Finance and Administration Manager, NSSP

Crown Agents

Crown Agents is a high impact social enterprise passionate about transforming the future for millions of people. Since our creation in 1833 we have worked across the globe to improve public services and drive economic growth. Our expertise is finding new solutions to difficult problems for clients in the areas of health, governance, economic growth, humanitarian action and supply chain services. We work with and train leaders at local, national and international level to achieve lasting change drawing on our insight and experience.

Details / requirements:

BACKGROUND

The Nepal School Safety Project (NSSP) is one of six projects that comprise the DFID ‘Strengthening Disaster Resilience in Nepal’ programme. Collectively, these projects look to achieve: Increased preparedness and improved capacity of disaster management systems and to build resilience to minimise the impact of natural hazards in Nepal

The Nepal Safer Schools Project (NSSP) aims to increase school safety in the mid and far west of Nepal. Through retrofitting and reconstruction, disaster risk reduction education, and institutionalisation with the Government of Nepal, the NSSP will look to make 200-250 schools safe learning environments.

The NSSP is managed by a consortium of Crown Agents, the National Society for Earthquake Technology (NSET), Save the Children and Ove Arup.  This recruitment is being managed by Crown Agents and the successful candidate will be hired on a Crown Agents project staff contract. 

Nepal Safer School Project is looking for a dynamic professional to take over the role of Finance and Administration Manager.

Appointment: Finance and Administration Manager, NSSP

Reports to: Team Leader

Terms of employment: Fixed Term/Project Employment Contract           

2.  DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Finance and Administration (F&A) Manager is responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of financial and office administration aspects of the Project Implementation Unit under the supervision of the Team Leader and with guidance from Crown Agents HQ. These activities primarily include but are not limited to setting up and day-to-day management of the necessary financial and administration systems and protocols to ensure that the NSSP project office operation runs effectively, and that the correct financial information is available and given to the client on a regular basis.

Specifically, the key responsibilities of the Finance and Administration Officer include:

Financial Management

  • Manage the programme budget, and stay in close communication with the Team Leader regarding all financial approvals and decisions for Non-SMC Funding;
  • Oversee in-country project expenditure (Non-SMC Funding) in line with the head contract budget (including managing the office administration and personnel expenditures of the PIU bank account);
  • Oversee project operations/compliance to financial operating controls;
  • Financial reporting to Crown Agents HQ (the NSSP Project Manager) and to DFID, including monthly financial forecasting for the client, and working collaboratively with the Crown Agents Project Accountant and the Team Leader;
  • Supervise the work of Finance Officer and ensure that up to date books of accounts are maintained for NSSP’s transactions.
  • Ensure compliance of local legal requirement eg deposit of withholdings, tax clearance, VAT return.
  • Ensure adequate flow of fund from Crown Agents HQ for the smooth implementation of project activities.
  • Prepare project expense accounts, reconciling with Crown Agents HQ accounting system;
  • Manage petty cash and travel advance requests;
  • Ensure value for money by producing financial analysis to support wider NSSP project decisions; and
  • As required, support Crown Agents HQ in project audit documentation processes.

School Management Committee (SMC) Funding Management

  • In coordination with Operations Manager, set up the system of financial management procedures for SMC funding. This may include compilation of guidelines, preparation of financial monitoring and reporting indicators, tools and formats;
  • Conduct due diligence of SMC as per the checklist.
  • Work with the technical team on detail construction budget of SMC.
  • Support the maintenance of a construction progress tracker
  • Provide the tailor technical assistance to the finance team of SMC to ensure that all the accounting records of SMCs are as per the policies and procedures.
  • Support SMC on their financial reporting, review of monthly financial report submitted by SMC, Track their payment request and disbursement of fund to SMC as per the MoU.
  • Analysis the monthly budget of SMC against actual expenses.
  • Work with the technical team to ensure that the procurement of SMCs are as per the government policy of procurement for the construction work.

Administration Management

  • Support Operations Manager for the Initial set up of systems and standard operating procedures necessary for project implementation
  • Support Operations Manager to manage induction of new staff members and short-term visitors (including ensuring they are familiar with existing security procedures);
  • Manage payroll for locally hired personnel, ensuring accurate and timely payments are made to personnel and tax authorities;
  • Manage enrolment of personnel in insurance plans and act as primary point of contact for the insurance plans which may include ensuring staff are kept up to date with any changes, conducting periodic analysis of plans to ensure value for money and processing medical expense claims for reimbursement;
  • Ensure smooth functioning of Field Offices and provide timely transfer of petty cash as per their request.  
  • Responsible for NSSP liaison with Government of Nepal as needed;
  • Ensure PIU compliance with local labour laws (which may include maintaining office and vehicle registration, taxation and insurance);
  • Ensure HR/Ops/Security procedures and protocols are understood and support management in implementing them, troubleshooting with HQ as necessary (this will include overall management and ongoing maintenance of the established NSSP/PIU security plan);
  • Support Crown Agents HQ Finance and Crown Agents PIU members in the proper documentation and submission process for travel and expense claims;
  • Support Crown Agents HQ IR and HR Teams in the proper documentation and maintenance of personnel files;

3.  QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

  • Chartered Accountant and/or Master's Degree in relevant area such as Finance/Accounting is essential;
  • Minimum Bachelor’s degree in a related field;
  • Progressive financial and administration management experience on international development projects;
  • Progressive prior experience managing and supporting project operations
  • Demonstrable experience in financial management for donor-funded projects, preferably DFID-funded projects
  • Demonstrable experience setting up finance and administration systems and procedures, ideally for an NGO/INGO,
  • Previous experience managing payroll personnel in Nepal (including managing tax remittances)
  • Experience of preparing and monitoring budgets;
  • Experience remotely liaising with finance and administration teams based at an organization’s overseas headquarters/or main program office preferable;
  • Strong analytical and computer skills, especially with accounting software, spreadsheets and financial analysis;
  • Knowledge of employment practices and principles in Nepal (both those that are legally required by law and those that are commonly practiced by custom/tradition);
  • Fluency in English and Nepali required;
  • Ability to expertly manage competing priorities and have strong time management skills;
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills; and
  • Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.

Follow to link here to apply for this position within the deadline of 23rd Feb 2020

https://www.crownagents.com/jobs/current-vacancies

Overview

Category Development and Project, Finance & Administration
Openings 1
Position Type Full Time
Experience Please check vacancy details.
Education Please check vacancy details
Posted Date 17 Feb, 2020
Apply Before 23 Feb, 2020
City Lalitpur