Country Finance & Operations Manager Full-Time

COAST is a key part of the UK Government’s Blue Planet Fund. Blue Planet Fund (BPF) launched in 2021. There are 4 components under COAST: · Component A: Technical assistance, grants, demand-led assistance (delivered by DAI):

• Component B: BlueTech Innovation Superhighway (delivered by WorldFish)
• Component C: Blue Carbon Action Partnership (delivered by WEF)
• Component D: MEL (delivered by ITAD)

DAI is the lead supplier for Component A and this Terms of Reference is for Component A only.

The Priority Countries for COAST Component A are Mozambique, the Philippines, Indonesia and Viet Nam. COAST Component A includes 3 sub-components (SCs):

• SC1 – strengthening planning and policy in priority countries through the design and delivery of Technical Assistance (TA) packages; including TA to support national and sub-national capacities in coastal and marine management, data collection, evidence generation in decision making; analysis and capacity building; support the integration of ocean/ climate objectives into non-ocean and climate sectors policies and plans; could include political economy analysis, security and sensitivity analysis for priority countries.
• SC2 – inclusive coastal stewardship and livelihoods in priority countries through the provision of grant funding: including for capacity building, local level action on COAST priority themes and geographies; prioritising integrated approaches, local led community governance, stewardship and sustainable use of resources;
• SC3 – responsive coastal management and governance support through the design and delivery of Technical Assistance (TA) packages: that provide support to UK posts in ODA eligible countries; This could include support and analysis to help integrate coastal/ climate/ ocean issues into other sectors policy and plans plus TA support to COAST themes and priorities.

DAI’s vision for COAST

Human activities such as harmful fishing practices, coastal habitat conversion, and pollution directly contribute to biodiversity loss and degradation of ocean and coastal ecosystems and ecosystem services. This degradation amplifies coastal populations’ vulnerability, particularly in developing countries already burdened by high poverty, and frequently dependent on fragile ocean and coastal livelihoods such as artisanal fisheries and aquaculture. While the ocean is the primary source of animal protein for billions, climate change raises the stakes and compounds the problems as coastal areas are increasingly exposed to sea level rise, intense storms, marine heatwaves, and ocean acidification, posing existential threats to both marine life and human communities.

DAI recognises the need to address these challenges holistically, integrating targeted interventions to improve both environmental and social systems. Our vision for COAST Component A is “to revolutionise coastal and marine ecosystem management through a pioneering approach that uniquely combines local community empowerment with national reform and global advocacy.”

We propose an integrated methodology founded on five core delivery principles to direct our delivery approach. These principles are appropriate for addressing coastal and ocean

challenges effectively; ensuring flexible and innovative solutions; the ability to deliver, manage and maximise impact; and ensure a high standard of programme and activity management tailored to the complexity of COAST. They are a holistic approach, community-centred solutions, collaborative partnerships, legacy and sustainability, and learning and adaptation.

The COAST Team consists of a central Programme Management Unit (PMU) and country teams in each priority country. DAI’s COAST consortia partners are Blue Green Advisors, DevLearn, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Wildlife Conservation Society.

Role and Responsibilities

This role oversees financial, administrative and operational arrangements for the COAST Country Team. This includes budget management and financial reporting for all Country activities; finance management support including purchase orders and payments for suppliers and grantees; managing country office payroll; organising logistics, travel, accommodation, visas, meeting and venue requests and bookings for COAST team members and technical advisers; procurement of equipment and office supplies; copying, filing, assets management; financial oversight and due diligence of grantees and technical assistance activities; and overall assistance and support to the COAST’s PMU and Country team.

The Country Finance and Operations Manager will report Country Team Lead and have a matrix report into the PMU Finance Manager, based in the UK.

The Finance and Operations Manager is based in COAST’s Country office and may have some limited travel expected to COAST operations nationally.

Further information

• This position is open to Mozambican nationals only. Applications form any other country will not be considered.
• The position will be based in Maputo, Mozambique. The successful candidate will be required to work from the COAST Programme office in Maputo.
• This position attracts a competitive salary between 3,251,174 and 4,106,746 MZN annually, based on the candidate’s level of experience. The salary will be paid in Mozambican Metical.
• The Finance and Operations Manager will be responsible for their own department and will not line manage a team of officers.

Operational Support

• Serve as the primary point of contact for vendors, consultants, partners, and other key stakeholders.
• Act as the focal point for administration, procurement, and human resources services, maintaining close coordination with DAI headquarters.
• Support the day-to-day administrative operations of the national project, including human resources, procurement, accounting, bank management and records management.
• Ensure timely and protocol-compliant administrative, logistical, and financial support to facilitate effective coordination of country-level activities.
• Provide logistical support for COAST visitors, including coordination of invitations, visa documentation, accommodation, in-country travel, airport transfers, and meeting arrangements.
• Maintain and update administrative files and documentation related to project personnel.
• Manage filing and archiving systems for administrative and financial records.
• Ensure the proper functioning and maintenance of office equipment; maintain accurate asset inventories and coordinate repairs as needed.
• Process employment agreements for new hires or contract extensions, ensuring registration with the project’s health insurance provider, BPJS health and pension, and processing of payroll.
• Periodically review and recommend improvements to administrative systems to enhance efficiency.
• Ensure the COAST MIS platform is regularly updated and effectively utilized by the country team.

Financial Management

• Support the development and implementation of country-level budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, in alignment with COAST’s wider financial planning requirements.
• Manage day-to-day financial operations in accordance with COAST’s finance and operations manuals, including cash flow management, forecasting, supplier payments, and expense monitoring.
• Monitor and maintain up-to-date asset and inventory registers; submit periodic updates to the PMU Finance Manager.
• Ensure accurate and timely completion of staff timesheets and proper tracking of staff leave and deliverables
• Prepare and process payroll, staff advances, expense settlements, and travel/hotel bookings.
• Handle health insurance claims and submissions to the appropriate providers.
• Conduct in-country vetting of suppliers and vendors, ensuring all documentation is complete and appropriately archived.
• Support internal and external audits in collaboration with the PMU Finance Manager.
• Provide financial analysis and commentary to assist the PMU Finance Manager in informed budgeting and forecasting decisions.
• Ensure effective control and management of project budgets in line with COAST’s contracting models and financial principles.
• Manager all statutory compliances such as full adherence to national and local laws & regulations governing employment, taxation, procurement and Insurance. Monitoring and implementing updates to statutory requirements like labour laws, tax regulations & other mandates affecting project operations and personnel.
• Monitor and work to minimize non-billable project costs.
• Perform other finance- and operations-related tasks as required.

Grant and Technical Assistance Facility Management

• In coordination with Grant Manager and Finance Manager support on grantee evaluation and commercial assessments, grantee capacity building and financial reporting.
• In coordination with the Grant Manager ensure all grantee vetting and due diligence is conducted; support on contracting, financial reviews and audits.
• In coordination with the Technical Assistance Facility Manager ensure all expert vetting is conducted; support on contracting, financial reviews and payments.
• Ensure grantee financial reporting is completed on time and in line with the Programme Operations Manual; All financial reporting will be collated on COAST’s MIS platform; liaise with the Grant Manager to ensure risks and issues are escalated and promptly managed.

We are hoping to fill this position and appoint a new member of staff ASAP.

Applicants must be eligible to live and work in Mozambique.