Since 1963 and in 146 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that delivers technical and management assistance in agribusiness, financial services, enterprise development, community development and food security in order to promote broad-based economic growth and vibrant civil society.
Overview:
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has selected ACDI/VOCA to implement a five-year, $18 million, Big Small Businesses Project in Serbia. The overall goal of the activity is to help SMEs become better integrated into higher value-added chains and developed markets. The activity will strengthen local market systems and regional networks that empower enterprise growth through improved productivity and profitability of SMEs; expanded local, regional and export SME markets; and increased SME utilization of financing instruments. The activity will also address cross-cutting constraints to SME development by fostering private-sector investment into human capacity development, especially for women and youth.
Pursuant to its mission, ACDI/VOCA is seeking for experienced and talented professionals for the Deputy Chief of Party, Finance and Operations position. This is a National Position (falls under the local compensation program) that is based in Belgrade and will support the Chief of Party by overseeing and managing overall project operations, including accounting and finance, human resources, IT, subaward and grants, and administrative support services required for the fulfillment of deliverables in the project. The DCOP will also support technical implementation, advise on developments in the local political economy, maintain communication and momentum among partnering institutions. With support and close coordination with ACDI/VOCA HQ staff, the DCOP will ensure adherence to organizational policies and procedures, and donor and US Government rules and regulations.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
OPERATIONS & FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
- Establishes and maintains successful setup and functioning of financial, HR, IT, subaward and administrative management systems according to government and ACDI/VOCA standards.
- Develops, implements, and reviews operational policies and procedures to help promote an organizational culture that encourages top performance and high morale. Communicates to staff and ensures that corporate and applicable policies, procedures, and schedules are adhered to.
- Oversees administration and HR management including procurement, logistics, timesheets, salaries, benefits, payroll, performance reviews, and recruitment.
- Overseas procurement function, including review of the tender specifications, vendor identification, vendor evaluation, selection, and all associated documents.
- Leads the development of the grant program in coordination with Grants Manager and oversees grant and subaward management ensuring alignment with donor reporting requirements and regulations.
- Reviews all procurement, financial and subaward/grant documentation for accuracy, completion, and compliance with organizational policies and procedures and donor regulations.
- In collaboration with the Chief of Party, responsible for financial management activities, including: prepare and monitor budgets, financial reports, expenditures and projections; oversee and contributes to annual financial audits of program and ensure that sub awardees and grantees comply with audit and financial review requirements.
- Ensures accurate and timely financial and other reports and information to donors and ACDI/VOCA headquarters.
- Plans, organizes, distributes, and coordinates the flow of work in the operations segment of the program.
- Implements and supports effective and efficient implementation, management, monitoring, and reporting systems in accordance with donor and ACDI/VOCA policies and procedures.
- Supervises staff responsible for operations, accounting and finance and grant management areas, and provides ongoing training and mentoring.
- In the absence of Chief of Party, acts within the authority delegated by the COP and maintain effective and positive internal and external contacts with stakeholders.
- In coordination with technical teams, makes important planning and strategy decisions and recommendations. Identifies and addresses problems and recommends areas for improvement.
- Contributes to project reporting and MEL requirements.
- Assists as needed in activity interventions and investments. Ensures that all aspects are fully documented and conform to established criteria and USAID and ACDI/VOCA policies.
TEAMWORK AND LEADERSHIP
- Provides leadership and direction to the operations, accounting and finance, and grants management staff, demonstrating excellent leadership skills.
- Understands key metrics and standards for each operations team and is able to recommend and prioritize improvements.
- Overseas work plans and annual performance goals for each team member, ensuring timely and quality execution of group deliverables. Makes recommendations concerning employment, performance, and other personnel actions.
- Contributes to maintaining a harmonious team spirit in the office. Maintains strong relationships with staff, home office and donor, partners and collaborators, and any other associated stakeholder.
- Supports worker communication with the management team.
- Undertakes other duties and projects as may be assigned from time to time.
Minimum Qualifications:
- A Master’s degree in related studies and at least seven years’ experience in economic development/trade/SME competitiveness or similar programming, or a bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least ten years’ experience in economic development or similar programming
- Demonstrated track record of success in managing a complex portfolio with large budgets and teams of professionals, with effective oversight of financial management and procurement functions
- At least 5 years of experience working in Serbia, the Balkan region, or other regions with similar challenges and business environments
- Demonstrated high level of organizational, adaptive management, communication, leadership, interpersonal, and problem solving, with excellent ability to leading and mentoring host-country teams
- Demonstrated ability to create and maintain effective working relations with government officials, private sector stakeholders and local CSOs
- Fluency in English and Serbian required
To Apply:
Please submit a resume. The resume and related application documents shall be provided as a single attachment and list long-term employment history and any relevant short-term consulting work. Only those candidates considered for an interview will be contacted. ACDI/VOCA is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities and people from diverse groups are encouraged to apply.