Administration Executive Jobs in Manchester

1.Background: 

The International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie) promotes evidence-informed equitable, inclusive and sustainable development. We support the generation and effective use of high-quality evidence to inform decision-making and improve the lives of people living in poverty in low- and middle-income countries (L&MICs).

We provide guidance and support to produce impact evaluations and associated formative evaluations; systematic reviews and syntheses, evidence gap maps and support for using that evidence in decision-making and capacity development. Our work encompasses a wide range of topics, sectors and themes, including but not limited to health, nutrition, education, agriculture, governance, microfinance, climate change, humanitarian interventions, and social protection.

3ie is registered as a non-governmental organization in the United States. It has offices in New Delhi, London and Washington, DC. 

1.1 About RCC: 

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Research Commissioning Centre (RCC) has been established to commission and manage research to enhance development and foreign policy impact. The RCC provides support to FCDO teams for commissioning and delivering high-quality and impactful research. It addresses challenges associated with research bureaucracy, as highlighted by the Independent Review of Research Bureaucracy, by providing a streamlined process for commissioning and delivering FCDO-funded research. 

2. Summary: 

The International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie) invites applications for the position of Finance Manager at the Research Commissioning Centre (RCC) funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). This is an important position, and the incumbent will be responsible for overseeing the financial operations and ensuring the efficient use of funds for research projects and programs. 

3. Key Responsibilities: 

3.1 Financial Management of RCC program: 

• Manages RCC financial operations including invoicing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and cost accounting. 

• Reviews monthly results against budgets with the program team and implements monthly variance reporting. 

• Develops and implements financial policies, procedures, and controls to ensure efficient and effective financial management within the RCC program 

• Designs, implements and manages processes to develop financial forecasts and reviews the variances from forecasts against actuals with the program team to take corrective action. 

• Produces financial reports (inc. month-end, year-end, management accounts, budget versus actuals, etc) for senior management and FCDO 

• Implements internal controls to mitigate financial risks. 

• Working with the Finance and Programme management teams to ensure grantees and suppliers are paid promptly and accurately and FCDO is invoiced on a timely basis. 

• Provides expertise in assessing Value for Money from the Economy perspective across the RCC and at the project-level. Acts as a Value for Money champion for the RCC.

• Supports the programme team to build out Value for Money processes as part of commissioning processes. Leads Value for Money reviews where appropriate.

3.2 Budgeting and Forecasting: 

• Assists in the development of budgets and their monitoring. Works closely with the technical team to monitor programme budgets. 

• Works closely with technical team for smooth and effective programme implementation and cash flow projections. 

• Works with the Programme Management team to create, implement, and monitor systems for budget pipelines and projections. 

• Develops and manages financial controls in accordance with the project’s procedures. 

• Prepares annual budgets in consultation with the Managing Director and RCC team. 

• Monitors and analyses monthly operating results against the budget. 

3.3 Reporting: 

• Coordinates the compiling of periodic and monthly financial reports and statements

• Ensure compliance with budgetary reporting requirements. 

• Responds to ad-hoc reporting requests in-line with RCC requirements. 

4. Qualifications, Skills & Experience 

4.1 Education & Work Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, accounting or related field – master's degree preferred. 

• 8+ years of experience in project finance with the minimum of 3 years of financial and budget management experience. 

• Relevant experience working in a similar finance role in one of the following sectors: charities, NGOs, international development, higher education or research institutions. Strong working knowledge of FCDO financial management policies, procedures and practices is a must. 

• Experience working with and integrating various financial systems and software programs such as Sage Intacct, with high degree of competency in MS Excel and other accounting packages 

• Experience in the development of financial systems and processes 

• Experience in creating, analysing, and presenting financial information in an accessible way, to senior management, staff members and donors 

• Proven ability to produce budgets and forecasts, conduct variance analysis, and produce management accounts. 

• Proven ability to handle multiple grants simultaneously, prioritise tasks, meet tight deadlines across a wide range of activities and work under pressure 

4.2 Skills: 

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to delivering work with a high level of accuracy

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage diplomatically and foster positive relationships in a diverse, multicultural environment.

• Ability to work both independently and in a team 
   

5. Eligibility 

3ie will recruit one individual for this position, with a preference for candidates who based out of United Kingdom or who have authorization to work in the United Kingdom. However, for outstanding candidates we are willing to make an exception.  

3ie is an equal-opportunity employer committed to equality and diversity. We do not discriminate based on sex, age, religion, ethnicity, caste, sexual orientation or for being differently abled. We particularly encourage ethnic minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. 
 

6. Terms of employment 
Candidates should be available to start work at the earliest after accepting an offer. The salary range for this position is competitive and commensurate with location, qualification and experience, within the applicable salary scale of 3ie. Our policies and procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse. We follow a zero-tolerance policy for any form of bullying or harassment in the workplace. 
 

7. How to Apply
Your application must include the following information*:

• A cover letter (not exceeding two pages) highlighting your qualifications and experience relevant to the terms of reference. Please include information about the country you are based in, and details of your work authorization for the UK. 

• Curriculum vitae along with names and contact information for at least three professional references.

• *Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The deadline for receiving applications is 12th January, 2025. Only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted.