Job Title: Finance and Operations Director (FOD)
Reports to: TBD
Department: Overseas Operations (OverOps)
Salary Grade: 11 (TBC)
Note: This position is dependent upon funding, as well as the donor’s approval of the proposed role.

About CRS
Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

Job Summary
CRS is seeking a Finance and Operations Director for the anticipated 5-year USAID Regional Resilience Activity in the Sahel. The program seeks to expand resilience in the Sahel, improving the ability of individuals, households, and communities to mitigate, adapt to, and recover from perennial shocks and stresses. This grant will be implemented in several countries, including Burkina Faso, Chad, Mauritania and the Gambia. The program will be implemented by a consortium of local, national, regional and international implementing partners, including faith-based and civil society organizations, NGOs and research organizations, working in close collaboration with government agencies and the private sector.

The Finance and Operations Director (FOD) will play a pivotal role in ensuring rigorous financial management, risk mitigation, and resource stewardship to support the effective implementation of programs benefiting the poor and vulnerable populations. In collaboration with the Chief of Party (CoP) and Country Managers, the FOD will oversee the administrative, operational, financial, and human resource teams. They will have to anticipate and address financial management challenges, implement improvement solutions to minimize financial risk exposure, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. They will lead on operational oversight on procurement, logistics, contracts, grants, asset management, ICT, and general administration to facilitate the timely and efficient delivery of the program activities. The program is anticipated to start in 2024 and this position will be based in one of the Sahel countries.


Roles and Key Responsibilities
• Coordinate closely with the Chief of Party (COP) to lead the financial and contractual aspects of the project, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and donor requirements.
Implement and enhance internal organizational and financial processes to optimize efficiency and effectiveness in project implementation.
• Ensure compliance with US Government and National Governments’ rules, regulations, and policies regarding contracts, grants, procurements, and financial management, fostering transparency and accountability.
• Contribute to managing the planning and implementation of field activities, overseeing budgets, grants, operational plans, and reporting to ensure procedural and financial compliance.
• Provide guidance and supervision to program staff and managers responsible for implementing activities, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability within the team.
• Collaborate with CRS’ country teams, Regional Office, and headquarters-based staff to ensure project implementation aligns with industry best practices, program framework, and regulations.
• Overseeing timely and accurate reporting, synthesizing financial data and analysis to inform decision-making and ensure alignment with project objectives.
• Supervise the recruitment and management of local operational/financial staff and consultants, promoting diversity and inclusion in staffing practices.
• Support the performance management and professional development of direct reports, offering ongoing feedback, coaching, and career support to enhance team effectiveness.
• Travel within the West Africa Region for project-related activities as necessary, fostering strong relationships with stakeholders and partners to advance project goals.
• Lead the preparation of accurate financial data, analysis, and projections, supporting decision-making and managing financial risks effectively.
• Oversee the performance of accurate reporting procedures and timely submission of reports to relevant stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability in financial management.
• Lead efforts to assess staff and subrecipients’ financial management capacity, provide capacity strengthening support as needed, and monitor and measure impact to drive continuous improvement.
• Manage talent effectively, providing coaching, strategic development planning, and performance management to direct reports, fostering a high-performing and motivated team.
• Lead efforts to close audit financial management findings in a timely and sustainable manner, ensuring compliance and mitigating risks to project success.
• Perform any other duties as assigned.


Basic Qualifications
• Bachelor’s Degree (MA preferred) in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Social Sciences, or related field OR a Bachelor’s accounting degree with 8 years’ experience;
• Minimum of 8+ years of progressively responsible operational and financial management experience in support of large-scale international development programs;
• Proven leadership in the administration of similar-sized international donor-funded projects;
• Updated understanding of USG-funded awards and related rules/regulations – experience with Cooperative Agreements required and with Contracts is an added advantage.
• Budgeting, financial management, and policies and procedures oversight experience, especially related to USAID programming preferred;
• Effective strategic planning and project management skills;
• Ability to build positive working relationships with local communities, government officials, and donor representatives;
• Ability to analyze and establish effective and supportive cross-program coordination, organizational procedures, and management systems;
• Good analytical, numerical and problem-solving skills;
• Must have demonstrated ability to work in complex environments, work across different cultures, and manage diverse teams to deliver impact within agreed timelines;
• Ability to manage tight deadlines and deliver high volumes of work with minimal supervision;
• Experience in the education sector in Djibouti or the region strongly preferred;
• Fluency in English and in French is required as well as excellent report writing, analytical, and communication skills, including oral presentation skills.
• Excellent report writing, analytical, and communication skills, including oral presentation skills.

Required languages – French and English fluency, including excellent oral and written skills, required.
Travel – Must be willing and able to travel up to 40 %.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Excellent analytical skills with ability to make sound judgment and decisions.
• Very good planning, monitoring, and organizational skills.
• Ethical conduct in accordance with recognized professional and organizational codes of ethics.
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions oriented and results oriented.
• Ability to work collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications
• Knowledge of the relevant public donors’ regulations highly preferred.
• Substantial budgeting, budget/expense analysis, and accounting experience.
• Knowledge of local laws in taxation and local regulatory reporting procedures.
• Staff management experience.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills (financial management topics).
• Proficient in MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio), Web Conferencing Applications.
• Knowledge of SunSystems financial accounting package or similar financial reporting software highly preferred.

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):
Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
• Acts with Integrity – Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission. Is considered honest.
• Builds and Maintains Trust – Shows consistency between words and actions.
• Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
• Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.
• Agency Leadership Competencies:
• Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
• Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
• Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.
Supervisory Responsibilities (if none, state none): Finance and Operations staff


Key Working Relationships
• Internal: The incumbent will work in close collaboration with the Chief of Party (CoP), Country Managers, regional, administrative and compliance teams, as well as the finance and operations team.
• External: The role necessitates external representation and interaction with various stakeholders, including donors, government agencies, consortium members, local implementing partners, auditors, and regulatory bodies.

***Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens/ permanent residents of the countries where we have CRS offices. CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.