USAID Pacific American Fund Small-Scale Construction Finance & Administration Specialist

Overview of the Company

Social Solutions International, Inc. (Social Solutions) is a Hispanic and woman-owned business emphasizing quality research and evaluation, training and technical assistance, and institutional support services. We are a mission-driven organization that believes that superior science can improve the world. Social Solutions is dedicated to the creation of social and health solutions to improve the welfare of underserved populations worldwide.

Social Solutions is a large, thriving business with a fun atmosphere that encourages creativity, new ideas, and employee health and well-being. We put our employees first and use empathetic leadership, taking a genuine interest in our employees’ lives and the challenges they face in and out of the workplace. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) are integral to our company culture, and we are continuously striving to enhance our DEIA efforts across our company. You will feel like a contributing member of a growing team and company that has flexibility to enhance processes and procedures quickly to improve performance and growth. We help our employees carve out a professional pathway that has mutual benefits for them and Social Solutions. Social Solutions also offers exceptional compensation and benefits, detailed below.

Overview of the Position

Social Solutions International Inc. is seeking a Finance & Administration (F&A) Specialist to support the Pacific American Fund (the Fund), a five-year, $35 million project financing facility funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The Fund serves as a key platform for supporting the United States Government’s Indo-Pacific Strategy while also advancing USAID’s goals of promoting the localization of aid delivery. The goal of the Fund is to improve the quality of life in vulnerable communities and to improve access to services for remote communities in the region, and the Fund operates across 12 Pacific Island Countries. In addition to operating a grant-making facility, the Pacific American Fund supports USAID’s Small-Scale Construction (SSC) program in the Solomon Islands, specifically to support the tendering and construction of small-scale infrastructure (each project valued at USD 500,000 or less) that strengthens and expands the agribusiness sector in Malaita Province in the Solomon Islands. Approximately 11 projects are currently in consideration.

The F&A Specialist will support the Pacific American Fund’s operations and engagement in the Solomon Islands for the SSC program. This position is based at PAF’s headquarters in Suva, Fiji and will report to the Pacific American Fund’s Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) with oversight from the Chief of Party. The F&A Specialist will support the DCOP to ensure overall contract delivery with a focus on project management, financial management, payroll & accounting, and subcontract administration for 12 subcontracts. The candidate is expected to become familiar with ADS 303maw and FAR52.244-2.

Location: Suva, Fiji; Honiara, Solomon Islands; or Remote

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Deadline: August 18, 2023, 5 PM FJT
• Submit CV and cover letter to info@pacificamerican.fund with the following:
  • Email subject line: SSC F&A Specialist Candidate - First Name Last Name
  • CV File Name: SSC F&A Specialist_First Name Last Name_CV
  • Cover Letter File Name: SSC F&A Specialist_First Name Last Name_Cover letter

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The F&A Specialist reports to the Deputy Chief of Party and consults the Pacific American Fund Finance & Administration Officer on all financial and administrative matters regarding SSC activities.

Broadly speaking, the role of the F&A Specialist falls into two categories:

• Finance
  • Assist the DCOP to manage a USD $8 million program budget that covers labor, direct costs, indirect costs, and subcontracts
  • Establish standardized financial reporting processes for a minimum of 12 subcontractors and prepare comprehensive reports and financial analyses.
  • Coordinate and prepare quarterly financial reports and other contractually required reporting to submit to USAID
• Administration/Operations
  • Establish standard operating procedures to manage all SSC activities including Google Drive filing system, standardized project management forms, developing and maintaining program timelines, etc.
  • Maintain SSC financial and administrative records up to date for audit and oversight.

Facilitate and manage Solomon Islands office setup and maintenance as well as staff and subcontractor adherence to the terms of their agreements. These include one satellite office in Auki, Malaita Province, 12 subcontractors, and SSC staff based in the Solomon Islands (two SSC Project Managers, one SSC Construction Manager, and the Owner’s Representative).

• Lead full compliance with USAID financial management, and reporting policies and standards, maintaining high levels of accuracy, completeness, transparency, and integrity
• Facilitate Auki office setup and maintenance including utilities, equipment procurement, and other services
• Process payroll for SSC staff and consultants
• Maintain overall program-level deliverables and progress tracker using project management software
• Assist with 11 construction subcontract management including, but not limited to: bid release, bid evaluation, bid award, subcontractor onboarding, review subcontractor adherence to financial and procurement policies, review of subcontractors' financial reports against budgets, and preparing supporting documentation for payment disbursement, and conduct regular follow up to collect information and documentation from subcontractors
• Performing audits of subcontractor financial reports, policies, and procedures
• Develop and maintain all supporting documents relating to all the construction subcontracts including disbursements and acquittals
• Provide assistance to the SSC Field Staff (Construction Manager, Owner’s Rep., Project Managers)
• Identifying potential risks and recommending mitigation strategies.
• Perform other tasks as needed and assigned

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in finance, public administration, international relations, or a related field.
• At least five (5) years of experience in a relevant accounting or finance position in international development assistance such as experience in managing and executing large programs with multiple subcontracts
• Self-starting, multi-tasker with an entrepreneurial and problem-solving mindset who takes the initiative to proactively manage finance & administration duties for a complex small-scale construction program with 11 construction projects
• Meticulous and able to think strategically, and work independently with minimum supervision.
• Excellent English language skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong computer skills, in particular, Excel, and advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google Suite or general basic computer skills;
• Experience collaborating with subcontractors and remote field staff
• Strong organizational skills and excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience working in Pacific Island countries.
• Prior experience working in an international or donor institution is an added strength.
• Knowledge of USAID rules and regulations, and previous experience working on USAID-funded projects, is an advantage.

Equal Employer

Social Solutions offers competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits. Please submit your resume online at www.socialsolutions.biz.

Social Solutions is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.