RTI (www.rti.org)is an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to conducting innovative, multidisciplinary research that improves the human condition. With a worldwide staff of more than 4000 people, RTI offers innovative research and development and muiltidisciplinary services

Job Summary

RTI's International Education Division is supporting education development around the world by strengthening education policy, management and practice in order to achieve measurable improvement in teaching and learning. From our well-established reputation in education system strengthening, to innovative work in early grade assessment and learning, RTI is improving education quality, relevance and efficiency through implementation of projects funded by USAID, DFID, Australian Aid and other donors and clients.

The International Education Division is seeking a Finance and Grants Manager to support the anticipated four-year DFID-funded Girls Participatory Approaches for Student Success (G-PASS) programme. This programme will support improvements in the quality of initial teacher training; strengthen teaching practices; and promote girl-friendly and learning-enabling schools in order to improve learning outcomes. The position will be based in Ghana.

The Finance and Grants Manager’s duties will include leadership of the Programme’s management of financial, granting and reporting functions to ensure compliance with the terms of the contract and provide operational management support in coordination with other members of RTI’s contractual, financial and administrative units. This individual will ensure adherence to RTI and DFID financial and accounting policies and procedures and strictly maintain procurement integrity.

Responsibilities:

•   Ensure adherence to RTI and DFID financial and accounting policies and procedures and procurement integrity.
•   Prepare and submit financial statements and other cost accounting reports to RTI and DFID.
•   Prepare the projection of monthly, quarterly and annual expenditures and pipeline estimates for the project.
•   Provide financial leadership throughout the life of the project with regard to setting up the office, bank account, operations and logistics, particularly during programme start-up and close-out.
•   Ensure appropriate, cost-effective and timely financial systems and procedures such as cash management, vendor payments, and budgeting for the proper disbursement, accounting, budgeting and reporting of funds.
•   Liaise with RTI head office and relevant financial and administrative support units.
•   Oversee day-to-day administration of grants awarded under Programme from solicitation phase through close-out. Monitor compliance with award-specific requirements and applicable regulations as incorporated in awards.
•   Issue Requests for Applications (RFA) in consultation with the Team Leader; review and negotiate all grant applications as a key member of the review committee tasked with evaluating and selecting awardees; and coordinate execution of award documents (pre-award authorizations, awards, modifications, etc.).
•   Coordinate communication with grantees (e.g., legal, finance, status reporting, procurement), and provide guidance to them on rules and regulations applicable to assistance instruments and reporting.
•   Maintain grant files including records on monitoring and evaluation and other quality control activities (financial, programmatic, proof of performance).
•   Review and process grantee invoices.

Qualification Required & Experience

•   Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Accounting or related field required (Master’s-level degree preferred)
•   Minimum of 12 years of experience in financial management of international-donor-funded projects of similar size and scope; prior experience with DFID preferred
•   Experience in grants/subcontract management required (including provision of in-country training and support to field-based project staff)
•   Prior experience and familiarity with international development partners’ financial procedures and reporting requirements, particularly USAID and DFID are a plus.
•   Experience with SharePoint and QuickBooks systems are required
•   Advanced budgeting, financial analysis, and MS Excel skills required
•   Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively and effectively with colleagues at all levels as well as internal and external clients
•   Experience supporting programmes in Ghana considered an asset
•   Excellent organizational and analytical skills
•   Willingness and ability to live and work in Ghana for the duration of the Programme.
•   Fluency in English required

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

Please send your CV and cover letter to:-

Ghana@rti.org

Please indicate which position you are applying for in the subject line. All positions require fluency in English

Closing Date: 13 February, 2014