Job Title: Director of Finance and Operations

Department: Africa Region Management

Location: Kinshasa, DRC

PATH is a global nonprofit dedicated to achieving health equity. With more than 40 years of experience forging multisector partnerships and with expertise in science, economics, technology, advocacy, and dozens of other specialties, PATH develops and scales up innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing heath challenges.

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the largest country program within the Central Africa hub under PATH’s Africa Region.

The Director of Finance and Operations will support the DRC country program with financial planning, management and efficient operations and administrative services. The DFO will ensure compliance with PATH’s policies, implementing efficient financial and operational business processes. The DFO will be responsible for Finance and Accounting, facilities, procurement, fleet management, administration and facilities, organizational effectiveness and policies review, compliance, risk management, and asset management to ensure all the financial and operations systems meet the demands that a rapidly growing program operations place upon them.

The Director of Finance and Operations will partner with key departments, program teams, and country leaders to ensure appropriate preparedness on security and safety matters. The DFO will also provide oversight to other Hub countries. This includes ensuring sound financial management, operational efficiency, and compliance with organizational policies and donor requirements. The role will support country teams in strengthening internal controls, optimizing resource utilization, and enhancing operational systems to enable effective program delivery across the hub.

This position will be based in Kinsasha, DRC and will supervise the finance, administration, procurement, logistics, and facilities teams. The position will report to the Country Director with a dotted technical reporting line to the Africa Regional Director of Operations and partnering with other regional and global teams.

Key Responsibilities:

a. Leadership and Management:

• Develop, coordinate, and implement plans for financial management, planning, and analysis as well as operations and administration to ensure efficient, effective delivery of services and in support of compliant project activities.
• Lead assigned teams, mentor and develop employees, providing guidance as necessary.
• Ensure proper staffing and recruitment to enable timely delivery of services; facilitate and cascade goal setting and team assignments in support of country program operations and delivery of programmatic services working closely with Country leadership and regional operations leadership.
• Provide customer service excellence and lead continuous process improvement for efficient and effective service delivery.
• Work closely with Country leadership and Regional operations Director to develop and implement strategies and improvements that lead to operational excellence.
• Contribute to the identification of funding opportunities, strategic growth planning, and support forging strategic partnerships, and supporting the design and submission of high-quality proposals

b. Financial Management, Planning and Analysis:

• Accounting: Oversee accounting processes, including expenditures, payroll, tax compliance, travel and disbursements, ensuring timely delivery of service, and compliance with PATH’s policies and local procedures.
• Reporting and External Relations: Collaborate with the Country leadership and project teams to develop and compile information for ad hoc and required reports for governments, donors and other stakeholders.
• Ensure accurate, complete, and timely reporting for financial performance and statutory purposes.
• Primary point of contact with banks; manage bank relationships to ensure efficient cost-effective delivery of service.
• Contract and Sub-award Management: Ensure adequate sub-award processes, monitoring and management systems are in place and operating for timely issuance, reporting and oversight of sub-awards.
• Annual and Project budgeting: Formulate budgets for the country program. Ensure Finance and PADM teams adhere to FP&A budgeting timelines and planning and budgeting for local projects and awards is accurate and complete, and all budgets are properly uploaded to Business World (BW).
• Lead the forecasting process and quarterly business review exercises. Periodically update financial forecasts, highlighting any key challenges or opportunities influencing performance to goals.
• Lead PADM teams in ensuring the regular update of all forecasts in BW in and SalesForce. Obtaining necessary insights and providing narratives to the FP&A team.
• Manage Payroll and local payroll taxes, ensure compliance with local government regulations and with all financial and taxation laws, such as income tax, VAT, withholding tax, social security.
• Ensure adequate budgetary controls and adherence to these controls to ensure that all expenditure/expenses are properly vetted and approved against the right charge codes.
• Provide monthly financial performance reports, advising and implementing corrective actions to ensure actual results are in line with set targets.
• Support Finance Decision-making: Support the FP&A team with finance decision support in the areas to drive optimization, efficiency and agility in our operations and act as a strategic, trusted advisor to the Country Director.

c. Administration and Facilities Management:

• Support the DRC Operations and Procurement Manager to develop/review appropriate guidelines and requirements for all DRC regional offices and ensure that all the necessary facilities are in place and adequate. This includes appropriate and suitable furnishings, office supplies replenishment system, and safety and security for the staff.
• Ensure PATH DRC offices meet the needs of staff (both moveable and immovable assets and outdoor areas where applicable).
• Establish, monitor, and maintain operational activities and functions in accordance with PATH’s policies and compliance with donor requirements.
• Office Management: Support the management of PATH’s physical offices, assets, safety, and security at all PATH DRC locations.
• Safety and Compliance: Implement and maintain processes to ensure a safe, healthy, and compliant working environment for all employees and visitors.
• Works with Legal Counsel, OGC and DRC Partnerships Officer to develop and execute agreements requiring LA’s review, such as teaming agreements, engagement letters, MOUs, and collaboration agreements.
• Work with regional Operations and assess the transport requirements of the country program regularly and ensure appropriate solutions are implemented including effective fleet management.
• Oversee the travel function of the country program. Oversee adherence to PATH’s global travel policies for DRC staff and design, implement, and maintain DRC- specific travel policies that complement the global policies; manage staff responsible for implementing travel policies and organizing travel; request any necessary approvals for travel.
• ensure proper maintenance of offices and facilities.
• Review and secure appropriate liability insurance for all offices and facilities, including assets insurance.
• Ensure the provision of other basic office services, including water, sewage, cleaning, and grounds-keeping in all occupied offices (where required)
• When needed, work with DRC team to facilitate new project office set-up, including office space procurement and establishment, lease negotiation, identification and procurement of furniture and fittings, branding, etc.
• Work with project teams and regional operations to facilitate project closure, including proper disposal or relocation of assets, shut down, and exit of office space.
• Ensure the assets register is up to date and accurate in liaison with relevant teams.

