Director, Finance and Operations

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia About Palladium Operating in over 50 countries, Palladium is a global consulting and implementation company working in partnership with governments, businesses, investors, and communities to design and deliver solutions that create lasting positive impact. We address some of the world's most complex challenges across infrastructure, economic growth and natural capital, health, energy, climate and environment, and digital transformation—strengthening systems, institutions, and markets to support inclusive and sustainable development. Our more than 2,100 staff worldwide work as trusted advisors across diverse contexts, combining deep technical expertise, implementation techniques, and innovative technology to deliver locally informed, client-focused solutions that help organizations achieve measurable, sustainable impact. Palladium is part of GISI's global family of companies, which aims to create solutions for the world's most complex challenges. With annual revenues of $14 billion, GISI's approximately 15,000 employees are engaged in projects across 100 countries worldwide providing construction, program/project management, and engineering consulting services. Project Overview The America First Global Health Strategy Palladium Sole Source Award (AFGHS-Palladium supports country-led efforts to strengthen health systems, advance global health security, and sustain essential health services in alignment with the America First Global Health Strategy. Leveraging Palladium's expertise in health systems strengthening, digital transformation, and data use, the project will strengthen governance, service delivery, and decision-making through integrated and interoperable systems across priority health programs. The award also supports stronger health financing, public financial management, and accountability mechanisms to promote resilient, efficient, and country-owned health systems. Duration and Funding This is a fixed-term, project-funded position with an initial term of 12 months (through September 2027). Employment is contingent upon the availability of funding, with the potential for extension based on project requirements and funding availability. Location This role is based in Palladium's Addis Ababa, Ethiopia office, with periodic travel within Ethiopia to project sites and regional offices. Applicants must have authorization to work in Ethiopia, as visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Position Summary The Director, Finance and Operations provides strategic leadership and oversight of finance, operations, procurement, human resources, administration, compliance, and risk management across Palladium's Ethiopia portfolio. Reporting to the Country Director, the Director serves as the senior finance and operations leader in-country, ensuring strong financial stewardship, operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and effective risk management. The role works closely with project leadership, government stakeholders, and corporate teams to support efficient project delivery, strengthen organizational performance, and ensure responsible management of financial and operational resources. For the project, the Director is accountable for cash-flow forecasting and financing under a results-based payment model, for the timely procurement and deployment of ICT equipment and infrastructure across 48 health facilities and central systems, and for oversight of the project's subcontract portfolio, working with the Finance and Operations Manager and the Grants and Contracts Specialist. Key Deliverables (Year 1) Rolling 12-month cash-flow forecast and financing plan aligned with the project's results-based payment schedule, updated monthly. ICT equipment and infrastructure for 48 health facilities and central systems procured, delivered, and installed within the first four months, with a complete asset register. Subcontract portfolio executed on schedule, with deliverable-based payment terms and compliance monitoring in place. Clean internal and external audits and timely statutory filings for the Ethiopia portfolio. Supervisory Responsibilities Supervise the AFGHS Finance and Operations Manager, the Grants and Contracts Specialist, and procurement staff, with a clearly documented division of responsibilities between the Director and the AFGHS-level finance and operations team. Provide leadership and oversight of the in-country operations and finance teams, ensuring standard accounting principles, procurement regulations, and internal controls are followed in all financial and contractual transactions. Oversee the performance management of financial and procurement staff, ensuring job responsibilities are carried out to a high standard. Ensure finance, procurement, and operations staff receive regular, constructive performance feedback, timely approval of timesheets, and appropriate mentoring; oversee completion of annual performance reviews. Escalate significant performance or personnel issues to the Country Director and Project Delivery Manager in Washington, DC, as appropriate. Perform other management duties and tasks as assigned. Budget, Accounting And Financial Management Ensure all AFGHS-Palladium project finances are managed in compliance with Ethiopian government regulations and Palladium's and the client's financial policies and procedures. Oversee coordination between the field office and HQ to prepare, review, and revise AFGHS-Palladium project budgets, expenditure forecasts, and other required financial reports. Oversee the annual financial audit process, ensuring timely provision of required documentation and information. Ensure timely submission of field cash requests and effective management of field cash flow, including oversight of project’s financial tools in coordination with the project management unit (PMU). Ensure timely submission of Delegation of Authority (DoA) approvals and timely entry of transactions into QuickBooks as well as Field Voucher submissions to PMU in compliance with Palladium policies. Ensure timely and professional communication with suppliers, consultants, vendors, contractors, and staff regarding invoices, payments, advances, and other financial matters. Ensure invoices are reconciled and reviewed prior to payment, with appropriate approvals and deliverable verification, and oversee banking processes related to the project. Ensure applicable Ethiopian tax withholding and statutory deductions are properly administered. Ensure bank and petty cash account records and supporting documentation are accurately maintained and kept up to date. Ensure all financial transactions are reviewed and recorded accurately and on time using HQ-provided financial templates. Oversee financial recording and the timely submission of field vouchers and financial reports to HQ, ensuring adequate back-up coverage of core finance functions. Ensure bank statements are collected and reconciled against the cash book on a regular basis. Oversee the process for tax exemptions and VAT reimbursements related to AFGHS procurement. Advise the Country Director on all policy matters concerning the project’s budgets, accounting, and financial management. Perform other related duties and tasks as assigned. Operations And Office Management Enhance in-country administrative and finance systems to ensure they complement Palladium HQ systems. Oversee all administrative functions of the office to ensure smooth operations across all phases of the project: start-up, full implementation, and close-out. Represent Palladium’s projects in Ethiopia in matters pertaining to finance and operations at implementing partner meetings (e.g., DoS finance meetings). Coordinate with