Background:  

Creative Associates International is a fast-growing, social impact company that specializes in the areas of education, economic growth, democratic transitions and stabilization in post-conflict environments. Based in Chevy Chase, Maryland, this global development organization has a field presence in more than 25 countries and a strong client portfolio of that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.  

Project Summary:  

Creative seeks a Director of Finance and Operations for an anticipated USAID-funded education program in Tanzania. The Director of Finance and Operations will be responsible for ensuring that project financial and program operational activities are in full compliance with USAID policies and regulations.  S/he will be responsible for (1) ensuring that financial requirements are met, based on Creative and USAID policies and procedures; (2) develop and implement financial procedures in compliance with Creative and USAID policies and procedures; (3) oversee procurement actions, activity execution, subcontracts and consulting agreements consistent with USAID and Creative procedures, (4) provide financial training and guidance to program staff and partners.  

Reporting & Supervision: The Director of Finance and Operations will report directly to the Chief of Party and supervise HR, finance, grants, procurement, and communications staff. 

• Provide financial and operational oversight, including the development, maintenance and monitoring of the project budget and operations, including procurement systems.   

• Manage financial systems, files, and maintain Creative’s online accounting system.  

• Liaise between Creative's field and headquarters offices regarding all financial matters; oversee all internal and external audit requests, as needed.   

• Lead project financial analysis, develop forecasts, and review project expenses.   

• Track the transfer of funds between headquarters and the field office and manage accounting and finance records of in-country expenses, including tracking and monitoring all financial project activities, and maintain current project expense data.    

• Draft quarterly and annual financial reports on financial status of project expenses and budget information and forward to Finance & Contracts for review and approval by the Controller.   

• Provide Chief of Party with project’s current financial status.    

• Oversee the processing of payment requests including wire transfer requests for payments to vendors in compliance with contract requirements.   

• Review and process invoices and in-field fee payments in accordance with Creative’s financial management and accounting procedures and USAID policies.   

• Provide financial and operational management and systems training for project staff.   

• Travel to field location(s) as necessary and provide oversight to field office financial systems and processes.  

• Responsible for day-to-day management of subcontracts with international vendors.  

• Manage, train, and mentor key team members in the areas of administration, logistics, human resources, procurement, budgeting and finance. 

• Review and approve the financial and operational close-out of program activities, and verify documentation and information is complete. 

• Master’s degree in relevant field (finance, accounting, business, etc.). 

• Minimum of eight (8) years of relevant work experience. 

• Experience with operations, logistics and subgrants. 

• Experience with USAID project finances and budgeting (preferred) or similar work for other donors/U.S. Government agencies;  

• Experience managing teams. 

• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills. 

• Competent in using computers and financial software. 

• Excellent written and spoken English and Kiswahili preferred. 

• Ability to work under pressure and efficiently handle multiple tasks.

• Experience working in Tanzania or the region highly preferred.  

• Local nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.