Scope of Work  

Director of Finance & Administration

Program: USAID Youth Actively Create Opportunities (YACO) Activity

Location: Skopje, North Macedonia

Duration: 5 years

Improving Economies for Stronger Communities (IESC) is a leading U.S. nonprofit organization that fosters private sector development in the economically developing world. Since 1964, we have delivered lasting solutions that have resulted in more than 1.5 million jobs in 137 countries. We partner with businesses, cooperatives, entrepreneurs, jobseekers, and governments to sustainably build capacity, create jobs, and grow enterprises, sharing proven skills and experience that improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities around the world. Our major funders today are the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), among others.

IESC is implementing the $7m USAID Youth Actively Create Opportunities (YACO) Activity in North Macedonia. The purpose of the Activity is to increase positive youth contributions to society and collective youth leadership across North Macedonia. The Activity prioritizes three broad areas of intervention:

Component 1: Create partnerships to support the development of economic opportunities that are attractive to youth.

Component 2: Strengthen youth competencies for jobs, progressive careers and active civic participation.

Component 3: Promote values that underpin self-reliance, such as responsibility, independence, lawfulness, strong ethics, civic engagement and striving for accomplishment.

Under the direction of the YACO Chief of Party (COP), the Director of Finance & Administration (DF&A) will work full-time and be based in Skopje. The DF&A is responsible for oversight of project finances, compliance, accounting, administration, procurement, and payroll. The DF&A will oversee the Activity’s Accountant and Administrative Assistant.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance with IESC and USAID’s policies regarding financial documentation and procurement procedures.
• Direct and monitor the management of cash and other assets to ensure integrity and efficiency of financial resources to meet operational needs.
• Ensure delivery of timely and accurate financial reports and bank reconciliations, and review financial transactions and documentation to ensure compliance.
• Implement sound internal controls across the Activity Field Office, including fraud protection and awareness techniques.
• Oversee preparation and payment of required statutory fees and taxes, and payroll.
• Oversee program property and inventory reporting.
• Conduct compliant procurements for the office, ensuring adequate competition and documentation.
• Assist with maintaining IESC’s legal registration in North Macedonia.
• Oversee Activity HR functions, including recruitment, hiring, and separation procedures.
• Work with Activity senior management to ensure operational efficiency.
• Work with relevant Home Office staff to ensure compliance with USAID and IESC requirements.
• Any other relevant tasks assigned by Activity leadership to meet Activity objectives.     

Qualifications:

• Minimum of seven years of finance and administration experience on donor-funded programming of similar size and scope.
• Excellent understanding of USAID rules and policies and ability to apply policies in implementation.
• Excellent understanding of accounting standards and procurement procedures.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Leadership abilities and able to juggle multiple tasks and competing priorities.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting, finance, or relevant field is required. Advanced degree preferred.
• Fluency in English and Macedonian.  

NOTE: Candidate must currently have the right to live and work in North Macedonia. IESC cannot provide international relocation or sponsorship for this position.

How to apply: Please submit a Curriculum Vitae in English and a letter of interest. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Finalists will be contacted by IESC.

Deadline for submission is March 6, 2023.

IESC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in selection and employment practices.