Director of Administration and Finance, USAID/Kenya and East Africa, Scaling Inclusive Food Systems at Palladium International

This Opportunity: 

The purpose of this Activity is to promote inclusive agricultural-led growth, with a focus on climate-smart approaches that leverage private sector resources and catalyze investment in the agricultural sector; strengthen the resilience of people and systems; and improve nutrition, especially among women and children.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:  

The Director of Administration and Finance (DAF) will oversee all finance, administrative, human resource, and operational activities of the project and a team of support personnel. This includes developing and overseeing finance and accounting systems that comply with USAID requirements and Palladium practices. In coordination with the COP, they will develop annual budgets that are aligned with the project work plan. They will also ensure compliance with contractual, USAID/USG, and local requirements for reporting, finance, and administration. They will also ensure payroll processes and adherence to local human resources policies. This position is contingent upon contract award to Palladium.

Role And Responsibilities

• Manage all project finances to ensure effective use of resources to achieve project objectives in compliance with all donor requirements.
• Ensure completeness of financial, procurement, and HR records retention and security.
• Oversee and ensure sound management of human resources, financial management, and procurement and grants functions for the project.
• In close collaboration with the Activity Fund Manager, implement Palladium’s grant and subcontractor tracking system to ensure the timely and compliant execution of all grant and subcontractor agreements
• Oversee HR systems, processes, and documentation according to USAID and Palladium requirements.
• Oversee implementation of all operational systems as per USAID and Palladium requirements as well as Kenyan laws.
• Monitor annual budget and financial projections and develop realistic financial forecasts for proper project planning.
• Ensure accurate tracking and recording of project expenditures and development of all required financial, operational, and risk mitigation reports required by the client or Palladium headquarters.
• Guide and assist program staff in preparing, revising, and monitoring budgets for ongoing activities.
• Travel to conduct due diligence, risk management, and training as required.

Key Competencies Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance or a related field in international business management, finance, accounting and/or auditing experience.
• At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, auditing, finance, or business management with a recognized organization, preferably for USAID or other donor-funded programs.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage large budgets, and in-depth knowledge of accounting principles.
• Experience in managing grants under contract for USAID-funded programs of a similar size
• Progressively responsible experience supervising project operations, including human resources, procurement, and sub-contracts or sub-awards.
• Prior experience in a management role on a USAID funded program highly desired
• Demonstrated experience managing staff
• Demonstrated experience coordinating and collaborating with various stakeholders and grant awardees
• Knowledge of Kenyan labor and tax laws and reporting procedures
• Knowledge of USAID policies, procedures, and reporting requirements
• Advanced knowledge of computers and MS Excel
• Written and spoken fluency in English