World Education, a division of JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI/WE) is seeking a Finance Manager for an anticipated Any Chance three-year, USAID-funded Tisamale Mabukhu “Let us take care of books†Activity in Malawi. The Activity aims to enhance the capacity of school community members and structures to ensure that primary school literacy teaching and learning materials (TLM) are available in schools and communities and are distributed, cared for, managed, and used appropriately.

The Finance Manager will report to the Chief of Party and is responsible for overseeing program finances and budget and other operations and administrative duties. S/He will ensure that all financial functions of the Activity including accounting, payments and banking, payroll, budgeting, financial reporting, grant financial management and compliance are done effectively and in a timely manner. S/He ensures that the program consistently and correctly implements sound financial, contractual, and administrative operating systems and controls and ensures compliance with donor regulations as well as JSI/WE’s internal policies and procedures and local Government regulations. The Finance Manager will directly manage and supervise other program finance staff and provide financial support to program staff in budgeting and activity budget management and reporting.

• Oversee the implementation of JSI/WE’s financial and administrative policies and procedures under the program;
• Support and supervise day-to-day finance and administration functions in-country;
• Ensure complete documentation, stewardship, and accountability of financial transactions under the Activity.
• Establish and monitor implementation of JSI/WE’s financial management and tracking systems to ensure strong financial responsibility;
• Oversee and review work plan budgeting, budget tracking, and financial communication/reporting process and systems;
• Lead month end accounting cycle and track accounts payables, advances and liquidations, and cash reconciliations on monthly basis;
• Provide accurate and timely financial information to management and program team for decision-making and prepare expenditure forecasts to ensure adequate funds are available or program activities;
• Ensure that management and compliance of the Activity in line with financial requirements for USAID rules and regulations, JSI/WE policies and procedures, and the laws of the Government of Malawi;
• Provide support, training and/or guidance to staff on financial controls and operational systems;
• Develop the capacity of administrative staff, district-based program staff, partner organizations and Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST) officials to ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures;
• Coordinate with MoEST at a central and regional level to prepare, implement and report on financial and operations aspects of project interventions;
• Support procurement under the program and oversee sub-awarding process including sub-partner management and monitoring. Assessment of the financial capacities of potential sub partners and provision of technical assistance to the awardees as may be required;
• Oversee annual external audits for the program and for partners as required.

• Advanced degree (MA preferred) in management or business-related field with a minimum of 7 years professional experience in program financial and administrative management with progressive levels of responsibility including at least 3 years of senior leadership experience;
• Proven experience (5+ years preferred) with USAID/USG funded program administration, extensive knowledge of USAID/USG financial management rules, regulations, and reporting requirements;
• Demonstrated ability to work with cooperating partners and government stakeholders at both a national and regional level to implement a complex project in the field under challenging circumstances;
• Significant grants management and monitoring experience preferred;
• Proficiency in relevant accounting and financial software and databases;
• Demonstrated strong analytical, managerial, leadership, communications and interpersonal skills;
• Prior work in Malawi or in southern Africa is required; Malawian candidates are strongly encouraged to apply;
• Professional proficiency in English writing, oral presentation and communication skills is essential; Working knowledge of a Chichewa language is preferred.