasing of goods & services to ensure transparency and accountability. Chair bid/tender committee meeting, and review contract agreements Ensure safe and proper storage of all items and accurate stock control records through regular visits, periodic inventory and reports. Monitor the security situation and oversee implementation of security measures, including appropriate reporting; Manage the effective use of organization’s vehicles to ensure good stewardship. Oversee annual HR performance review process.  In coordination with HR, facilitate job evaluation and grading process and coordinate periodic staff salary surveys to ensure a fair, equitable and affordable remuneration is established and applied. Engage in building, promoting and maintaining effective and open communication links with all staff to ensure that there are avenues for sharing feedback and grievances.  Qualifications: MBA or Master’s degree from an accredited university in business administration, finance, accounting, or additional experience in similar types of programs; At least 8 years of relevant administrative and financial management of large-scale, complex international development assistance programs in diverse geographic locations, including supervisory experience; Strong knowledge working on MS Excel and QuickBooks and other accounting software Previous experience with an international non-profit organization Fluency in English, both verbal and written as well as fluency in Arabic is required.  Knowledge of French preferred. Knowledge of regulatory, contractual, legal, and financial compliance requirements associated with USAID funding; Demonstrated experience in managing donor funded procurements and subcontracts/grants; Strong interpersonal and training skills, with demonstrated cultural sensitivity and experience working with large and geographically dispersed teams; Previous experience with USAID and DOS regulations (OMB Circulars, Code of Federal Regulations and Federal Acquisition Regulations) highly desirable;