International Project Finance Manager (USAID)

The World at Abt

Solving the world’s most pressing issues and improving the quality of life for people worldwide is what we do every day at Abt Associates. Creating a more equitable world is no small task, but we are driven by big challenges.

We are a team of 3,000 people in over 50 countries working in unison and focused on the bigger picture. Only by sharing our commitment, energy, and innovation do we affect change and push the boundaries of what’s possible. We welcome diverse ideas, backgrounds, and viewpoints – joining Abt means access to exceptional thinkers at the top of their game.

To thrive at Abt is to embrace flexibility and collaboration. Our open culture allows you to balance your work and personal life as needed to optimize personal well-being. Creating a more equitable world starts from within – we look after people around the world, and we’ll do the same for you.

Ready to embrace rewarding and meaningful work? Now’s your chance.

The Opportunity

Abt Associates is a mission-driven, global leader in research and program implementation in the fields of health, social and environmental policy, and international development. Known for its rigorous approach to solving complex challenges, Abt Associates is regularly ranked as one of the top 20 global research firms and one of the top 40 international development innovators. The company has multiple offices in the U.S. and program offices in more than 40 countries.

Under the direction of the Senior Project Finance Manager, the Project Finance Manager manages all financial and contractual elements of a portfolio of USAID-funded projects in collaboration with other departments/functional support areas including Contracts and Procurement, HR, and corporate/division to facilitate excellence in project delivery, to enhance client and program knowledge, to enforce policy adherence and to ensure process standardization across the supporting Project Finance team. This role will also lead other Project Finance staff in HQ and in the field offices to include mentoring, training, and performance reviews and requires strong communication skills with respect to breaking down and explaining financial risks/implications of project management decisions.

Core Responsibilities

This position requires significant interaction and coordination between field staff, home office technical staff and home office support departments, excellent communication and leadership skills, and problem-solving abilities. The role requires an understanding of field office challenges and project goals and objectives, a strong desire to analyze, investigate, and resolve issues, ability to collaborate and lead through others and be a thought partner for the Finance project director with a focus on continuous improvement.

Financial Management:

• Ensures compliance with applicable policies and procedures, Federal regulations, guidelines, and contractual requirements, enforce adherence to requirements, and advise Senior Project Finance Manage on needed actions
• Take ownership of finance related matters for the portfolio of projects in varying countries in the region and regularly update the project’s financial performance to the Senior Project Finance Manager, Project Director, and company leadership with timely escalation of risks and issues
• Serves as a subject matter expert for the Finance Site offices and Program team from a financial perspective; assesses and implements improvements in project financial controls, processes, and data manipulation
• Develops and reviews workplan budgets and budget modifications in close coordination with Program staff that align to contractual requirements
• Provide high quality, timely support, and guidance to Project team and PFAs in HQ and in the site office according to Project Finance RACI charts and site office segregation of duties matrices
• Provide timely review and input on project specific deliverables related to financial or contractual requirements (such as monthly invoicing, supporting back-up data, pipeline reports, other quarterly, Semi annual and annual reports as required under the project.)
• Timely review, process or manage ROVs (Remote Office Voucher/Field Expenses) and site office expenses, requisitions, wire requests and other tasks for the field offices as needed.
• Oversee subcontractor/supplier/consultant invoice for accuracy, validate subcontractor/supplier/consultant spending is in alignment with expected forecasts, funding, and commitments
• Work with Senior Project Finance Manager to minimize controllable non-billed amounts
• Special projects process improvement initiatives or others as advised by the Senior Project Finance Manager

Management and Training:

• Supervise and provide guidance and opportunities to home office and site Finance staff members to facilitate their professional growth
• Collaborate with Senior Project Finance Manager and Project Finance leadership on training requirements and support training activities for countries under the portfolio
• Continuously monitor the performance to increase capacity of staff in the region and in the HQ under this role
• Support project finance team by providing surge support when needed

Management of Regional Projects:

• Be the Finance Business partner to support Regional Vice President and collaborate top level management of all projects within the region.
• Prepare and present financial information in large regionwide group on a monthly basis or as necessary.
• Proactively Attend Project Heath review meetings for all regional projects and suggest solutions and coordinate, as necessary.
• Be reference point for advice for finance related matters and work with RVP in resolving those for the region.
• Participate in recruitment of junior project finance staff members and onboarding them.

What We're Looking For

• Familiarity with Federal and USAID Acquisition Regulations (FARs and AIDARs); experience on USAID contracts is a demonstrable advantage
• Experience in PEPFAR financial reporting requirements would be desirable.
• Extensive knowledge of Excel spreadsheet programs and experience with developing financial models
• Strong analytical and computer skills, ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently, and familiarity with current Internet resources
• Ability to prioritize, delegate and follow through tasks with a team
• Self-directed with proven ability to research complex issues, work independently, and multi-task several projects efficiently
• Strong communication skills in order to collaborate with other department/functional support areas (e.g. Contracts, Procurement, HR, etc.)
• Experience with Oracle and TM1 based systems preferred. Working knowledge in QB is desirable.
• Must be able to use multiple online platforms and generate useful project finance reports.
• Experience managing people and direct responsibility for objective setting, performance reviews and disciplinary actions
• French speaker is not required but desirable

Minimum Qualifications

• 10 years of experience and BA degree (in finance, accounting, or economics) or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

What We Offer

We foster an environment where you can Thrive Your Way. Our innovative total rewards programs are designed to help balance your work and personal life. The approach toward your wellbeing centers around comprehensive benefits, flexible schedules, and professional development.

Abt Associates is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt Associates provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

This position offers an anticipated annual base salary range of approximately $92,000 to $146,000, and may vary by ten percent depending on candidate geographic location. Salary offers are made based on internal equity and market analysis.

Disclaimer: Abt Associates will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.