Manager: Finance and Operations (PLAAS) - 3 year contract - (1573) at University of the Western Cape/Universiteit van Wes-Kaapland

The Finance and Operations Manager is responsible for the efficient and effective management of all financial, support, administrative, HR and contractual functions required for the operational functioning of PLAAS, as listed below:
Financial Management, Administration, Procurement, and Reporting in line with UWC and donor requirements:

• Ensuring efficient internal systems for financial planning, management and administration;
• Supporting PLAAS management in forward financial planning and fundraising;
• Financial reporting to the PLAAS management, the EMS Faculty and the PLAAS Advisory Board;
• Providing Project Managers with regular current updates on project finances;
• Providing detailed and timeous financial reports on funded projects to donors in line with contract requirements;
• Ensuring timeous procurement in line with project needs and University standards;
• Ensuring effective liaison with the UWC Finance Department.

Administration, support and logistical services:

• Taking responsibility for the day to day management of all PLAAS administrative staff to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of core administrative functions, including logistics, reception, and liaison with all other UWC departments
• Ensuring efficient and effective project support to researchers, including for project travel, conferences and event organisation.
• Liaising with ICS and other service providers to ensure the efficient provision of computer, web and IT systems for operational requirements.
• Human Resources management in line with UWC policies and requirements

Managing PLAAS’s human resources and internal HR systems in close consultation with UWC Human Resources
department, including:

• The planning and implementation of recruitment processes;
• The internal leave administration system;
• The Participatory Performance management system;
• Career pathing and capacity development;
• Employment of student assistants.

Contract management and administration

• Assistance with the budgetary aspects of funding proposals;
• Maintenance of a contract and SLA management and information system
• Supporting researchers in compliance with donors’ contractual requirements, especially in relation to project reporting;
• Overseeing the development and supporting the management of Service Level Agreements and contracts with service providers.

Minimum Requirements

• Postgraduate degree in a relevant field (Accounting, Financial Management, or Business Administration preferred).
• At least three years’ relevant experience in financial and operations management within a similar organizational environment (University-based or research institute).
• Proven people management experience.

Key Competencies

• Leadership and strategic management skills
• Planning and organisational skills
• Financial and people management skills
• Decision making and problem-solving skills
• Analytical skills
• Report writing skills