Private Sector Manager – Financial Management

Activity Background

The USAID Burma Responsible Investment and Trade Activity is a five-year (2020 – 2025) activity that will work with a broad range of international and domestic private sector firms and civil society actors to promote civilian ownership of the Myanmar economy by increasing the share held by responsible, accountable, and transparent firms. Through the Activity, USAID will increase trade and private sector investment. To attract and sustain investment and trade, the Activity is supporting firms operating in or entering the market in Myanmar to improve corporate governance, business transparency, and competitiveness.

DAI Organization and Values

DAI is a global development company with corporate offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, EU, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Palestine and project operations worldwide. We tackle fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. DAI works on the frontlines of global development. Transforming ideas into action—action into impact. We are committed to shaping a more livable world.

DAI and its employees are committed to confronting racism and holding ourselves accountable for positive change within the company and in the communities, cultures, and countries in which we live and work. DAI is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner.

DAI upholds the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.

DAI is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a commitment to diversity. DAI does not discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, parental status, veteran status, or other non-merit factor.

Job Title: Private Sector Manager – Financial Management
Project: USAID Responsible Investment and Trade Activity
Reports to: Private Sector Director
Location: Yangon, Myanmar
Duration: Full-time one-year contract, possible yearly extensions through July 2025

Overview of the Position:
DAI seeks a highly organized and capable Private Sector Manager – Financial Management with excellent communication skills to lead and support a variety of tasks for its USAID Responsible Investment and Trade Activity (the Activity) in the areas of financial management and control systems for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Myanmar. The Private Sector Manager should have an interest in and be willing to work across many functional areas and sectors. Sectors include agribusiness, renewable energy, textiles, financial services, aquaculture, and/or international trade. The Activity aims to promote private sector civilian ownership of the Myanmar economy by increasing the share held by responsible, accountable, and transparent firms. It engages international and domestic private sector firms and civil society actors across multiple sectors to facilitate investment, trade, and business partnerships, and strengthen regional economic integration, and improve business accountability, transparency, and competitiveness in Myanmar. Based in Yangon, the Private Sector Manager will work within a team of approximately 28 professionals and will assist in or will lead in the following tasks within or across sectors.

Roles and Responsibilities:
The Private Sector Manager will lead and support the following tasks related to the development of financial management and control systems in SMEs in Myanmar so that they might scale and/or obtain external financing. Financial management and control systems primarily, but not exclusively, relates to policies, procedures and outputs of financial reporting, cash management, internal controls, budgeting, financial management software, etc.
Financial Management Implementation Support through Local Firms

• Developing a scope of work for requests for proposals from local advisory firms to assess, make recommendations, and support the implementation of the recommendations for a company-appropriate financial management system.
• Identifying potential local firms to which to send requests for proposals for financial management advisory work
• Evaluating proposals from firms to select providers for financial management work to Activity-supported companies
• Assessing the work of local advisory firms contracted by the Activity for financial management advisory work

Financial Management Training of SMEs by the Activity

• Assist with developing training content for an upcoming eLearning course in financial management for SMEs
• Assist with identifying the instructor for the above course, including presenting the course material and acting as a resource for training participants throughout the training
• Identifying high potential SMEs from the trainings for further bespoke Activity support in both financial management system implementation and other areas for their growth and scaling

Capacity Building of Local Firms in Financial Management Advisory Work

• Identifying and selecting local firms for financial management capacity building for themselves
• Assist with developing a capacity building framework and templates to improve financial advisory capacity for local advisory firms
• Assist with delivering training and capacity building for local advisory firms in financial management systems

General Project Management Support

• Manage and monitor project activities
• Develop detailed terms of reference, scopes of work, and budgets for consultants.
• Develop yearly work plans and quarterly/annual reports
• Supervise other Activity staff if required
• Conduct research in support of Activity’s work with conclusions and recommendations
• Maintain files and documentation for project activities.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Economics, Business, Accounting or a related field or relevant experience; Advanced degree in business or economics highly preferred.
• At least five years of professional experience that demonstrates a working knowledge of any or all of the following technical areas: investment, finance and accounting, trade promotion and facilitation, corporate governance, corporate finance, business journalism, and project management.
• At least five years of direct financial management system work in the private sector
• Professional certifications in accounting
• Management experience highly preferred.
• Working knowledge of the private sector actors in Myanmar, including SMEs, investors, financial lenders, business advisory services, business support organizations, media, etc.
• Competent business analytical and research skills (primary and secondary research).
• Ability to work efficiently and deliver high-quality deliverables within the time allocated.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and public speaking ability.
• Excellent personal organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• English and Burmese fluency is required.
• Ability and interest to travel within Myanmar as required.**Supervisory Requirements**: N/A