ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
Founded in 2004, Water for Good has been dedicated to providing reliable water services in one of the poorest countries in the world, the Central African Republic (CAR). Creating sustainable maintenance systems for their 1,500+ water points allows safe, clean water to flow for nearly a million Central Africans on a daily basis.
Lifewater International has been committed to ending the global water and sanitation crisis. Since 1977, their work has impacted the lives of over 2.5 million people across multiple countries. Lifewater is renowned for its innovative Vision of a Healthy Village model, which underscores the importance of a holistic approach to water, sanitation and hygiene. Their commitment to sustainability ensures that safe water solutions are provided and maintained effectively.
Both organizations are faith-based, have strong ties to each other, and share the same vision, so on January 1, 2024, they became one organization, now known as Water for Good. Dave LeVan serves as the CEO of the new organization, and they serve communities in Cambodia, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Uganda. Global headquarters are located in Bentonville, Arkansas USA, and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Their mission is "transforming lives through sustainable access to safe water, as well as improved sanitation and hygiene, in places that need it most."
The new organization has combined revenues of more than $14.8 million USD and over 300 employees in the U.S., Europe and Africa.
Water for Good currently has openings in the Central African Republic for a Country Director, HR Manager and Finance & Accounting Manager. The ideal candidates for these roles will be fluent in French and English (Sango would also be helpful, but not required). These leaders will need to be change agents able who can implement new systems and gain buy-in from the team.
SEE BELOW FOR ALL THREE JOB DESCRIPTIONS
COUNTY DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Country Director-CAR
Reports To: VP of Program Implementation
Location: Central African Republic
Status: Full-Time
Position Summary:
Responsible for strategic leadership and oversight of Water for Good operations in the assigned country office, including program direction, country strategy development, program quality, innovation and impact, emergency preparedness and response, human resource management and talent development, financial and organization’s assets stewardship, resource acquisition, stakeholder representation, and administrative operations.
The Country Director is expected to demonstrate progress in achieving the measures of the operational objectives. S/He plays the leading role in managing the program and operations in the Central African Republic and continuously evolving them to become relevant, more effective and efficient, and innovative. S/he will function as the most senior representative of Water for Good in the country and is accountable to ensure that its profile and reputation with stakeholders are strong and reflect organizational Values, Operating Principles, and Mission. The Country Director is the interlocutor connecting global priorities with country specific plans. S/He is expected to work in close consultation and coordination with regional and global teams to fulfill the duties/responsibilities of the position.
Responsibilities & Duties Overview:
Ensure the organization is recognized by stakeholders (relevant government authorities, donors, other NGOs, media etc.) as a development actor and credible reference point and leader on issues related to sustainable water.
Lead the development and execution of high-quality country strategic and operational plans relevant to the local context and reflecting the global priorities
Oversee the recruitment, orientation, and performance of senior staff and development of middle management staff; demonstrating healthy engagement, strong senior management teams, culture of innovation, and effective talent management.
Strengthen the financial sustainability of programs and operations through vibrant resource development effort, striking healthy financial ratios, and effective budget administration.
Oversee the grants acquisition and management effort in the country ensuring long-term health of the portfolio and achievement of annual targets.
Lead program quality in the country; ensuring quality execution of program strategy that integrates child protection, timely and quality completion of M&E processes, adoption of quality standards and guidelines, and efficient use of global and regional program resources.
Develop Water for Good’s reputation and brand among government and other stakeholders to pre-position, advocate, network and raise the profile and reputation among key influencers important to advance the sustainable water agenda.
Ensure proper use of Water for Good’s financial, human and physical resources in pursuit of quality programs for sustainable water, and ensure that adequate internal controls are in place to protect Water for Good’s financial and non-monetary assets and that they are used in accordance with organizational policies/procedures and donor terms and conditions.
Oversee the development and lead execution of effective disaster risk management (DRM) strategy and plans in the country.
Interact with and steward relationships with key donors and volunteers when they visit the country.
Work Experience & Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
6 years’ experience in a senior management position in international development; previous country director experience, head of mission, or equivalent experience highly valued.
