Organization: Adeso: African Development Solutions www.adesoafrica.org
Position Title: Finance & Operations Director (FOD)
Reporting to: Executive Director
Working with: All levels of the organization
Program/ Duty station: Nairobi Headquarters office
Duration: 2 years, Renewable
Starting date: Immediate
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
Adeso is a pioneering African social enterprise with global influence. Rooted in Africa for over 30 years, we are working toward a decolonised world where people thrive through their own resourcefulness and tenacity. Adeso is part of global movement to shift power to local leaders who are closest to the problem and, by consequence, closest to the solution. We are working with allies all over the world to reimagine and build a better system that is based on the principles of solidarity, humility, self-determination, and equality. We are committed to this work. Committed to proving it is possible. Ready to partner, ready to overcome barriers, and ready to evolve to create a blueprint for change.
Adeso has successfully launched social enterprises and subsidiaries, such as Ladhan Investment Company Ltd, Libin Investment Company Ltd, and Kuja, each with the aim of building the ecosystem needed to confront the legacy of colonialism. These entities all fall under the private sector arm of Adeso, while Adeso’s humanitarian programs and internal operations fall under the non-profit arm of Adeso and are led by Program Leads and Departmental Heads. Through this portfolio of solutions, we work to connect, design, launch, and scale the most promising innovations that will be a catalyst for community-led change. As a recognized leader in the global effort to decolonize the humanitarian and development aid system, Adeso leads coalitions working with civil society leaders, funders, INGOs, and aid agencies that are designed to shift power and resources to those most proximate to the world’s most urgent challenges.
Join us as we continue to build a better, more equitable, future for communities across Africa and beyond.
POSITION SUMMARY
The FOD is a senior Operations and Finance staff of Adeso reporting to the Deputy Director and responsible for planning, directing, and controlling the overall internal administrative functions at Adeso by ensuring all financial and operations processes and procedures are in accordance with organizational policies. S/He will oversee the Operations and Finance Departments and will on an ongoing basis review the services being offered and develop new processes as needs emerge to ensure the growth and internal health of the organization.
SPECIFIC ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting directly to the Deputy Director of Adeso, the FOD will provide effective leadership and implement and lead continuous quality improvement in Operations and Finance with the following responsibilities:
Finance
Provide leadership, direction and management to the finance team.
Manage the processes for budgeting and financial forecasting and oversee the preparation of all financial reporting and advise on long-term financial planning.
Ensure that risk and compliance management is operational within the Finance department.
Oversee the Board Audit and Finance and Investments Committees in collaboration with the Finance Manager and ensure that financial and accounting affairs of Adeso are within the guidelines established by the Board and are consistent with Board decisions and the Board’s expectations of management.
Oversee the revision and roll-out of the advanced ERP software for the organization and the digitization of all transactions and related activities of the Adeso Finance department.
Implement continuous financial audit and control systems to monitor performance of Adeso including flow of funds, adherence to the annual budget, expenditure, income and other budgetary items.
Ensure timely and quality financial reporting of the programs and departmental activities, which comply with donor and institutional requirements.
Develop a system for the planning, budgeting, tracking and use of administration/overhead income and expenditure for Adeso and develop a plan for the establishment of a general fund for the organization and a secure investment portfolio.
Promote financial accountability and reporting through designing systems and policies which provide appropriate levels of security and control of Adeso assets, resources and operations
Operations
- Analyze the current technology infrastructure and scope out the next level of information and technology that supports the growth of specific programs and the organization overall.
- Oversee the procurement of goods and services; ensure that all purchased products and services are of the required quality; and manage all relationships with vendors and service providers.
- Lead in the roll-out of all reviewed policies and update them regularly according to Adeso’s new strategy and business focus.
- Work towards providing the Board assurance that proper systems are in place to identify and manage business risks and confirm that such risks are acceptable to Adeso and are within the guidelines established by Auditors and the Board.
Promote financial accountability and reporting through designing systems and policies which provide appropriate levels of security and control of Adeso assets, resources and operations.
Other duties and tasks as expected.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
As a prerequisite, the successful candidate must believe in the core values of Adeso and be driven by the mission and vision. S/He must demonstrate a passion for breaking new ground to lead change.
Deep understanding of financial principles like accounting, financial reporting, and tax planning with experience in a full range of numeric skills including use of automated solutions.
Must have a strong finance background with a track record of managing donor reporting and overseeing budgets for nonprofits.
Degree in Business Management, Administration, Management, or a related field.
Five (5) years or more experience in a leadership role within the nonprofit sector.
Strong operations, business development, planning and leadership skills with proven track record of exceeding goals.
Evidence of good decision making, setting priorities, critical thinking skills and the ability to balance the delivery of targets against the reality of the budget.
Exceptional capacity for managing and leading people; a team builder with the ability to connect with all levels of employees; individually and collectively.
APPLICATION PROCESS
This is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated and highly motivated professional. If you would like to join our team, please submit your application to j[email protected] quoting the position in the email subject matter. This application will be open until the position is filled.
Each application should be addressed to the Human Resources Department and include the following:
1 page Cover Letter with applicant’s current contact information.
1 page Resume or CV including detailed work experience, education/degrees, and details of similar assignments.
3 professional references with complete contact information (Name, Relationship to Reference, Email and Phone Number)
Applications that do not include all of the above information will not be reviewed. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Adeso is an equal-opportunity employer.
