Associate Director of HR, Finance and Operations - J-PAL Africa

Summary of the organisation: 

The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) is a global network of top researchers from universities worldwide who specialize in conducting randomized evaluations of social policies/programmes to generate scientific evidence about what works in the fight against poverty. J-PAL also analyses and disseminates research results, builds partnerships with policymakers and donors, and runs training courses to ensure that policy is driven by evidence, to scale up effective programmes, and strengthen the capacity of local researchers and policymakers.

J-PAL Africa, based at the University of Cape Town, leads J-PAL’s work in sub-Saharan Africa. J-PAL Africa conducts randomized evaluations, builds partnerships for evidence-informed policymaking, and helps partners scale up effective programs.

Summary of the role: 

J-PAL Africa seeks an outstanding professional to be based in Cape Town, to serve as Associate Director of HR, Finance, and Operations to support the delivery of its mission of reducing poverty through evidence-informed-policy on the continent. This senior position will be based at the Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit (SALDRU) in the University of Cape Town, School of Economics, which is the host for the Africa hub of J-PAL.

This is a senior role that provides an opportunity to lead J-PAL Africa's HR, finance and operations functions across multiple country offices, ensuring organizational effectiveness and sound financial management. The Associate Director will work closely with the Executive Director to strengthen J-PAL's operational capacity across the continent.

Responsibilities:

• Act as the Chief Financial Officer for J-PAL Africa across all country offices
• Support the Executive Director in leading J-PAL Africa's internal organizational development
• Strengthen HR and administrative processes across the continent
• Develop and improve internal financial and administrative systems
• Track and manage J-PAL Africa financial flows and budgets
• Lead organizational budgeting practices and financial oversight
• Supervise project grants and donor reporting
• Support vertical leads in recruitment and staff development
• Oversee regulatory compliance and legal requirements
• Manage relationships with UCT and SALDRU administrative departments
• Support operations in J-PAL's regional workstations in Accra and Nairobi

Qualifications (required):

• NQF 8 qualification in Business Management or Professional Chartered Accountancy or equivalent
• At least 7 years’ relevant work experience in managing finances for a large organization, overseeing staff development and operations
• Proven leadership and management track record
• Experience writing and managing budgets, financial planning and forecasting, and designing financial systems
• Experience in setting up and managing organizational systems and processes
• Strong skills in Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• Advanced writing and oral presentation skills in English
• Excellent communication and people management skills
• Proficiency with an ERP system
• Possess a high level of integrity and honesty to handle cash and finances

Qualifications (advantageous):

MBA qualification

Experience working in academic or research institutions

Experience working within a multi-country organisation

Familiarity with UCT policies and SAP

Remuneration:

The annual cost of employment, including benefits, is between R1, 059 866 to R1, 246 900.