Experience in responding to natural disasters and man-made emergencies
Experience managing programs supported by large institutional grants preferred
Proven track record of strong management skills with complex programs and a large number of staff.
Experience in WaSH programming.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and French
Demonstrated high-level interpersonal and cross-cultural skills including the ability to build collaborative relationships internally and externally with sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, social and political issues.
Ability to pragmatically solve problems, plan a course of action using analytical, conceptual, strategic and forward-thinking abilities to achieve an effective resolution.
Demonstrated technical expertise in such areas as: project, budget and resource management.
Strong leadership skills in such areas as: fostering teamwork; developing and motivating others; managing change; conflict resolution; initiative and flexibility. Strong visioning, strategic planning, implementation and effectiveness under pressure, results oriented and proactive with the ability to multitask.
Ability to demonstrate support for innovation and organizational changes needed to improve the organization’s effectiveness; helping others to successfully manage organizational change.
Education/Certification:
Bachelor degree in related field of Development/Social Science, Organizational Management, Leadership, Logistics, Strategic Planning or related disciplines. An additional qualification in Resource Mobilization would be a plus. Master degree is preferred.
Preferred Qualification: Songo fluency is a plus.
Physical Qualifications:
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times
HR MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Human Resources Manager-Central African Republic (CAR)
Reports To: CAR Country Director
Location: Bangui, Central African Republic
Status: Full Time
HQ Alignment: Chief People Officer
Position Summary:
The primary responsibility of this position is to plan, arrange and monitor human resources and general administrative operations in relation to Water for Good Central African Republic programs, and ensure the legal obligations in relations to organizational existence, and human resources, are fulfilled.
Responsibilities & Duties Overview:
Human Resources
Ensure HR policy and procedures are in place and implemented by the Program Offices.
Address and implement leadership development and performance management initiatives to build a high-performance culture.
Ensure the right systems and processes are in place for recruitment, orientation and induction, compensation and benefit management, performance management and staff development.
Ensure that Water for Good CAR Program remains in compliance with all national labor laws.
Support with national salary structure and benefits package reviews, based on the standard framework.
Ensure the establishment of a complete database system across the country offices to effectively manage the staffing updates to be used by the Program and Country Offices for all occasions and especially for emergency scenarios.
Develop and implement the organization's HR related policies and procedures aligned with organization's priorities and demands, as well as country-specific laws and regulations.
Manage recruitment and selection processes; identify recruitment needs and advise on best recruitment approaches; conduct interviews; cross-check candidate’s documents; prepare staff work contracts; coordinate orientation to Water for Good operations for joining staff as well as support staff exit and hand over.
Design and implement appropriate performance evaluation systems, manage and advise on their implementation, analyze results for staff improvement and training purposes.
Support Managers and supervisors to ensure that HR management is properly done.
Support line managers in change management, team building and addressing challenges, and identify key HR issues for management’s attention.
Train staff in HR related policies and guidelines.
Ensure that HR related contracts (insurances, health services, gratuity etc.) are accurate and renewed.
Ensure legal compliance throughout human resource management; personnel files, payroll and leave records are updated and in order as per legal requirement. Support and oversee disciplinary and grievance issues, employee, and labor relations.
Administration & Logistics Management
Support the Country Director to track and ensure that legal obligations for International NGOs in Central African Republic are fulfilled on timely basis (NGO Certificate, NGO permit, submission of annual reports to legal entities, HR audits, MoU’s with line ministries and districts, compliance to labor laws etc.)
Supervision and team Management
Be responsible for the human resource and administration department and provide technical supervision of all the HR and Admin staff at the Country and Program offices.
Ensure participatory appraisals are conducted for staff in the HR and Admin department.
Develop mechanisms to ensure regular communication and planning of priorities takes place across the program team staff.
Work Experience & Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
Passion for Water for Good’s mission of serving vulnerable communities and children, and seeing an end to the global water crisis
Must be fluent in English and French. Bachelor’s degree in human resource management or in Business Administration (HR Option) or in Public Administration, combined with strong work experience. Master’s degree preferred.
At least 8 years of experience in HR and administrative tasks, of which 4 years in managerial position.
Experience working in humanitarian or development context is an advantage.
