Finance and Grants Manager

RTI International is an independent organization dedicated to conducting innovative, multidisciplinary research that improves the human condition. Please visit our website at www.rti.org/globalhealth for more information on our work in global health.

RTI International is seeking candidates for the position of Finance and Grants Manager with the ENVISION Program in Nepal.  The position will be based in Kathmandu and will report to the Resident Program Advisor (RPA).

More than one billion people – mostly in the developing world – suffer from one or more neglected tropical diseases. While relatively unheard of in developed countries, diseases like lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, trachoma, onchocerciasis and soil-transmitted helminthes, cause disability, reduce mobility, contribute to childhood malnutrition and can lead to blindness and severe disfigurement. Neglected tropical diseases typically affect rural populations, who tend to be poor and lack access to safe water, basic health services and essential medicines. Affected individuals often face stigmatization and abuse, further contributing to social and economic marginalization. 

ENVISION is a Cooperative Agreement through which RTI supports and expands neglected tropical disease (NTD) control and elimination in specified countries and furthers the development of evidence-based policies and standards globally. To learn more about ENVISION’s work, visit: www.ntdenvision.org.

Funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by RTI International, the ENVISION program is aimed at reducing the collective disease burden of five neglected tropical diseases: lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), onchocerciasis (river blindness), trachoma, schistosomiasis (bilharzia), and soil-transmitted helminthes. 

The Finance and Grants Manager will manage all financial aspects of the ENVISION project in Nepal and ensure compliance with RTI and USG financial and grants management policies and procedures.  He/she will oversee the administrative operations of the RTI/ENVISION office in Kathmandu and manage the expenditure of local project funds.  The Finance and Grants Manager will perform following tasks:

Accounting

• Oversee payments to local vendors, consultants, grantees, and casual contracted labor to ensure disbursements are made in accordance with RTI procedures
• Oversee the preparation and disbursement of staff payroll and the maintenance of detailed records associated with staff paid time off, benefits, income tax deductions, and medical insurance   
• Oversee the preparation and submission of ENVISION’s monthly expense report in QuickBooks   

Treasury

• Open/close bank accounts on the authority of the RPA and the regional finance controller
• Oversee the management of bank accounts: track transfers, check balances, check authorized expenses, and online transactions  
• Oversee the maintenance of petty cash fund and associated backup documentation
• Prepare cash management request for home office review, approval, and processing  

Grants Management

• Participate in the Request for Application (RFA) process to identify grantees in-country
• Review financial applications from local NGOs; participate in evaluation committee and document the selection process
• Submit grant documentation to the ENVISION grants manager for review and submission to USAID  
• Work with RPA, Accountant, and the ENVISION home office grants manager to ensure timely financial disbursements to grantees upon submission of approved deliverables; review and verify payment requests against grant terms

Program Support

• Actively participate in developing and implementing the annual country work plan and budget
• Monitor ENVISION spending on a regular basis and provide updates to the Resident Program Advisor on local expenditures; analyze gaps between planned budget and actual expenses
• Coordinate and consolidate the projection of monthly, quarterly and annual expenditures in collaboration with in-country technical staff to prepare spending projections for the project  
• Travel to ENVISION supported districts for financial monitoring and oversight of program activities; provide orientation and training to personnel from District (Public) Health Offices for recording and reporting of expenses made for MDA and other ENVISION-supported activities
• Provide required orientation and guidance to program staff on RTI finance and procurement policies and procedures to ensure smooth implementation of ENVISION activities
• Participate in various program related meetings with Government of Nepal counterparts such as EDCD, CHD and NTP as needed

Administration 

• Supervise financial and administrative support team members  
• Support Office Manager to supervise casual contracted labor as needed
• Serve as project human resources (HR) focal person; maintain HR files for all ENVISION employees     
• Implement and monitor cost-effective and efficient systems and procedures
• Oversee logistical arrangements (including but not limited to hotel bookings, in-country travel and transport, per diem payments and other arrangements as required) for  workshops/meetings, training events, or group activities 
• Identify vendors for office lease, utilities, furniture, equipment and other necessary office services in accordance with RTI procurement procedures  Support office manager to initiate requisitions and purchase orders as needed
• Oversee the project’s property inventory and arrange for final disposition of project equipment in accordance with RTI and USAID policies and procedures.
• Assist with contract negotiations for local consultants.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Masters degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or related field, and at least 3 years of experience in finance and administration or a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or related field, and at least 6 years of experience in finance and administration
• Fluency in English and Nepali required 
• Previous experience working on USAID-funded programs strongly preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent financial management, organizational and interpersonal skills  
• Ability to work hands-on, independently, or in a team-oriented setting and to build effective working relationships with clients, peers, and stakeholders
• Strong oral/written communication skills and ability to communicate effectively to internal and external clients
• Demonstrated proficiency in QuickBooks and Microsoft Office applications
• Familiarity with USAID rules and regulations and an understanding of donor and governmental requirements 

To Apply: 

Qualified applicants should submit a resume with contact information to ENVISION, P. O. Box: 8975 E.P.C.:943, Oasis Complex, Patan Dhoka, Lalitpur, Nepal or email: sshrestha@np-ntd.rti.org with ‘Finance and Grants Manager’ in the subject line.  

Deadline is 28 May 2014; however, applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Only short listed applicants will be contacted. Telephone inquiry will not be entertained.