Director of Finance and Risk Management - Rabat, Morocco

Summary: Counterpart International is currently seeking a Director of Finance and Risk Management (DFRM) to support the USDA Food for Progress (FFPr) Promoting Rural Infrastructure, Modernization, and Efficiency (PRIME) project. The overall objective of the project is to modernize Morocco's slaughterhouse and cold-chain infrastructure across the livestock value chain, contributing to improved food safety, market efficiency, agricultural productivity, and trade. Aligned with Morocco's Generation Green 2030 strategy and USDA Food for Progress objectives, PRIME will strengthen regulatory compliance, build institutional and workforce capacity, facilitate public and private investment, and improve market access through enhanced traceability and consumer awareness.

In collaboration with the Chief of Party (COP), the DFRM will oversee all the operational and financial aspects of the project, ensuring that financial operations are in compliance with USDA regulations. In addition, the DFRM will carry out the below responsibilities. This is a full-time position based in Rabat, and will report to Chief of Party. Qualified Moroccan nationals are encouraged to apply.

Primary Responsibilities

Financial

· As the primary responsible person for the financial management of the project, ensure accounting books are closed by the required deadline and all monthly-financial-report documentation are thoroughly checked, signed/approved and submitted to DC Office Project Finance Officer in charge.

· Monitor program budget burn rate and update information monthly related to project budget, pipelines, accruals, financial reports, and spending projections, in coordination with Programs.

· Prepare monthly requests for funds from the US office to ensure the project has the necessary funds for operations

· Manage the relationship with the local bank and ensure smooth program implementation and accurate financial operations

· Prepare quarterly cash advance requests to USDA for submission by the US office

· Work closely with the COP to manage high-risk issues and potential financial liabilities. Escalate any high-risk issues to Counterpart HQ.

· Establish and oversee financial management systems, procedures, and controls.

· Acquire mastery of Counterpart Field Finance Operations Manual, Procurement Manual, Grants Manual, Accounting QuickBooks Manual and other relevant operations and administrative documents.

· Provide regular training to financial and administrative staff on tools, policies and procedures to increase efficiency in project operations.

· Work with US office to develop the project Finance, Human Resources, Procurement, Risk and other manuals and update them as necessary.

· Carry out internal compliance assessments to ensure that Counterpart and donor guidelines are implemented and upheld and that the findings are captured in the risk register/issues log

· Coordinate all necessary audits, statutory requirements, and financial enquiries from USDA, the Government of Morocco and HQ; including tax reporting as required by local law

· Review the monthly tax return and the annual income tax and VAT affidavit if applicable.

· Review and supervise the payroll of social benefits and income withholdings

· Supervise the sending of pay slips, payroll books and accounting books in accordance with the established policies and procedures

· Supervise the registration in the accounting system of all transactions carried out in accordance with the accounting procedures established by the US office

· Send accounting information to the central office on the dates indicated monthly.

Operations & Administration

· Manage and oversee all operations related to the project, including logistical, procurement, security, access, human resources, risk and compliance and ensure compliance with Morocco laws, Counterpart policies and donor regulations.

· Ensure that operational systems are in place and that they perform optimally in support of the timely implementation of field activities.

· Supervise and support the contracting and execution of all logistical coordination, transportation, purchase of equipment, purchase of inputs, and leasing of equipment for the proper development of all activities.

· Oversee all aspects of HR management, including the development of HR policies, recruitment, and compliance with local labor law.

· Supervise and support the contracting of medical, life and vehicle insurance and the execution of contracts.

· Conduct partner capacity assessments and flag high-risk concerns to management; ensure a mechanism is in place to monitor compliance by sub-contracted partners.

· Coordinate weekly internal coordination meetings with senior staff and ensure proper dissemination of information to all staff as appropriate.

· Ensure program implementation follows Counterpart’s policies/procedures, the laws of the Government of Morocco, and USDA rules and regulations, particularly with respect to financial and grants management.

· Oversee the relationship with the legal and accounting firms and ensure all requirements are duly met

· Ensure registration requirements are met each year and registration renewal is documented

· Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

· Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance, or equivalent; Master’s degree preferred.

· Minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, with a minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible finance and operational management experience backstopping USG-Funded programs.

· Experience working and leading Finance and Operations teams to deliver project objectives.

· Knowledge of applicable US government regulations.

· Proven experience managing the finances of large ($10M+) projects.

· Demonstrated ability to implement financial systems for development projects.

· Strong analytical and computer skills, especially with accounting software, spreadsheets, and in financial analysis.

· Demonstrated project management experience, including budget and financial management.

· At least 3 years’ experience managing risk and compliance with an international NGO.

· Demonstrated ability to give effective presentations and write high-quality technical reports.

· Ability to produce high-quality deliverables throughout the project cycle from planning, management, and execution to troubleshooting.

· Demonstrated ability to communicate fully and effectively, both orally and in writing, in English, Arabic, and Amazigh is required; proficiency in French is preferred.

Counterpart is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, or other legally protected characteristics.

Accessibility Notice: If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to recruiting@counterpart.org

Only finalists will be contacted. No phone calls, please.