Assistant Country Director , Program Support - SIERRA LEONE

Reporting to the Country Director, the ACD- PS provides leadership, direction, and is responsible for Country office administrative and operational processes and functions and works closely with the Country Director to develop effective, efficient and results driven teams and is responsible for operational oversight of CARE Sierra Leone, including smooth functioning of the units stated above. The person in this role is responsible for the leadership of heads of the units mentioned above. Furthermore, the ACD Program Support is required to play a substantive and essential hands-one role in the development or enhancement of Country Office systems, policies and processes across the spectrum. S/he will contribute to strengthening the integration of functions within this role by working closely with all teams and stakeholders and fostering positive collaboration. 
As a key member of the Country Leadership Team (CLT) and Senior Management Team (SMT), the ACD-PS will participate in and be responsible for the strategic leadership and direction in the CO and participates in decision- and policymaking on strategic issues including financial health and viability, program quality, human resource management, and other organizational priorities and concerns.

Responsibilities:

1.Strategic Leadership

• As a member of the Senior Management Team participate in and be responsible for the strategic leadership and direction of CARE Sierra Leone and Liberia, as pertains to Operations functions: Business Services (Finance, Procurement, Administration, Logistics and Transport, and ICT) by providing strategic leadership and advice to the PS team.
• Developing policy and practice in program support departments representing and marketing CARE's work, and  making decisions that enhance operational excellence and efficiency
  leading teams under his/her supervision to navigate change with agility and confidence.

2. Financial, Budget and Award Management

• Coordinate the proper recording, documentation, control, monitoring and reporting of financial operations, including AP in compliance with CARE and donor rules and regulations
• Ensure compliance with CARE's accounting policy and procedures and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP); global policy and procedures; relevant financial, tax and administrative laws and reporting requirements.

3.Procurement

• Adherence to all organizational and donor procurement and procurement-related policies and procedures.
• Optimal performance as measured against established procurement KPIs including but not limited to timely receipt and dispatch of all materials, equipment and resources; timely payment of vendors, etc.

4.Administration and Logistics (Transportation included)

• Ensure optimal management of all administrative systems and processes in all CO locations with standardized office and administrative management practice and KPIs.
• Ensure oversight of property and asset management and disposal in compliance with organizational and donor policies and procedures.

5.Policy and Operations Systems Development, Review and Implementation 

• Review and revise where necessary the Program Support policies, systems and procedures in line with the legal and donor requirements for on improved service provision throughout the Country Office (CO). 
• Be aware of Country specific labor laws or other CARE global HR changes and ensure that CARE Sierra Leone's HR policies are consistent and flexible and are updated in line with the changes.
• Ensure sound internal control systems are in place and functioning to ensure adherence to policies and procedures 

6.Information Communication and Technology- ICT

• Ensure provision and effective use of "fit-for-purpose" ICT infrastructure including computer equipment, data communication platforms and data storage that are adequate to the needs of the CO staff and partners
• Oversee effective implementation of and adherence to CI, CUSA digital and cyber security policies and regulations; ensure completion of the cyber security training course on CARE Academy by all staff and regular orientation/refreshers for all staff.
• Ensure adequate backup systems for communications platforms and data storage are in place to ensure business continuity in the event of major disruptions to the primary systems and platforms monitor for risks to the CO ICT infrastructure and recommend improvements as appropriate.

Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Business Administration, management or related fields
• Fundamental knowledge and use of Peoples Soft and Budgetary Software 
• Analytical skills as they relate to business processes 
• Demonstrated experience in leading strategic and operational planning. 
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills in complex international settings.
• At least eight (8) years of hands-on experience in a similar senior management and leadership position preferably in the not-for-profit sector
• Excellent knowledge and experience in institutionalizing compliance and accountability system and procedures. 
• Sound knowledge and hands on experience of internal and external audit requirements. 
• Excellent people management and team leadership skills; ability to et diverse groups of people to work effectively together with vision and purpose. 
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Excellent and agile negotiator.