EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER (EDC)

EDC is one of the world’s leading nonprofit research and development firms. EDC designs, implements, and evaluates programs to improve education, health, and economic opportunity worldwide. Collaborating with both public and private partners, we strive for a world where all people are empowered to live healthy, productive lives.

EDC promotes equity and access to high quality education and health services and products that contribute to thriving communities where people from diverse backgrounds learn, live, and work together. We support an inclusive workplace culture that embraces many perspectives and broadens our understanding of the communities we serve, enhancing and enriching our work. 

EDC is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Project Description

The $13 million USAID Higher Education Capacity Development (HECD) program is a five-year activity (2019-2024) supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by Education Development Center (EDC) in partnership with Florida State University (FSU). The HECD Program is implementing capacity building programs for up to twelve Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) aimed at addressing an underlying development challenge that affects many HEI’s in Lebanon: the limited capacity to adequately prepare graduates with both technical and soft skills currently demanded by the labor market. Despite high levels of tertiary education, the supply of high skilled workers in Lebanon is not keeping up with labor market demand. This requires increased institutional capacity of HEIs to deliver in-demand skills effectively to graduates ready to enter the labor market.

Position Description

The Finance Assistant will report to the Finance and Administration Coordinator and will be responsible for assisting with the management of project expenditures and accounts. 

Essential Functions, but are not limited to: 

• Supports day to day finance operations, including implementing EDC and USAID policies, procedures and systems, reviewing accounts payable documents for proper accuracy and completeness, and liaising with bank on all banking issues; 
• Supports the Finance and Administration Coordinator in the preparation of field office financial reports and tracking of spending; 
• Assists to develop updated, timely and accurate financial reports to EDC, and monthly ad hoc reports on financial status of project expenses and budget information;
• Supports in the process of clearing bills, payments, and vouchers;
• Assists with transfer of project funds from the central account to field accounts; 
• Works closely with the Finance and Administration Coordinator to ensure reconciliation of monthly expense reports,
• Assists in the preparation of monthly financial spreadsheets, cash flow forecasts in accordance with appropriate procedures;
• Perform data entry into the accounting software;
• Maintain accurate record keeping;
• Provide necessary information to payroll service provider to ensure salaries are being processed in accordance with requirements;
• Collect Timesheets, track personnel leaves and assist the Finance and Administration Coordinator in preparing the payroll and payment transfers;
• Update HR files
• Conducts checks on compliance with USAID’s Anti-Terrorist Certification (“ATC”) regulations; and
• Other duties as required

Reporting and Organizational Relationships:

This position reports to the Finance and Administration Coordinator. 

Education:

Bachelor’s degree required.

Skills and Experience:

• A minimum of 2 to 3 years of accounting experience;
• Experience supporting USAID or other donor-funded projects;  
• Experience working with QuickBooks accounting system or similar product; 
• Experience working with computers, especially MS Word and MS Excel; 
• Detail-oriented and organized; 
• Must be able to work within a cross cultural setting, negotiate diplomatically, and function well under pressure; 
• Ability to work hands-on, independently, and within team in difficult work environment; 
• Willingness to travel to locations covered by the project.

Language:

Fluency in English is required.

Only candidates who are invited for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

EDC is committed to diversity in the workplace. EDC offers a supportive work environment, competitive salary, and an excellent benefits package.