Grant and Operation Manager, Somali Dialogue Platform –

Summary
The Somali Dialogue Platform (the ‘Platform’) is a multi-year programme funded by the FCDO, USAID, BUILD and MFA Denmark. The Platform provides a neutral space for dialogue on contentious issues in Somalia’s political settlement, such as designing and implementing elections or clarifying the federal settlement. The overall goal of the Platform is to ensure a ‘high-level and sufficiently inclusive range of political stakeholders regularly and constructively negotiate and seek solutions on contentious political settlement issues in trusted, Somali-owned dialogue spaces’.
The Rift Valley Institute is seeking a highly experienced and dynamic person to manage the Platform’s operations and financial management. The Grant and Operations Manager has overall responsibility for ensuring robust management of finances, risks, compliance, procurement, travel and logistics, and security. S/he will work closely with the Platform’s Team Leader, technical leads and RVI Finance and Operations to ensure the programme is empowered to deliver the work and achieve its key objectives through effective programme management.

Description of Duties
Programme financial management and procurement and compliance
Working with the Engagement and Research Leads, and RVI Finance and Operations, coordinate programme budgeting, expenditure, management and forecasting.
Oversee all programme procurement and contracting processes ensuring adherence to RVI internal policies and compliance with donor regulations
Manage donor contracting and compliance
Support partners, consultants and service-providers to submit expense reports
Support the RVI Finance and Operations team to produce financial reports
Support RVI Finance and Operations in tracking payments and reconciling advances
Review and track the programme’s key VFM indicators
Maintain a list of the Platform’s current and prospective consultants
Maintain the Platform’s asset register
Support RVI staff with audits
Operations and logistics
Oversee the programme’s travel, ensuring adherence to RVI travel policies, including, flights, ground transport and accommodation
Establish and maintain a list of pre-qualified suppliers
Manage logistics for Platform events, including event security
Risk management
Develop and implement RVI’s risk-management methodology, including monthly and quarterly reviews of the Platform’s risk register, and procedures for rapid mitigation.
Maintain a risk mapping of the programme’s delivery chain, including an analysis of all downstream partners and service provider
Security
Act as the focal point for programme security, ensuring adherence to RVI’s security procedures, and coordinating with the programme’s security advisor
Advise on the security aspects of programme activities, minimising risk to staff, consultants, partners, and beneficiaries
Provide analysis on changing security context to advise staff and consultants and to support programme decisions-making

Requirements
Relevant postgraduate degree in Business Administration, Development Studies or similar;
Extensive experience in programme financial management, including budget management, analysis forecasting and reporting
Accounting qualification highly desirable
Over five years experience in programme management and administration in fragile contexts, including Somalia
Demonstrable commitment to the Platform’s core vision and principles
Track-record in ensuring compliance in programme management with institutional donors, especially FCDO (DFID) and USAID
Extensive experience in managing programme procurement
Familiarity with VFM concepts and ability to ensure implementation
Ability to manage programme travel with multiple and simultaneous movements across Somalia
Experience in implementing programme risk management and mitigation strategies
Existing network and knowledge of security, transport and accommodation suppliers in Somalia
Track -record in managing programme security
Fluency in English; Fluency in Somali desirable

Method of Application
To apply, complete the application form below, and upload the specified documents: your CV, including the names and contacts of two referees, and a personal statement. Please address enquiries to recruitment@riftvalley.net

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