Job Summary
The Finance and Operation Manager provides effective grant financial management and operational oversight for the Mastercard Foundation-financed Internship Opportunities for Young Women program (iWork) consortium. The role ensures high accountability, risk management, compliance, and donor reporting in line with VSO policies and donor requirements, while managing budgeting, sub-grantee tracking, internship stipends, procurement, asset management, and operations.
Key Responsibilities
Manage grant start-up and close-out procedures in compliance with consortium guidelines, VSO standards, and donor rules.
Prepare, update, and forecast project budgets in collaboration with the consortium team using the SUN system.
Consolidate and manage the master budget across all consortium partners to ensure optimal resource allocation and compliance.
Ensure effective expenditure and income management, conducting regular compliance checks on suppliers and partners.
Prepare accurate financial statements, burn-rate analyses, and reconciliation reports for the Program Director and donors.
Lead donor, tax, statutory, and internal audits, and implement management response plans.
Oversee sub-grant management, including disbursement schedules, financial tracking, partner due diligence, and capacity building.
Design and manage secure payment channels (such as mobile money) for monthly intern stipends and oversee financial verification for entrepreneurship seed capital.
Oversee procurement systems, asset management registers, and logistical coordination for training sessions, job fairs, and travel.
Educational Qualification & Experience Requirements
Educational Background:
Master’s degree
(or equivalent) in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Management, Project Management, or related fields (professional accounting certifications such as
ACCA, CPA, or CIMA
are highly desirable).
Work Experience
Substantive progressive professional experience in finance, operations, grants management, or administration within donor-funded development programs, including managing large multi-partner or consortium budgets (experience with large restricted grants of at least GBP 5M per annum and familiarity with Mastercard Foundation rules is an advantage).
Required Skills & Competencies
Proven track record in partner financial management, risk management, compliance, and capacity building.
Advanced proficiency in financial software and accounting systems, especially
SUN systems, Q&A XL, and advanced Excel
.
Demonstrated feminist leadership and people management skills with the ability to coach, mentor, and develop team members.
Understanding of gender equality, safeguarding, inclusion, and youth-centered programming in Ethiopia.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Amharic.
Core skills in
Communication
.