Experience and ability to draft concise and effective policies.
Experience in store and fleet management.
Strong ICT skills especially Microsoft Office applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Preferred Qualification: Sango fluency is a plus
Physical Qualifications:
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times
FINANCE & ACCOUNTING MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION
Position: Finance & Accounting Manager—Central African Republic (CAR)
Reports to: CAR Country Director
Location: Bangui
Reporting Positions: Accountants & Procurement Officer
HQ Alignment: Global Finance & Accounting Manager
Status: Full-Time
Position Summary:
The Finance and Accounting manager will be responsible for supervising, tracking, evaluating the day-to-day activities of CAR operations, managing accounting activities to ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting principles, preparing for audits, reviewing payroll, completing the Country’s month end close process, participating in the development and implementation of internal controls, accounting, procurement policies and procedures.
Key areas of accountability:
Budgeting and Financial Management
Lead the annual budgeting and periodical forecasting process for program and Country offices in consultation with the Country Management Team (CMT)
Participate in drafting proposals and concept notes
Support staff with work plan & budget development, technical budget estimates and scenario-based forecasts as needed for program spending.
Monitors overall expenses and revenues to ensure that projections are accurate & the program does not overspend with available revenue
Provide technical advice to staff and management on monthly and quarterly budget performance
Design and collaborate with the CMT to implement appropriate financial due diligence procedures for programs and perform financial assessment of the same.
Carry out benchmarking exercises and supplier reviews to obtain value for money on its purchases
Assessing Country’s performance against both the annual budget and program’s strategic plans determining corrective actions required.
Liaising with banks on credit financial issues
Financial reporting, compliance, and preparation for audits
Establish internal controls and guidelines for accounting transactions and budget preparation to ensure compliance in line with WFG policies and procedures and international finance reporting standards
Developing audit plan to ensure procedural and financial compliance with various grant partners and external auditors
Work with other managers and supervisors to ensure compliance with internal policies, statutory obligations, and Donors’ requirements.
Responsible for tax planning throughout the fiscal year; files annual tax return.
Audits accounts to ensure compliance with local regulations; coordinates with external auditors, take lead in preparation for audits and provides needed information for the internal and annual external audits
Provides financial analysis with an emphasis on pricing decisions and contract negotiations.
Monitor and review accounting system reports for accuracy and completeness to ensure that all transactions have been correctly posted onto the software and any errors are timely corrected.
Review the staff payroll each month as well as the Provident Fund withholdings and employer contributions
Liaise with the local authorities and remit any vendor or staff withholding monthly
Procurement & Logistics Management
Regularly review and recommend update of the procurement policies and procedures
Oversee procurement planning and implementation of an effective and well-documented system of procurement management at all offices
Support timely and accurate processing and documentation of procurements, review paperwork for accuracy, assess value for money and compliance with WFG procurement policies and procedures.
Implementing a system of internal controls to protect the assets of the company
Offer guidance to staff in the disposal process of old and obsolete inventory and assets
Capacity Building
Mentor and coach, the accountants and procurement officer
Conduct appraisals to the procurement officer and the accountant at Country office
Coordinates orientation programs for fresh staff and identifies training needs for current staff on WFG accounting and procurement policies and procedures
Support the procurement officer and accountants in career growth and development as per the organizational capacity building plans.
Required Skills/Abilities:
Excellent leadership, supervisory & time management skills.
Self-starter, flexible, and high level of integrity
Must be fluent in French, English and Microsoft Excel
Experience with discovering process gaps, designing and implementing systematic improvements
Knowledge of Financial Reporting and Auditing Standards
Excellent analytical skills
Proficient in Microsoft Office Business central or similar software.
Aptitude for learning new software systems
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent creative problem-solving skills
Education & Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, financial management or Business Administration required.
Five (5) years or more of related experience in an International NGO
Physical Requirements:
Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.
To learn more about the work of the new Water for Good, please visit www.waterforgood.org and www.lifewater.org.
If, after prayerfully reviewing this information, you sense one of these roles could be a good fit for you, please click on the APPLY NOW button below. If you know someone who may have an interest, please use the social media share and email buttons at the top.