Director, Finance and Administration, USAID Partnerships for Educational Progress, Grant Position

Reports to: Chief of Party

Purpose: In collaboration with the Chief of Party (COP), the job holder will provide overall technical and administrative leadership in the areas of financial management, including financial management of all sub awards for the activity. The job holder’s general responsibilities will include accounts payable, cost allocation, quarterly reporting, payroll, budget preparation, sub award management, and tracking support. In addition, he/she will be responsible for setting up, managing, and providing technical assistance related to the sub-awarding components of the activity. As well as ensure that all financial and sub award management and reporting are compliant with USAID sub award management and financial management regulations. The job holder is responsible for streamlining all financial functions within this grant, including

managing and monitoring $85 million USAID budget, ensuring compliance with and effective implementation of USAID/ United States Government (USG) federal and The American University in Cairo’s (AUC) policies, rules and regulations for the effective use of funds. He/she will also be in charge of setting the relevant financial processes to effectively monitor, control and implement project transactions for the best interest of project objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Manage, in collaboration with the CoP, the $85 million USAID Partnerships grant budget in line with the set financial work cycle, exercising effective financial control methods
• Assist the CoP in all financial communications and activities
• Oversee all financial and accounting transactions pertinent to the project activities, sites, students, staff and other operational expenses
• Develop and lead annual and quarterly budgeting and planning processes
• Oversee all contracted service providers’ and vendors’ financial terms of agreement, invoicing, settlement, commitments and payments
• Develop and maintain an updated budget tracking and monitoring report of the project’s financial status and performance and identify areas for potential improvement
• Prepare project budget and budget modifications as needed, and review existing budgets and adjust them according to changing needs
• Review annual and quarterly financial reports in coordination with the project Chief of Party and other AUC units, as well as partner universities
• Troubleshoot challenges and seek to implement strategies, methods and processes for minimizing financial risks to the project
• Ensure compliance of accounting and budget-monitoring activities with audits, USAID and AUC regulations, policies and procedures
• Supervise the finance team day-to-day financial activities of the project
• Support and promptly respond to internal and external auditors’ required documentation and financial information
• Provide insightful information, updates and expectations to senior project officials to aid their long-term and short-term decision making
• Analyze and summarize financial data as requested by senior project officials
• Manage office logistics at both AUC campuses
• Liaise Award logistics
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Requirements:

Minimum Education Requirements:

● Bachelor’s degree (advanced degree preferred) in finance, Business Administration, management, or accounting

● Relevant postgraduate study or certification is an asset

Experience:

● Minimum of 10 years of experience, including 6 years in grants administration and financial management

● Experience managing sub awards with international development programs and donor funds

● Proven experience as a finance manager or in a leadership role/position involving the financial management of similarly sized, international donor-supported programs

● Demonstrated experience in senior program management in financially implementing international development activities

● Proven experience managing multiple large-scale award/sub awards with international development programs and donor funds

● Proven experience with working with host governments and Higher Education Initiative (HEI), The Government of Egypt (GoE) ministries, universities, entities as well as private sector companies

● Prior experience in grants accounting, budget monitoring and financial reporting in a USAID funded project is preferred

● Experience in higher education programs is preferred

Skills:

● Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills, leadership, creative problem-solving, and ethical management

● Skilled in collecting and analyzing data

● Proven ability to communicate a common vision among diverse partners

● Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, to fulfill the diverse financial requirements of the agreement

● Superior mathematical skills

● Demonstrated data-privacy, time management and multi-tasking skills

● Superior attention to details with excellent follow-up skills

● Excellent organization, analytical and planning skills

● Proven record of critical thinking and problem-solving skills

● Results-oriented and able to work effectively within a team

● Very good computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint)

● Expertise in working on SAP Financial System

● Possesses high levels of integrity, reliability and tactfulness

● Ability to work independently, take initiative, and exercise budget monitoring

● Ability to establish/maintain effective working relationships with project constituents

● Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines

● Fluency in written and spoken English, additional fluency in Arabic is preferred

Working Conditions:

● Based in Cairo, Egypt but will be required to travel to program locations as needed

● Flexible working hours

● Work as assigned on any AUC or grant program location

● Work between both campuses - Tahrir Square and New Cairo

This position is open until May 28, 2023

Placement is based on the candidate’s experience and skills. Only candidates who make it to the shortlist will be contacted.

"The American University in Cairo is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply."

“We thank all individuals who have expressed interest in working at The American University in Cairo.”