Director of Finance and Operations – USAID Better Health

Options Consultancy Services Limited (Options) is a global team of experts and innovators tackling some of the world’s most pressing health challenges. We work with leaders and change makers around the globe to bring health strategies to life. We provide ideas, advice and technical know-how that enable our partners to build a path to lasting change. We have corporate offices in the United Kingdom, Nepal, Nigeria and Kenya and have delivered client-funded projects in over 50 countries worldwide.

With 30 years’ experience in global health, we collaborate with our partners to explore existing evidence, combine expertise, scale up ideas and co-create solutions that accelerate change. This includes collaborating on policy design, managing initiatives, building powerful coalitions and galvanizing social movements. Our impact is felt across whole communities, with a focus on women, girls and those who have been marginalized.

Gender equality and social change are at the forefront of our work. We believe in a world where everyone can access the high-quality health services they need, without financial burden.

Options has worked alongside the health system in Nepal for over 25 years, with longstanding relationships with government and a deep and nuanced understanding of health sector structures and the current challenges and opportunities of transition to a devolved system. Our work has focused on strengthening the health system and enabling women and children to access the healthcare they need by overcoming financial, geographic, and social barriers and facilitating long term systems change. We have worked in partnership with government at all levels from national to district and palika, and through local communities, supporting the delivery of successive Nepal Health Sector Programs.

Options is seeking a Director of Finance and Operations for an anticipated USAID-funded health project in Nepal. The 5-year, Better Health Activity will support the three tiers of governments to improve the health system, especially around improved governance, improved demand-side barriers, and accountability of communities in the health system, and improved quality of health care services at the facility and community level.

The Director of Finance and Operations will be responsible for implementing robust and efficient operational and financial systems for the delivery of Better Health, including monitoring all finance and administration policies and procedures for the Better Health program, as well as ensuring proper resource allocation.

The Director of Finance and Operations will work closely with the Chief of Party and other colleagues on finance, administration and compliance related issues to ensure targets are met and the program is properly administered. They will ensure that program objectives, outcomes, and deliverables are met and that financial, operational, and reporting requirements are in compliance with USAID regulations and the program’s policies and processes. They will be the primary point of contact for all financial and administration management on the Better Health program. This includes responding to ad hoc requests and supporting the Better Health team and Options’ global team in the financial management of the program.

The Finance and Operations Director will be responsible for ensuring the financial health of the program and the correct usage of funds and that the program is USAID compliant with all the in-country statutory reporting and regulation requirements with the relevant bodies in Nepal, including the Inland Revenue Department and other regulatory bodies. They will lead the statutory financial audit in Nepal and provide inputs and supporting documentation for the UK audit. They will also be responsible for leading the finance, compliance, administrative and logistics team and overseeing the HR function of the program.

• Significant experience leading program finances and administration in similar roles for multi-year donor-funded projects, ideally USAID contracts.
• Experience working with partners in a prime role and flowing down USAID regulations.
• Experience of managing payroll and related systems and polices.
• Experience providing administration and logistical support to team colleagues over multiple locations.
• Experience in procurement according to best practice guidelines.
• Experience working with international based consultants and colleagues and supporting travel and logistics.
• Experience of working as part of an international organization and providing reporting information.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in analyzing and interpreting annual budgets, financial monitoring and financial reports.
• Knowledge of national regulatory requirements for organizations such as Options.
• Demonstrable experience of working with USAID and familiarity with USAID practice and protocol, particularly USAID contracts. Experience with USAID planning and reporting systems, operations, programming, and structure.
• Experience in managing budgets effectively with oversight on spending while providing regular oversight on issues related to risk and audit.
• Experience of risk management and mitigation in a program context.

• Fixed term contract (5 years), position contingent upon funding.
• Options is dedicated to equal opportunity for all and recognises that every individual is unique. Whilst we always seek to embrace individual differences and celebrate the diversity of our workforce, we also want to ensure that every team member is suited to their role and that they are given the best opportunity to succeed.
• Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and post holders to share this commitment.
• Applicants must have the right to work in Nepal.