Director of Finance and Administration, USAID Bangladesh Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (BMEL) Activity

Background

LINC is a mission-driven small business headquartered in Washington, DC dedicated to strengthening local actors and systems. At LINC, we believe that a practical approach to engaging committed, capable local actors increase international development effectiveness and sustainability. The recipient of USAID’s “Small Business of the Year” award in 2017, we are a team of reflective practitioners, passionate and energetic in our work, and committed to locally-led development. We have developed ground-breaking tools to map organizational networks, measure social capital, and leverage systems-based approaches to development. We partner with major universities, foundations, local NGOs and consulting firms, USAID, and FCDO among others. Our country experience spans Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Europe. For more information on LINC, please visit www.linclocal.org.

Purpose of Proposal

The anticipated USAID Bangladesh Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (BMEL) Activity will serve as a MEL platform providing USAID/Bangladesh with high-quality, demand-driven MEL technical assistance and analytical services and support for collaboration, learning, and adaptation (CLA) delivered to USAID/Bangladesh staff, implementing partners, and country stakeholders that advance U.S. foreign policy goals and USAID’s strategic objectives in Bangladesh.

Summary of Position:

The Director of Finance and Administration will support the BMEL Activity by providing leadership and direction to the finance and operations team with close oversight of the project’s finances, including financial analysis and accounting management.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Ensure that project operations are efficient, effective, and compliant and that BMEL staff are safe and supported throughout their work.
• Oversee local procurement, travel, security management, budgeting and financial reporting, human resources, compliance, and office operations.
• Establish efficient financial and operational systems including internal audits, compliance, and risk management.
• Lead the annual budgeting process and review all financial plans and budgets, monitoring progress and changes.
• Prepare and execute action plans to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of finance and administrative operations and mitigate operational and compliance risks.
• Periodically assess the efficiency and effectiveness of finance and administration procedures in relation to the delivery of technical activities on time and at optimum cost
• Ensure that Program funds are utilized appropriately by the close of the fiscal year.
• Comply with all USAID rules and regulations and LINC policies and procedures relating to finance and administration.
• Oversee annual financial audits of the program and ensure that sub-grantees comply with all audit and financial review requirements.
• Manage cash disbursement and petty cash account. Track USAID approvals for travel, hiring, and equipment procurement.
• Manage the Finance Officer and Office Manager. Reports to COP.

Qualifications:

• An undergraduate degree in a related field is required, with an advanced degree preferred.
• At least 10 years of increasingly responsible work experience supporting financial management, operations, travel, and security, preferably for donor programs, is required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a senior management position, providing administrative oversight and management systems development.
• Knowledge of and experience with USAID and/or other international donor programs’ rules and regulations related to procurement and finance is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with financial institutions or private sector investors in Bangladesh is a plus.
• Fluency in spoken and written English and Bangla is required.