Afghanistan: Finance and Grants Consultant--AFGHANISTAN

Counterpart International is a global development organization that empowers people and communities to implement innovative and enduring solutions to social, economic, and environmental challenges. For nearly 50 years, Counterpart has been forging partnerships with communities in need to address complex problems related to economic development, food security and nutrition, and building effective governance and institutions.
For more information visit www.Counterpart.org
SUMMARY:
Counterpart International is seeking a Finance and Grants Management Consultant for its 5-year, USAID funded, Afghan Civic Engagement Program (ACEP). This is a short-term consultancy position based in Kabul, Afghanistan. In December 2013, the Afghan Civic Engagement Program (ACEP) was awarded to Counterpart International Inc. and its partners Internews Networks, International Centre for Non-for-Profit Law (ICNL) and the Aga Khan Foundation USA. The goal of ACEP is to promote civil society and media engagement that enables Afghan citizens to influence policy, monitor government accountability, and serve as advocates for political reform. The program aims to achieve this goal through the following five program areas: (1) regular CSO engagement with government; (2) increase CSO and media thematic expertise in democracy and governance; (3) expand civic engagement; (4) improve access to independent news and public affairs information; and (5) increase CSO organizational capacity. Counterpart International’s Afghan Civic Engagement Program (ACEP) has been recruiting a Finance and Grants Management Consultant to serve in a short-term consulting capacity for a period of up to thirty (30) days onsite in Kabul. With the support and under the supervision of the Chief of Party (COP), the Finance and Grants Management Consultant will ensure program compliance with donor regulations, as well as internal policies related to finance, procurement, sub-grants, and other administration. The Finance and Grants Management Consultant should have progressive experience in the areas of: financial management, grants management, accountability, auditing, and procurement, as well as USAID rules and regulations governing financial, grants, and administrative management. S/he will review the subrecipients’ reports, sub-award assessments, post-award management and assist in identifying potential irregularities to be addressed.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Review of the current and past subrecipients’ financial and performance reports, including the cost share documentation, and clear the backlog;
• Provide assistance with continued improvements of tracking and reporting systems for all aspects of grants and financial management;
• Train and mentor local staff responsible for program accounting, in particular as it relates to grants, to ensure that generally accepted accounting principles and best practices of financial management are being followed, and there is an adequate control system in place;
• Review procedures of checks and balances and ensure appropriate corrective actions are being taken once any weaknesses are identified;
• Review the cost share methodology and practice between grantees and CPI to determine whether the methodology is fair and equitable, and make recommendations for improvement as needed;
• Design with CPI HQ assistance and implement grants management process addressing any identified irregularities per the areas mentioned above.
RequirementsQUALIFICATIONS:
• A university degree in finance, business administration, or related field is required.
• At least five (5) years’ work experience in financial management with experience and knowledge of international donor programs.
• At least five (5) years of experience in administering small grants in an international development program, including experience in grants design, negotiation, and administration of civil society related grants.
• Demonstrated experience in effective training and coaching in financial management particular as it relates to grants.
• Knowledge of Afghanistan financial and accounting systems and regulations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of USAID and other USG rules, regulations, policies, and procedures
• High level of interpersonal and communication skills and excellent computer skills (Microsoft Word, Database management, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Fluency in business English with excellent English writing skills. Pashto/Dari a plus.