IREX is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to building a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world by empowering youth, cultivating leaders, strengthening institutions, and extending access to quality education and information. Founded in 1968, IREX has an annual portfolio of over $100 million, offices in 20 countries, and a global staff of 700. We work in more than 100 countries worldwide.

Summary Of Position

IREX seeks a qualified Finance and Operations Director for the anticipated $12M, five-year USAID-funded New Higher Education Capacity Development Activity in Lebanon. This activity will aim to provide technical assistance and institutional capacity building to local higher education institutions and to key official higher education entities in areas such as strategic planning, administrative and financial management, and collaboration with other stakeholders, to improve their effectiveness at the system level and to develop linkages with the private productive sector.

Based in Beirut, the Finance and Operations Director will ensure efficient and effective program operations and compliant financial protocols to ensure deliverables are met on time and on budget.

• Only citizens of Lebanon or permanent residents with work authorization will be considered. This position is contingent on funding**
  
  

Primary Responsibilities

• Support the COP in day-to-day program management and ensure that the program meets all IREX, USAID and host country regulations and requirements related to USAID funds usage, accountability, and operations within the country.
• Coordinate with technical teams to ensure robust and realistic procurement planning and management, including vetting where applicable.
• Track and analyze all costs incurred under the award; oversee all payments.
• Monitor program budget and advise senior management on burn rates and other programmatic considerations; provide complete and compliant required reporting; and maintain financial records for all program activities;
• Overseeing subgrantee budgets and expenditures; provide relevant capacity building on financial and operational requirements for local partners as needed.
• Ensure compliant engagement of participants including attendance records, and vetting where applicable
• Supervise Finance and Operations team.
• Ensure that appropriate financial record-keeping policies and practices are established and maintained throughout the life of the program;
• Oversee all office expenditures and staff transportation/vehicles; lead human resource management;
• Establish financial and operational systems during start-up.
• Liaise with IREX home office financial, compliance and field operations teams; and
• Other duties, as assigned.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, accounting or related field
• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience managing operations and financial activities for donor-funded programs, preferably USAID
• Demonstrated knowledge of management processes and systems from start-up to close out, such as human resources management and development financial management, fraud prevention measures, and management of employee compensation systems.
• Experience analyzing budget trends and monitoring funding levels. Ability to compile and prepare financial and budget data in-line with USG rules and regulations.
• Expertise with procedures required for adequate planning, monitoring, and realigning of complex budgets.
• Demonstrated ability to work with host government and cooperating partners in implementing a complex program in the field under challenging circumstances.
• Skilled in managing and compiling financial data for reporting and ensuring compliance with all donor requirements.
• Knowledge and understanding of USAID rules, regulations, and reporting requirements
• Demonstrated leadership, strategic thinking and planning, management, and presentation skills
• Advanced fluency in Arabic and English required.