Palladium is a global leader in the design, development and delivery of Positive Impact - the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with foundations, investors, governments, corporations, communities and civil society to formulate strategies and implement solutions that generate lasting social, environmental and financial benefits.
For the past 50 years, we have been making Positive Impact possible. With a team of more than 2,500 employees operating in 90 plus countries and a global network of more than 35,000 technical experts, Palladium has improved - and is committed to continuing to improve - economies, societies and most importantly, people's lives.
Palladium is a child-safe organisation, and screens applicants for suitability to work with children. We also provide equal employment to all participants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran or marital status.
NPI EXPAND Overview:
The New Partnerships Initiative (NPI) Expanding Health Partnerships—NPI EXPAND Project—is a global five-year (2019-2024) U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funded project that supports locally-driven efforts to increase the availability and utilization of high-quality health and education services. In line with USAID's Journey to Self-Reliance (J2SR) framework, NPI EXPAND invests in new and underutilized local partners (NUPs) and strengthens their capacity to strategize, plan, and implement programs with USAID funds. Enhanced participation of capable local organizations to increase demand for and to deliver high-quality, high impact services will enable governments to meet crucial goals equitably and sustainably. NPI EXPAND will also catalyze opportunities to scale up innovative interventions by strengthening the capacity of NUPs with varying levels of capabilities and exposure to USAID.
NPI EXPAND in Pakistan:
In Pakistan, NPI EXPAND will implement USAID Pakistan's Human Development Activity (HDA) to advance development, education, and health aims in the border areas with Afghanistan. Pressing issues in these areas include low access to and use of high-quality education and health services, limited qualified personnel, equipment and supply shortages, security-related restrictions, and gender inequity. Through HDA, NPI EXPAND will support creative, locally driven solutions to improve education and health in the border areas. The health areas of focus are family planning (FP) and maternal, newborn, and child (MNCH) health. The primary beneficiaries include the most disadvantaged women, girls, children, and newborns living in these areas. The project will provide grants and tailored assistance to local organizations in line with the following results:
- Result 1: Organizational sustainability of new and underutilized local entities or locally established partners strengthened
- Result 2: Utilization of high-quality, high impact basic education and health (FP/MNCH) services, information, and supplies expanded
- Result 3: Promising and innovative education and health approaches scaled up through new and underutilized partnerships for increased sustainability.
Position Description:
The NPI EXPAND Pakistan Finance and Operations Manager will provide direct start-up support and is responsible, under the leadership of the Country Team Lead (CTL) and senior management, in the management and implementation of effective and efficient operational, financial, security, and compliance activities that deliver the project in accordance with contractual obligations, company policies, Group Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Guidelines, and government and client rules and regulations. This position will report administratively, on a day-to-day basis, to the Pakistan Country Team Lead, with functional reporting to the Manager, Project Delivery in Washington, DC.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance and Operations Manager will be expected to:
- Assist in overseeing overall operations at the project office, managing, and providing operations and finance support, guidance and oversight;
- Collaborate with the in-country team to manage and forecast office’s cash needs, submitting Funds Transfer Requests (FTRs) to HQ in a timely manner;
- Regularly review operations and cash management practices, developing and optimizing internal operations policies, and providing feedback on risk mitigation strategies;
- Procure goods and/or services as per the procurement policies and client regulations including obtaining appropriate relevant authorizations, maintaining vendor lists, solicitation of quotations/proposals, documentation of procurement decisions and contracts, and managing vendor relationships throughout the full agreement life cycle;
- Support process of securing No Objection Certificates for project work and advise on processes for grantees
- Support security needs of office and staff and liaise with Palladium's security personnel and contractors as needed
- Ensure timely receipt of quality services/goods and best value for the price collaborating with project staff to monitor performance and achievement of deliverables as per respective agreements before processing of payment(s) to vendors;
- Manage office facilities, equipment, assets, IT, etc. and maintain accurate assets registers;
- Adhere to and train relevant staff in all project administrative and operations policies and procedures;
- Coordinate with the HQ Project Delivery team to initiate vetting processes for vendors, consultants, new hires, etc.;
- Complete, review, approve, and/or submit financial documents such as payroll, vouchers, invoices, delivery notes, purchase orders and other documents to ensure the completeness, accuracy, and validity of financial data;
- Manage and monitor disbursement of funds from the project bank account ensuring adherence to internal controls and compliance with Palladium’s financial policies and procedures;
- Serve as primary point of contact for local team on all Human Resources-related issues, advising in accordance with Palladium policies and escalating to HQ as needed;
- Maintain systems for tracking contractual documents, correspondence and reporting, keeping contract files updated for spot checks and audits;
- Initiate thorough, effective and proactive correspondence requests for contract modifications and approvals such as: scope adjustments, personnel changes, budget realignments, performance period changes, implementing partner changes, consultant approval, etc.;
- Coordinate activities between program management, customers, and outside parties which may include making travel arrangements, external meeting accommodations, etc.;
- Ensure applicable tax withholding, VAT and deductions are applied as per Liberian laws and regulations on all payments;
- Collaborate with the in-country team to calculate and submit cost share reporting and supporting documentation to HQ on a monthly basis;
- Support senior management staff to ensure project deliverables are met;
- Review financial and operational content for appropriate project reports;
- Support the annual workplan process and other strategic planning processes;
- Other duties as assigned under the NPI EXPAND project.
- Draft contractual documents to be approved by the CTL and/or HQ Project Delivery team;
- Support HQ’s Project Delivery team to prepare for periodic audits as may be required;
Period and Location of Performance:
Period of performance is one year with the possibility of extension through the duration of the program, September 2024. Location for this engagement is Islamabad with travel in-country. Some travel may be required to support other NPI EXPAND activities, attend meetings or participate in conferences or workshops. Only Pakistani nationals currently residing in Pakistan will be considered for this position.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
- Bachelor's Degree in finance, accounting, or business administration from a recognized academic institution; Accounting certification, MBA or similar is an advantage;
- Proven competency in planning, organizing, and implementing operational activities as well as managing expenditures within budget(s);
- Strong experience in broader financial reporting requirements, accounting, and operations management with a proven understanding of business operations and controls. Experience with international organizations and USAID regulations (including office management, HR, finance, IT, and logistics) is advantageous and highly preferable;
- Ability to communicate effectively and excellent interpersonal skills to form effective working relationships at all levels;
- Sound written and verbal communication skills in English;
- Strong, demonstrated organizational, critical thinking, problem-solving, sound judgement and decision-making skills to ensure activities, schedules and progress are on schedule, reviewed and monitored;
- Ability to work with a low level of supervision and as a part of a team when required, serve effectively as a cross-functional team member;
- High level of computer literacy, proficiency in MS Office Applications such as Excel is an added advantage;
- Experience appropriately handling sensitive issues and consistently maintaining a high level of confidentiality at all times;
- Pakistani nationality.