The position

Based in Mombasa, Kenya, the Head of Finance will provide leadership and management of the financial functions, procurement and work closely with the other support functions to ensure efficiency in operation.  The incumbent will also be a member of the Senior Leadership Team based at the Academy. The role will have a solid reporting to the Head of Academy, and where appropriate will also have a dotted line reporting to CFO AKES, Kenya or his/her designated person. The Head of Finance, in addition to the Aga Khan Schools, will also interact and work closely with the other Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) agencies.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Head of Academy, and other Senior Managers on all financial and operations related matters, pertaining to the effective running and management, including keeping them abreast of any relevant changes to statutory and financial regulations.
• Manage financial policies, processes, systems and controls to ensure the integrity of the data and reporting as well as adherence to best practices. Develop new policies as and where needed and review and improve the current ones to ensure they are current and are providing the best guidance and controls.
• Oversee and effectively manage the financial operations of the donor funded projects.
• Manage the accounting system and ensure timely monthly and annual closing and financial reporting.
• Lead and manage collaborative annual budget process under the guidance of Head of Academy and the CFO AKES, Kenya or his/her designated person and ensuring input from the other Senior Leadership and Heads of Departments.
• Bear full responsibility and accountability for managing and achieving targets related to the financial performance including revenue targets, cash flow, lender compliance, insurable risks, internal controls and timely completion of statutory and non-statutory audits.
• Oversee the procurement and stores functions and provide support to the other departments of the school/s as and where needed to ensure effectiveness and efficiency of operation.
• Assist in developing and implement operational policies and procedures to maintain a safe working environment.
• Develop and implement key matrices and benchmarks to measure operating performance, efficiencies, and reporting of key performances measures of all support functions.
• Research, negotiate, manage, and evaluate all procurement services and assist in developing a strong culture of service within all support functions.

The requirements

The ideal candidate will have the following:

• A degree in Business, Finance or Accounting or a comparable professional qualification with a minimum of 7 years of experience, of which 5 years must be in the management and leadership role of a Head of Finance & Administration or General Manager of an operating unit. 
• Experience in an educational setting, preferably with a residential programme
• An understanding of ‘Not for Profit’ business practices and governance.
• Track record in use and management of a computerised accounting and management system.
• Good oral and written English communication skills.
• Strong leadership skills with a proven record of developing local capacity.
• A strong work ethic, with attention to details while retaining a flexible approach to problem solving.
• Highly organised, resilient, able to set priorities and keep to deadlines.
• A high level of integrity to handle fiscal responsibilities and confidential information.
• Ability to work effectively in a matrix environment and multinational and multicultural settings.
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to interact with wide range of stakeholders and a proven track record of building and sustaining relationships.

The position

Based in Mombasa, Kenya, the Head of Operation will provide leadership and management of the operational, administrative, and other support functions at the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa.  The incumbent will also be a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) based at the Academy. The role will have a solid reporting to the Head of Academy, and where appropriate will also have a dotted line reporting to the designated person at the Aga Khan Schools (AKS) Head Office. The Head of Operation will also interact and work closely with the other Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) agencies.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• The role has a significant strategic element to it and the appointee will be expected to play a leading part in planning and implementation of all existing and future infrastructure plans/projects of the school.
• The post holder will work closely with the Head of Administration, other support service managers and the Senior Leadership Team on all the operations and administrative matters, pertaining to the effective running and management of the Academy, including keeping them abreast of any relevant changes to statutory regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Map out, analyse and manage the improvement and streamlining of key Operations processes.
• Lead as the operations expert in automation of required processes.
• Lead in planning and implementing infrastructure plans/projects (current & future) aimed at achieving cost efficiencies.
• Develop and implement operational policies and guidelines to inform operational activities in the School.
• Develop and implement key matrices and benchmarks to measure operating performance, efficiencies, and reporting of key performances measures of all support functions.
• Regularly review and track risks which may affect the financial viability and smooth operation of the Academy.
• Support the Academy in its work to generate revenue, increase enrolments and enhance its market position.

The post holder will oversee the work of the  

Head of Administration

• Ensuring that the catering on campus is fit for purpose with good dietary and financial value.
• Maintaining housekeeping (including laundry) to an appropriately high standard,
• Ensuring that transport facilities are fit for purpose, including the maintenance and safety of all vehicles, and provision of transport as shall from time to time be needed for the conveyance of students and staff.
• Ensuring that security on campus is of the highest quality to ensure the safety of all personnel, students and property.
• Ensuring that the Health and Wellness clinic delivers the highest quality service for the community.

Facilities

• Advises the Head of Academy of any operational matters that may give rise to significant or unbudgeted expenditure at the earliest possible opportunity.
• All open grounds are landscaped, and gardens are maintained effectively.
• Maintenance and repairs operate effectively and ensure all buildings and facilities are maintained at high standards.

IT

• Ensuring that IT infrastructure and data security is ensured and maintained at the appropriate standard.
• Ensuring that all IT equipment, infrastructure, data and software are up to date and maintained to the highest standards.
• Ensuring that users have access to the IT infrastructure when they are at the campus that meet their needs.

The requirements

Skills and Attributes

• Proactive, sound judgement combined with the highest standards of personal integrity, energy, stamina, enthusiasm and a sense of humour
• Ability to work dynamically and flexibly as part of a leadership team, to show initiative and imagination and the ability to inspire others
• The presence, intellect, tact and credibility to represent the School at all levels and to a variety of audiences, both internal and external
• Vision, creative flair and commercial acumen combined with the ability to operate at a strategic level
• Client focused and target driven
• High levels of discretion and confidentiality
• The ability to manage and prioritise a diverse workload, to meet deadlines, and to work calmly under pressure
• High work standards evidenced by a consistently thorough detailed and organised approach.

Qualifications and experience

• Proven experience as Head of Operations or equivalent position.
• A degree in Business Administration, Project Management, or relevant field. 
• Experience in an educational setting, preferably with a residential programme.
• Highly literate and numerate, excellent in the use of IT for analysis of data.
• Experience in financial management relating to operations.
• Experience in the development of operational systems.