d. Procurement & Contracts Management:

• Working with Operations and Procurement Manager, oversee CP purchasing function, ensuring segregation of duty, adequate competition, and cost-effective vendor selections in support of country operations, providing strategic leadership and support for efficient and effective procurement.
• Ensure agile, efficient, and value-for-money centric procurement support that drives impactful programme delivery.
• Provide timely and appropriate guidance on procurement policy, strategy, and implementation across the CP.
• Increase efficiency by developing processes, procedures, and best practices to effectively support the programs and operations across all offices; create performance metrics and accountability.
• Lead tender and prequalification processes working closely with the Global Procurement team and regional Operations.
• Ensure that close-out schedules for all agreements are duly executed promptly and that all relevant documents are submitted and filed.
• Support the establishment of a Procurement Review Committee in DRC and ensure the same operates seamlessly.
• Take lead in ensuring that all procurement files and records are updated and maintained by the country’s procurement teams.
• Coordinate the collection of annual procurement plans from RPMs and consolidate them into Country plan.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure optimal performance.
• Collaborate, negotiate, and engage with major suppliers and contractors to ensure the timely delivery of goods and services.
• Participate in due diligence process for vendors.
• Oversee the procurement department, provide the necessary administrative support for shipments of assets, and facilitate exemptions, including tax, where viable.
• Working closely with the program leads and the supply chain lead, ensure all program supplies are ready for distribution as per the agreed delivery dates.
• Review country specific procurement policies and thresholds.
• Ensure all staff are trained on procurement processes if necessary

e. Risk Management:

• Internal Controls, Audits & Tax Compliance: Work closely with the regional operations director to develop and oversee local procedures and internal control compliance with PATH policies.
• Coordinate statutory audits and filing annual returns to the relevant government authorities.
• Work with Regional Operations and oversee all audits, ensuring timely engagement of audit and tax services in partnership with relevant internal stakeholders and full execution of internal audit findings and recommendations.
• Support the Country leadership and regional Operations Director in providing governance and management necessary to identify, evaluate, mitigate, and monitor the CP operational risks.
• Works closely with Legal Affair (LA) and regional operations to ensure compliance with registrations, licensing, and government statutory requirements including filing of annual returns where applicable.
• Review and update the PATH Security Management Plans for the country regularly in accordance with the PATH schedule and adhered to by all staff.
• Develop Risk Management tools, practices, and policies to analyze and report the organization’s risks and manage them according to the risk management framework.
• Ensure the organization’s risk management policies and strategies are compliant with set standards, and strategic imperatives.
• Ensure adequate insurance policy covers are in place, implement health and safety measures, and make business continuity plans to limit risks and prepare mitigation measures.
• Provide support and organize training to staff to build risk awareness within the organization.
• Support with the review of major contracts, proposed facilities, and/or new program landscapes for risk implications.
• Participate in and oversee the reviews and assess risk management policies, suggesting improvement.
• Ensure risk mitigation controls are implemented and operating effectively in landscapes and throughout the organization.
• Contribute to the Hub expansion and new country registration efforts.
• Review audit recommendations and ensure the corrective actions agreed are implemented. Update SMT, Finance colleagues and Managers on recurring findings.

Reporting and External Relations: 

• Support the Country Director and project Directors/Managers in compiling information for required reports and the production of reports for government and donor stakeholders.
• With support from Donor Reporting Team and other Headquarters staff, lead the development and submission of donor-required financial reports.
• Respond to ad hoc requests from donors as necessary.
• Reporting – develop and manage a Deliverables Tracker.
• Exchange knowledge & network with Finance Staff of International Organizations to understand the economic, social and political environment of the country. 

Sub-Awards Administration/Management:

• Manage consultants’ agreements, work orders and in-country sub-agreements and sub-contracts as well as oversee the development and implementation of sub-grants and other agreements.
• Support project teams on grantees developing work plans, monitoring progress, tracking expenses, preparing reports, and facilitating grantees’ compliance with the terms of their agreements.

Required Experience & Skills:

• Education: BSC/BA in accounting, finance or relevant field; MSc/MA/MB&A or CPA/ACCA qualification highly desired.
• Work Experience: 10+ years managing or leading financial and operation teams at the country level.
• Leadership: Proven leadership skills with an ability to provide guidance and support.
• Communication and Collaboration: Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.  Ability to collaborate effectively with various teams and stakeholders.
• Organizational Skills: Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Financial Acumen: In-depth knowledge of finance and accounting principles, solid knowledge of financial analysis and forecasting. An analytic mind with strategic ability.
• Communication: Excellent oral and written communication skills in French and English.
• Ability to persuade and influence different types of audiences (single contributor, middle management, and executive leadership).
• Software Proficiency: Strong proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and advanced ERP accounting systems. Knowledge of Unit4 Business World and Salesforce a plus.
• NGO Experience: Prior experience in an NGO or similar environment is very advantageous.
• Donor Knowledge: Familiarity with international donor project management and compliance is a plus.

Leadership competencies:
 
Instills Trust: Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.

• Decision Quality: Making good and timely decisions.
• Resourcefulness: Securing and deploying resources effectively and efficiently.
• Plans & Aligns (Prioritization): Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational needs.
• Drives Results: Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
• Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Ability and experience to support multiple country programs across the hub
• Situational Adaptability (Agile and flexible): Adapting approach in real-time to match the shifting demands of different situations.
• Courage: Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying and doing what as required even when it is not popular and supporting the country director to make correct decisions as appropriate.

Please click on the link below to submit your application

Director of Finance and Operations