Director of Finance & Operations 

Education Division Protective  

Protective Education for Girls in Mali 

Position Location: Mali 

Background: Creative Associates International is a fast-growing, social impact company specializing in education, economic growth, democratic transitions, and stabilization in post-conflict environments. Based in Chevy Chase, Maryland, this global development organization has a field presence is 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 by four enterprising women, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike. 

Project Description 

Creative Associates International, Inc. is seeking a Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) for the Protective Education for Girls in Mali Activity. The Protective Education for Girls in Mali Activity aims to address the multifaceted barriers faced by vulnerable learners, especially girls, in Mali by focusing on improving access to quality education, enhancing teacher capacity, and providing targeted support for girls. By implementing a comprehensive approach that includes accelerated learning centers, teachers’ professional development, and community-driven support, the program seeks to achieve significant improvements in educational outcomes and ensure that primary school-aged children, particularly girls, complete their education with the necessary skills and competencies. 

Position Summary: Creative Associates seeks a Director of Operations and Finance to provide overall financial management and administrative oversight to the anticipated USAID-funded Protective Education for Girls Activity in Mali. The Director of Operations and Finance will report to the Chief of Party.     

 Primary Responsibilities: 

• Ensure streamlined operations systems and financial management procedures in line with Creative and donor rules and regulations.   

• Ensure that the operational policies, including field operations management guide inventory, fleet management, and IT are in place, compliant with project and donor policies, and implemented effectively.  

• Oversee the procurement of goods and services for the office per Creative’s policy.  

• Ensure that the project meets all USAID contractual requirements and ensure compliance with USAID policies and regulations.   

• Provide financial oversight, including the maintenance and monitoring of the project budget.   

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

• Liaise between Creative Associates' field and headquarters offices regarding all program financial matters and all internal or external audit requests, as needed.   

• Participate in ongoing analysis, forecasting and review of project expenses.   

• Manages and oversees staff responsible for arranging travel and logistics for staff and oversees organization of workshops.  

• Oversee the management of project’s assets, safeguarding of inventory and IT equipment, transport and vehicle management and maintenance of office premises.    

• Prepare monthly field expense reports and report monthly expenses to HQ Offices.   

• Responsible for program compliance with USG rules and regulations, and Creative policies and procedures.  

• Provide operational and financial training and guidance to project staff, grantees, local partners, and beneficiaries, as needed.  

• Respond to requests from USAID and supervisors as needed.  

• Travel as needed to ensure smooth and harmonized operations and financial processes, providing management support as necessary.   

Required Skills & Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in project management, business management, administration, accounting, financial management, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.    

• Minimum of 6 years of relevant work experience, including at least 4 years of supervisory experience.  

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

• Knowledge of operating procedures and security considerations in complex environments.   

• Previous experience working with USAID strongly desired, or similar work for other donors/U.S. Government agencies.   

• Demonstrated leadership skills and experience working in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams. 

• Experience working in the Central Sahel region highly preferred. 
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of international standards and principles related to safeguarding and prevention of gender-based violence 

• Fluency in English and French is required.  

Only finalists will be contacted. No phone calls, please. 

Creative Associates International Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer (gender/race/disability/veteran) and provides equal opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.