HQ, the Ethiopia office, and company security focal points to ensure company safety and security policies and guidelines are followed. Oversee business travel management for staff, including review and approval of travel authorizations, advance requests, and expense reports, and logistics arrangements for transportation and lodging; ensure travelers follow applicable project specific SOPs and donor guidelines. Oversee tracking of travel advances and follow up to ensure timely submission of travel expense reports and advance reconciliations. Ensure necessary insurance coverage for staff, office, and equipment is in place. Coordinate with the technical team to ensure operations support during travel, workshops, trainings, and other events. Perform other related duties and tasks as assigned. Administrative Functions Oversee management of office space, including lease agreements, utilities and service agreements, timely payments, and renewal or termination of agreements. Oversee local staff and consultant recruitment, hiring, and contracting. Oversee contract expiry tracking and ensure timely renewal in consultation with HQ and the project management unit. Ensure personnel files for all staff are created, maintained, and archived, including recruitment documents, employment agreements, leave records, and other performance-related information. Ensure timely submission of staff timesheets, leave plans, leave requests, and supervisor approvals; oversee tracking of accrued and used leave. Oversee inventory management for office and projects equipment (including computers, printers, etc.) and publications and supplies, including an updated inventory list, insurance, and periodic maintenance. Oversee management of project property in compliance with donor and company guidelines and regulations, including submission of monthly and other periodic reports. Lead inventory control system and oversee the annual property physical inventory verification on the contract anniversary date. Oversee the efficient utilization and maintenance of project resources, including vehicles, IT and office equipment and furnishings, and other physical assets purchased by or assigned to the projects in Ethiopia. Advise the Country Director on all policy matters concerning project administration. Perform other related duties as assigned. Procurement Management Ensure the project team follows company policy, the projects’ specific SOPs, and donor regulations when engaging consultants, vendors, and contractors. Oversee the negotiation, administration, and compliance of agreements across the full lifecycle, from award through close-out. Ensure Palladium procurement procedures are followed and that project staff are trained in procurement mechanisms and any new procurement procedures. Ensure appropriate authorization is obtained prior to any purchase. Oversee the development, negotiation, and administration of partner agreements, including sub-contracts, consultancy agreements, letter agreements, purchase orders, and internship agreements. Oversee requests for contract modifications and approvals, such as scope adjustments, personnel changes, budget realignments, performance period changes, implementing partner changes, and consultant approvals. Perform other procurement-related duties and tasks as assigned. Grants/Subawards And Subcontract Management Manage coordination with technical staff to develop RFA and prepare documentation for grant evaluation and approvals Oversee that advertisement of RFA, analyze and evaluate applications and proposals with the review team, and issue grants that adheres to the project polices Oversee the start-up and closeout of grants and sub-contracts over the life of the project Advise and monitor grants management policies, procedures, and practices to grantees Ensure appropriate documentation is completed and on file to guarantee grant and sub-contracts file audit readiness Oversee payment of grant milestones to ensure compliance with workplan and milestones and monitor the projected expenditures against their actual expenses In coordination with HQ and local staff, review monthly grants budget reports to monitor spend rate against forecast Oversee the screening all selected grantees/sub awardees through Refinitiv WorldCheck, Sam.Gov, OFAC, and UN Sanctioned List Any other grants/subawards duties and tasks as assigned. Strategic Leadership and Portfolio Oversight Provide strategic leadership and oversight of finance, operations, procurement, human resources, administration, compliance, and risk management functions. Required Qualifications Education Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Management, or a related field. Professional accounting qualification such as ACCA, CPA, CIMA, or equivalent is strongly preferred. Experience Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in finance, operations, administration, or project management, including senior leadership responsibilities. Demonstrated experience leading finance and operations functions for donor-funded international development programs. Significant experience managing budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, procurement, human resources, compliance, and risk management functions. Experience managing complex multi-project portfolios and shared services environments. Experience with U.S. Government-funded programs, including DOS, CDC, or other federal agencies, is highly desirable. Experience working with multilateral organizations, including the World Bank, United Nations agencies, Global Fund, and other development partners, is an advantage. Demonstrated experience managing audits, compliance reviews, donor reporting, and regulatory requirements. Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and supporting organizational growth and operational excellence. Experience working in Ethiopia or similar international development contexts is strongly preferred. Technical Competencies And Skills Strong knowledge of financial management, accounting, budgeting, forecasting, procurement, and operational systems. Understanding of donor regulations and compliance requirements, particularly U.S. Government and multilateral donor funding mechanisms. Experience in financial modeling, risk management, internal controls, audit management, and business planning. Experience with results-based, milestone-based, or fixed-price awards and the associated cash-flow forecasting and revenue recognition requirements. Knowledge of Ethiopian financial, tax, labor, and regulatory requirements. Strong leadership, strategic planning, decision-making, and organizational management skills. Excellent analytical, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement abilities. Strong project management and team leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, and experience with ERP, financial management, or enterprise systems. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply early as the position may close once a suitable candidate is found. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran. Should you require any adjustments or accommodations to be made due to a disability or you are a neurodivergent individual, or for any other circumstance, please email our team at accessibility@thepalladiumgroup.com and we will be in touch to discuss. Safeguarding - We define Safeguarding as “the preventative action taken by Palladium to protect our people, clients and the communities we work with from harm”. We are committed to ensuring that all children and adults who come into contact with Palladium are treated with respect and are free from abuse. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced selection process including safeguarding-focused interviews and a rigorous due diligence process.