Finance and Operations Associate Director (Lead) - Morocco Innovation and Evaluation Lab

Title: Finance and Operations Associate Director (Lead)

Employer: University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P), Morocco Innovation and Evaluation Lab (MEL)

Location: Rabat, Morocco

Start Date: October 2024

Length of Commitment: Two years or more

Education: Master’s degree

Position Overview:

We are recruiting a Finance and Operations Associate Director to be based at University Mohammed VI Polytecnic (UM6P) in Rabat, Morocco. The Morocco Innovation and Evaluation Lab (MEL) aims to generate rigorous, policy-relevant evidence to answer critical questions around key development challenges in Morocco. Under the supervision of the MEL Lab Director, and in close collaboration with the MEL F&O team, the Finance and Operations Associate Director oversees a range of critical functions, including strategic planning, finance, operations, human resources, office culture, legal and compliance matters and the management of the lab’s portfolio of funded projects. The candidate will work with finance and operations staff across UM6P, J-PAL Global and CID to define the strategic vision of the Lab, ensure compliance with required protocols and efficient operational management as well as overall budget management and reporting to donors and from research grantees. Tasks include a mix of fundraising, financial operations, human resources management, grants management, and leading organizational projects in the F&O area, all within a university environment.

About MEL: The Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is partnering with the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Harvard Center for International Development (CID) to establish the Morocco Innovation and Evaluation Lab (MEL). The initiative aims to foster development in Morocco by ensuring that policy is informed by rigorous scientific evidence and research is translated into action. The Morocco Innovation and Evaluation Lab emerged from the 2020-founded Morocco Employment Lab, a partnership between MCA-Morocco, J-PAL and CID, hosted at the Policy Center for the New South. The MEL is expanding its work beyond employment into sectors such as education, social protection, firm growth, agriculture, and environment.

About UM6P: University Mohammed VI Polytechnic is an institution oriented towards applied research and innovation with a focus on Africa. The University is engaged in economic and human development and puts research and innovation at the forefront of African development. This enables it to consolidate Morocco’s frontline position in these fields, using a unique partnership-based approach, and boost skills training relevant for the future of Africa.

About J-PAL: The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) is a global research center working to reduce poverty by ensuring that policy is informed by scientific evidence. Anchored by a network of over 200 affiliated professors at universities around the world, J-PAL conducts randomized impact evaluations to answer critical questions in the fight against poverty.

J-PAL values diversity, equity, and inclusivity in our work and the broader perspectives our staff bring. We encourage people of color, first generation college students/graduates, and other underrepresented groups to apply to this role. In your cover letter, please consider sharing how your racial, gender, socioeconomic and/or other identity has influenced your drive and desire to work at J-PAL. (This is not required, but rather an opportunity for us to get to know you.)

For more information on J-PAL Global's commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion visit this webpage.

Responsibilities:

• Finance and Grants:
  • Finance
    • Lead Finance and Operations (F&O) strategic planning on funding priorities and annual plans for MEL.
    • Identify and develop relationships with high-potential donors, including government, international organizations and philanthropic institutions.
    • Along with other Finance, Policy and Research senior staff, lead activities within MEL to conceive proposals and respond to requests for other grant opportunities.
    • Coordinate presentations of proposals to funders, focusing on both value offered and budget administrative questions and their fit with project needs.
    • Manage the submission of grant proposals into MEL’s internal systems, coordinating technical inputs, working with technical staff to prepare budgets and explanatory notes, and advising grant managers as appropriate. 
    • Lead MEL’s input with donors, UM6P, J-PAL and CID on grant negotiations, facilitating finalization of successful grant awards among all parties.
    • Oversee research operations to make sure research projects comply with financial practices required by donors.
    • Oversee work post-research award to ensure efficient financial and grants management practices for MEL’s projects following award.
  • Reporting
    • Oversee the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual budget reports, budget forecasts, and financial analyses for MEL staff, senior management, and donors.
    • Track and monitor the financial performance of various grants and contracts to ensure compliance with UM6P, J-PAL, and/or sponsor policies, maintain transparent communication and keep stakeholders informed about our financial status.
• Operations
  • Office operations
    • Assist UM6P, J-PAL and CID leadership by providing input into the strategic goal-planning process for the Lab, to plan in advance and guarantee sustainable operations and growth of the Lab.
    • Work with MEL’s Lab Director, J-PAL integration team, UM6P teams and closely with F&O MEL’s staff to ensure efficient operational management.
    • Coordinate with UM6P various departments to ensure full compliance of MEL’s processes with UM6P’s guidelines, rules and procedures.
    • Develop internal systems to streamline management processes and procedures, including budget development, project operations, tracking tools and external communication.   
    • Perform needs analysis for upgrades and improvements to processes and procedures.
    • In accordance to UM6P’s procedures and rules, implement an effective HR system by identifying needs, developing guidelines, clearly communicating policies to staff, and facilitating open feedback channels to promote transparency and equity.
    • Support an efficient, welcoming office environment for staff and visitors.
    • Recognize the essential aspects of knowledge management (KM), outlining specific needs and crafting robust protocols to facilitate efficient systems. Communicate these guidelines with clarity, ensuring all stakeholders understand and adhere to them diligently. Uphold stringent standards to safeguard, document, and streamline processes, information repositories, and data, fostering secure and well-managed operations
    • Formally report and convene with the J-PAL Global office to provide updates on HR matters, employee retention strategies, salary ranges, and others.
    • Liaise with one or more J-PAL regional offices (in addition to J-PAL’s Global office) to support financial and operational management of shared or overlapping projects.
    • Liaise with other J-PAL regional offices to share experiences and insights of the MEL, contributing to cross-regional learning and collaboration, while keeping the J-PAL Global office informed.
    • Strategize workforce planning for the lab and play an important role in hiring and training future staff.

Supervision:

The Finance and Operations Director (or Lead) will work under the supervision of the MEL’s Lab Director and will be overseeing the MEL F&O team’s work

Qualifications and Skills:

• Education: A master’s degree is required. 
• Experience: At least ten years’ experience in finance, operations, and administrative management; experience in international development a strong plus. Depending on the candidate’s experience the title of the position will be Director or Lead. We encourage applicants with exceptional career paths to apply, even if they have fewer years of experience.
• Work style: Ability to work independently, make decisions and be proactive. You are expected to serve as a strategic partner to MEL’s Director.
• Travel: Willingness and ability to travel internationally may be required, but not in the short term.
• Time Management: Proven ability to handle several different projects/tasks at one time and meet deadlines. A willingness to work hard, be self-motivated and learn will be essential for doing well in this position. Punctuality and consistency in work hours is required.
• Communication: Excellent communication skills are required. Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and confidently orally and in writing is required. Ability to build good relationships and work within a team; ability to communicate clearly with a broad range of stakeholders. Is empowered to communicate compliance, legal or financial concerns to teams or management. Experience with presentations. Advanced proficiency in English and French is required. Arabic is a strong plus.
• Attention to Detail: Strong ability to self-manage a time-sensitive workflow while maintaining high quality output and absolute accuracy with details.
• Cultural competencies: You are comfortable and adept at working in a diverse and multicultural work environment, with colleagues, partners and policymakers from around the world. You display sensitivity, adaptability, and inclusivity in your engagement with people from diverse backgrounds including age, ability, culture, gender, nationality, race and ethnicity, religion, sexuality, socioeconomic status, and other identities. Experience with living in Morocco or a low- or middle-income country is a strong advantage.

Benefits:

This position offers a competitive salary, life & health insurance, retirement benefits, maternity leave and paid vacations.