Country Administrator - Ethiopia

The Country Administrator will have overall responsibility within CISP for overseeing and integrating admin and financial operations with human resource management and procurement/logistical functions to ensure organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
Under the direct supervision of the Country Representative, the Country Administrator is responsible and accountable for leading and managing the Financial and Administrative Department, the Human Resources Department, the Logistic Department departments
This position demands a comprehensive expertise in management. He/she will be part of the country senior management team and will be asked to contribute to country strategic planning aimed at supporting the organization's mission and objectives.

Position Information

• Position Title: Country Administrator
• Hours: Full-time Regular
• Duty Station: Addis Ababa Head Office
• Salary: As per the Organization Scale
• Number of Positions: 1
• Job Category: Administration
• Contract Duration: 1 year (renewable)
• Reporting Directly to: Country Representative
• Managerial Responsibility: Yes
• Directly Reporting Staff: Head of the Financial and Administrative Department, Head of the Human Resources Department, Head of the Logistic Department

Job Description

Administrative and Finance Responsibilities
He/she will:

• lead the Admin-Finance team to deliver timely, high-quality financial support across the organization, including all field offices.
• develop and implement financial strategies, policies, and plans aligned with the organization's goals and objectives.
• oversee all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, cash flow management, and risk management.
• ensure compliance with financial regulations and standards, including timely and accurate preparation of financial statements and reports.
• manage relationships with banks, auditors, and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with financial reporting and tax obligations.
• supervise the preparation of Cash transfer Requests to HQ and ensure that appropriate cash balances are maintained to facilitate project implementation.
• oversee the registration and entry of income and expenditure in compliance with accounting policies and statutory requirements.
• prepare monthly bank account reconciliation statements and identify accounting errors, discrepancies, and potential fraud.
• deliver efficient and effective financial processes and controls, including income processing, general ledger management, fixed assets, payroll, and multi-currency cash management.
• manage the annual closing of accounts, year-end audit processes, and preparation of statutory financial statements.
• produce budget projections and reports for submission to donors through HQ in accordance with donor and regulatory reporting requirements.
• ensure that licenses and other required government formalities are fulfilled on time by field and country offices.
• Review all prepayments and accruals to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• establish and document all year-end journals and procedures to ensure no omissions.
• work in partnership with Senior Management Staff to ensure effective fund tracking, cost management, and reporting to donors.

Human Resources Responsibilities
He/she will:

• Guide the Human Resources team in policy and procedure definition, interpretation, and maintenance to ensure employment and compensation practices are competitive and compliant with labor laws.
• Lead the interviewing and selection process for all new admin-finance staff at the head office and field offices.
• Ensure that all finance staff are trained on and compliant with anti-fraud and corruption requirements, escalating any allegations of suspected mismanagement of funds.
• Regularly review project admin-financial management manuals in line with laws and proclamations, ensuring all staff are compliant with the requirements by arranging necessary training during induction.

Logistics Responsibilities
He/she will:

• Lead the Logistics Department to review the financial aspects of purchasing items before payment is decided according to financial manuals.
• Ensure that assets and equipment book values are properly maintained in the financial records.
• Oversee the procurement/logistical operations to ensure efficient procurement, distribution, and maintenance of resources necessary for project implementation.

Additional Responsibilities

• Provision of financial reports and support to the Budget Control Officer and others with financial responsibilities within the organization.

Job Requirements

• B.Sc. or M.Sc. in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience for B.Sc. holders and 4 years for M.Sc. holders.
• Substantial experience working with International NGO’s, UN agencies , international donors.
• Experience in finance of internationally funded programs or relief efforts from different donors such as AICS, ECHO, UNOCHA, UNICEF, BHA, etc.
• Experience in complex emergencies, including humanitarian emergency response, and understanding of relevant laws, regulations, and policies.
• Knowledge of IFRS and IPSAS accounting standards is commendable.
• Evidence of strong budgeting, reporting, and organizational skills is required.
• Experience with capacity building of staff.
• Proficiency in English language is mandatory. Knowledge of Amharic and Italian languages would be a plus.

Soft/Technical Skills

• Good knowledge of development projects management and coordination.
• Track record of successful work experience and results in project management within an NGO setting.
• Knowledge and experience of Project Cycle Management (PCM).
• Excellent financial analysis skills.
• Extensive practical experience working with admin-financial tools, proficiency with MS Excel.
• Firm belief in teamwork and gender equality and commitment to the values and working styles of the organization.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build good relationships with internal and external stakeholders and maintain effective collaboration with all staff.
• Ability to manage a complex and demanding workload with strict deadlines.
• Ability to work under pressure and to motivate and guide staff working in a complex environment;
• Availability to travel within the country and abroad whenever required.