Position Title: Finance and Operations Director
Project: DRC Country Office
Location: Kinshasa
Reports to: Project Director, EpiC
About FHI 360
FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research and technology โ creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today's interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 70 countries and all U.S. states and territories. We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of: Finance and Operations Director
Summary of Position:
The Finance and Operations Director (DFO) will serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, providing strategic oversight and operational stewardship to ensure the effective delivery of FHI 360โs programs in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Reporting to the Project Director, the DFO will oversee all financial management, operations, administration, procurement, and grants functions, ensuring full compliance with FHI 360 policies, U.S. Government regulations, and local laws.
This role requires a forward-looking leader capable of designing and implementing systems that enhance efficiency, accountability, and financial sustainability. The DFO will lead the development of financial strategies, oversee budget planning and execution, manage risk and compliance frameworks, and ensure transparent and timely reporting to donors and stakeholders. The position also carries responsibility for optimizing operational processes, strengthening internal controls, and building the capacity of finance, operations, and administrative teams.
The DFO will act as a trusted advisor to the Project Director and senior technical leadership, providing data-driven insights to guide decision-making and resource allocation. They will also represent the project in high-level discussions with donors, auditors, partners, and government counterparts on financial and operational matters. This position demands a leader with proven experience managing large, complex, donor-funded programs, exceptional judgment, and the ability to foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement across all operational functions.
Duties and responsibilities:
Leadership and Strategic Oversight
- Provide high-level leadership in financial and operational management, ensuring that resources are effectively aligned with program goals and donor requirements.
- Advise the Project Director and senior leadership team on strategic resource allocation, financial sustainability, and operational efficiency.
Financial Planning, Management, and Compliance
- Lead the development, execution, and monitoring of annual budgets, forecasts, pipelines, and expenditure analyses.
- Ensure rigorous compliance with FHI 360 policies, U.S. Government regulations (including 2 CFR 200 and FAR), and the legal and fiscal requirements of the DRC.
- Oversee internal and external audits, ensuring that findings are addressed promptly and that robust internal controls safeguard project assets and funds.
Operational Excellence
- Direct procurement, logistics, IT, administration, and general services, ensuring operational systems are efficient, transparent, and responsive to program needs.
- Design and implement operational procedures that improve cost-effectiveness, accountability, and timely service delivery across multiple offices.
Subaward and Partner Management
- Oversee financial and operational aspects of subawards, including onboarding, monitoring, compliance, reporting, and close-out.
- Provide tailored technical assistance and capacity building to local partners to strengthen financial systems and long-term sustainability.
Reporting and Stakeholder Engagement
- Ensure timely, accurate, and high-quality financial and operational reporting to donors, headquarters, and government counterparts.
- Represent the project in high-level meetings with donors, partners, and government authorities on finance, operations, and compliance issues.
Team Leadership and Capacity Strengthening
- Supervise, mentor, and develop finance, operations, procurement, and administrative teams to build strong leadership and management pipelines.
- Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement within all operational functions.
Risk Management and Continuous Improvement
- Develop tools, dashboards, and systems to support data-driven decision-making and proactive risk management.
- Anticipate challenges and recommend innovative solutions to strengthen compliance, financial integrity, and operational performance.
Desired knowledge, skills, and attributes:
Comprehensive knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures with accounting, financial controls, and financial information systems.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Excellent and demonstrated organizational and presentation skills.
Excellent and demonstrated project management skills.
Ability to influence, motivate, negotiate, and work well with others.
Is well-versed in state and federal laws and regulations that have impact on financial analysis and management controls.
Has familiarity with automated financial reporting, government accounting practices, 2CFR200, and Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) systems.
Sound knowledge and past experience with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) practices and reporting guidelines.
Must have excellent organizational, supervisory, leadership and managerial skills.
Ability to provide strategic leadership and advice to team, exchange information and collaborate with colleagues and peers within and outside the organization.
Possesses a full understanding of the organizational structure, policies and practices, and the impact on own area and the entire organization.
Demonstrates leadership qualities, depth, and breadth of financial management expertise.
Initiative and ability to deal with a wide range of finance issues.
Works with confidential data, which if disclosed, might have significant internal and / or external effect.
Keeps abreast of the latest trends in financial accounting and mentors staff.
- Must have excellent communication, diplomatic and negotiation skills.
- Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines in a timely manner.
Minimum Requirements
- Advanced degree (Masterโs in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field) required; professional certification such as CPA, ACCA, CIMA strongly preferred.
- Minimum of 12โ15 years of progressively responsible experience in financial and operational management of large, complex, donor-funded programs, with at least 7 years in senior leadership roles.
- Demonstrated expertise in managing U.S. Governmentโfunded awards (including Cooperative Agreements and Contracts) with deep knowledge of 2 CFR 200, FAR, and other relevant regulations.
- Proven track record in strategic financial planning, risk management, compliance, and leading audits for multi-million-dollar, multi-year projects.
- Strong experience in operational management, including procurement, logistics, IT, human resources, and administration in international development settings.
- Demonstrated success in managing and mentoring diverse teams, building capacity, and fostering high-performing work environments.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills with the ability to translate complex financial data into actionable insights for decision-making.
- Strong diplomatic, negotiation, and relationship-building skills with donors, government officials, auditors, and local partners.
- Prior work experience in the Democratic Republic of Congo or similar complex operating environments highly preferred.
- Fluency in English and French required; knowledge of local languages an asset.
This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.
FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.
Our values and commitments to safeguarding: FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicantsโ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicantโs tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.
FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.
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FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others โ and yourself.Please click here to continue searching FHI 360's Career Portal.