Finance and Administration Manager

About DMI
Development Media International (DMI) delivers media campaigns aimed at changing behaviours, promoting health and saving lives in developing countries. We are the first organisation to scientifically demonstrate that mass media can increase life-saving behaviours (see the results of our RCT that proved our interventions can save thousands of children’s lives, here).

DMI has two priorities: first, to continue to generate ground-breaking research, second, to take our proven strategies to scale, saving as many lives as possible. We work across a range of health issues, including child survival, reproductive health, nutrition, hygiene, and early childhood development. DMI works in close partnership with leading experts in health, including WHO, UNICEF and LSHTM and has been funded by some of the world’s most prestigious organisations including the Wellcome Trust, DFID, Comic Relief, the Global Innovation Fund, Unorthodox Philanthropy, and the Mulago Foundation.

We are an innovative and rapidly growing organisation, working at the nexus between science and creativity. DMI has demonstrated that knowledge is not only a human right but is also the key to saving lives in a cost-effective way. Our intellectual rigour, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn from both our successes and mistakes, makes us distinct. Our ethos is non-hierarchical: all our staff are intellectually high-powered, and we have a “best idea wins” culture. By working at DMI you will have a genuine, measurable impact on improving lives in low-income countries.

DMI has a permanent presence in Burkina Faso, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Tanzania and also currently works in Mauritania, Uganda, and Zambia. DMI’s headquarters overlooks the Regents Canal near Kings Cross in London and provides the strategic direction for the whole organisation.

DMI is ranked as one of the most cost-effective non-profit organisations in the world by The Life You Can Save.

Job description
DMI is looking to recruit a Finance and Administration Manager to join the expanding Uganda team. The Finance and Admin Officer will play a critical role within the team, managing day-to-day financial operations in line with DMI practices, ensuring the effective running of the office, and supporting colleagues to ensure programmes are delivered efficiently generate impact.

More specifically, the Finance and Administration Manager role will include the following responsibilities:
1. Implementing DMI’s financial polices in Uganda, including maintaining accountable and accurate systems for recording and monitoring financial transactions for income and expenditure in country.
2. Compiling finance reports, for both internal and external use, as required. This will require familiarity with fundamental accounting principles such as balance sheets, budgets, variance analysis, advances, accruals etc.
3. Managing funds available to DMI Uganda in an accurate and accountable manner. This will involve managing bank accounts, currency cards, petty cash, and potentially mobile money accounts in line with DMI policy and general good business practice.
4. Ensuring that DMI complies with all relevant financial legislation in Uganda. This includes PAYE, WHT, VAT and NSSF and preparing year-end financial accounts and leading on year-end audit processes for DMI Uganda.
5. Ensuring that administrative processes at DMI Uganda are implemented effectively and in line with internal policy. This includes, but is not limited to, procurement, contract management, and facilities management of the DMI Uganda office
6. Working effectively with DMI’s Finance Department at HQ and providing timely, accurate and relevant finance information as required.
7. Providing support and financial advice/expertise to the Country Manager, and other staff as appropriate.
8. Other duties as required by DMI.

Person specification
Required knowledge, skills and experience
1. Fully qualified accountant (minimum level 2 CPA or equivalent) with at least 2 years’ experience post qualification.
2. Strong intellectual ability, with the capacity to flexibly manage multiple tasks / priorities.
3. Experience of accounting for a complex project, or multiple projects, including budget-setting and monitoring. If no direct accounting experience then experience using and analysing accounting system data.
4. Knowledge of Uganda taxation including payroll taxes, VAT, WHT and corporation tax.
5. Understanding of standard business procedures around procurement and other financial controls.
6. Excellent IT skills with some experience of operating computer-based financial management systems (DMI uses QuickBooks). Competent to advanced level in Microsoft Excel.
7. Willingness and ability to take the initiative not only in identifying problems but also in suggesting and implementing solutions.
8. An eye for detail and a concern for accuracy, together with the ability to keep sight of the broader picture.

Desirable knowledge, skills and experience
1. Previous experience with an international NGO or other public health organisation.
2. Excellent spoken and written language ability in English.

DMI is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

DMI operates a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and is committed to the protection and safeguarding of vulnerable individuals. Where appropriate, successful candidates will undergo background and reference checks. All DMI employees will be required to self-declare prior issues of sexual or other misconduct, termination of past employment, criminal records, and concerns registered with government authorities regarding contact with children.