USAID’s Advancing Universal Health
Coverage (AUHC) Project

Genetic Baro Bhuiyan
H-CWN (A) 3A, Road-49
Kemal Ataturk Avenue, Gulshan-2 Dhaka, Bangladesh

Managing Director for Operations, Finance, and SAF

Background

The managing director of operations, finance, and SAF will oversee the following aspects of AUHC operations: administration, procurement, logistics, human resources, grants and subcontracts, finance, and physical asset management for the project in compliance with USAID regulations, the contract signed by USAID and Chemonics, and the interests of the USAID client. The managing director of operations, finance, and SAF will also contribute to the project’s technical implementation.   In close coordination with the Chemonics home office Project Management Unit (PMU) and deputy chief of party (DCOP) for operations and finance, the managing director of operations, finance, and SAF will serve as the principal point of contact in Bangladesh for matters related to operational administration.  S/he will help to ensure cost control and value for money with the use of project funds. The managing director of operations, finance, and SAF will also play a central role in helping to build the operational capacity of the AUHC-supported Surjer Hashi Network (SHN). The managing director of operations, finance, and SAF will at all times adhere to and act according to the Chemonics Professional Code of Ethics (“Living Our Values”) and will make the principles of the Code a part of the Project’s culture and standard operating procedures.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Administrative Management

  • Plan and track project administrative activities with PMU and FO staff in order to evaluate needs for implementation, and keep the DCOP informed of all problems or constraints encountered or expected during implementation.
  • Ensure compliance with existing administrative/office procedures and suggest project policy manual updates as necessary.
  • Manage the relationship with legal counsel and ensure legal compliance for both AUHC and Chemonics in Bangladesh.
  • Review office and residential lease agreements, equipment and service contracts, and maintain good relationships with outside vendors.
  • Oversee the relationship with project office management company.
  • Supervise maintenance of office administrative systems, including personnel records, filing systems, approval files, etc.
  • Oversee the records and inventory management of the project.
  • Ensure project staff phone and data plans, as well as office and residential internet contracts, are in good standing, thereby preventing any interruption in service.
  • Visit SHN headquarters periodically to monitor capacity building implementation needs and challenges related to operations and provide targeted capacity building interventions to SHN operations staff.

Procurement

  • Ensure that all AUHC procurements meet the rules, regulations, and policies of USAID and Chemonics.
  • Oversee the drafting of all RFPs and RFQs and their related purchase orders and fixed price subcontracts, as necessary.
  • Oversee technical evaluation committee (TEC) meetings and ensure quality control of scoring sheets, evaluation summaries, and memoranda of negotiation.
  • Assist with quality control of local operations subcontractors ensuring that deliverables are completed in a timely manner and meet technical requirements.
  • Liaise with technical team regarding technical subcontract requirements and timelines.

Logistics

  • With the safety and security manager, oversee the project’s transportation services agreements to ensure best practices are followed by drivers and that vehicles are maintained and provided with adequate service and repair when necessary.
  • Oversee system of allocating project vehicles to traveling staff, ensuring that vehicles are available at the times at which staff request.
  • Oversee airport pickups and hotel reservations for home office staff, international consultants, and any other project staff traveling within Bangladesh.

Human Resources

  • Directly supervise the procurement specialists, IT manager, administrative assistants, office aides, and the director of finance and administration  and conduct performance evaluations annually for the same.
  • Direct project human resources management, including the recruitment, hiring, and termination (as necessary) of personnel.
  • Oversee the identification, selection, recruitment, training, and orientation of staff and consultants required for the execution of project activities in country. 
  • Ensure compliance with Bangladeshi legislation in all activities related to hiring and management of personnel as well as, together with the director of finance, in the administration of personnel benefits.
  • Supervise the annual performance evaluation process for the entire project.
  • Ensure compliance with Chemonics, USAID, and project policies and local labor law, as they relate to personnel issues.
  • Motivate staff to perform effectively toward achieving project objectives through effective communication, team-building, and responsiveness.
  • Mirror the COP and DCOP in communicating clear expectations to project staff and establishing an operating climate on the project that encourages integrity, honesty, open communications, and commitment to compliance with the laws and regulations of the client, Chemonics, and Bangladesh.

Strategic Activities Fund Management

  • Supervise collaboration between the SAF and technical teams, as well as AUHC activities implemented through local subcontractors.  
  • Act as field-based program controller; advise on funding allocation for subcontractors based on expenditure and implementation records.
  • Review MOUs, subcontracts, and purchase orders before signature.
  • Interpret appropriate regulations in providing contractual support for project personnel.
  • Ensure all SAF/grant activities are done in accordance with AUHC SAF/grants policy manual and USAID regulations.
  • Provide quality control of the competition and selection process for SAF-funded activities.
  • Work with field management to form strategic partnerships through review and development of MOU’s, business plans, and other program implementation.
  • Liaise with the AUHC PMU to seek necessary contract-related approvals.

Finance

  • Together with the director of finance and administration, ensure that an accurate monthly budget reforecast is submitted to the DCOP for review by the 20th of every month.
  • Review all Abacus vouchers for completeness of backup documentation prior to DCOP approval.
  • Conduct periodic, unannounced audits of project petty cash and large safe fund.
  • Oversee both internal audit processes and external partner audits.

Technical Implementation

  • Participate in meetings with counterparts, training providers, and partner institutions as necessary with the COP and technical staff.
  • Draft, write, edit, and rewrite various project reports and deliverables as may be requested by the COP or DCOP. 

Qualifications:

  • Minimum of a master’s degree in the liberals arts, accounting/finance/business administration, or a related field.
  • At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in international donor-funded project finance or operations.
  • Demonstrable understanding of USAID rules and regulations regarding human resource management, administration, travel, procurement and subcontracting, and property management.
  • Experience with the implementation of business conduct plans, fraud prevention and detection, and investigations strongly preferred.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with accounting and non-accounting individuals.  Proficiency in Microsoft programs i.e. Exel, Word, Powerpoint, etc., and the ability to use various commercially available accounting software programs.
  • Previous experience in building or enhancing operations/administration capacity of NGOs or similar organizaitons.
  • Must have the ability to work in a professional and cordial manner with staff, implementing and cooperating partners, and relevant NGOs and government agencies. Also, must be able to work independently with minimal supervision, to be able to accept and discharge substantial responsibilities, to prioritize work assignments, to meet deadlines, and to exercise professional judgment.

Location of Assignment

The location of this assignment is Dhaka, Bangladesh, with periodic travel throughout the country required.

Application Instructions:  Please submit your CV to: bangladeshauhc@gmail.com by July 01, 2019. Please make the subject of your email:  “Managing Director for Operations, Finance, and SAF”. Candidates will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled; early submission encouraged. No telephone inquiries please. Finalists will be contacted.