SIMON IJIDAI LUKAS B.Sc., ACA MS.c

Experience

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  International alert

  Feb 2016 - Dec 2018

  FINANCE AND OPERATIONS SUPPORT OFFICER

  . Financial management • Prepare fund requests for Alert office running costs and service providers in a timely manner• Review all staff activity and travel expenditure requests and advance retirements for processing• Support project managers in preparing partner budgets and fund requests• Maintain petty cash float• Provide capacity-building support and spot-check visits to partner organizations• Thoroughly review all partner financial reports and ensure collaboration with project manager for coherence between workplan and expenses reported• Prepare and submit monthly financial report and documents to the country office• Ensure value for money, transparency, and compliance in all expenditure and ensure that records are properly filed2. Logistics• Prepare a project procurement plan for all equipment and assets• Ensure that all local procurement is conducted transparently and with adherence to Alert and donor policy. Conduct due diligence assessment of suppliers• Ensure update of Damaturu office inventory and tagging of all assets• Organise logistics (transport, accommodation) for visitors to Yobe 3. Security• Participate in updating of the country security plan and ensure that Alert’s country security plan is adhered to by all staff in Yobe• Prepare SOP documents for each LGA in Yobe where Alert is operational• Ensure necessary security equipment is procured and maintained• Attend INSO security meetings and share information with colleagues as needed• Conduct security briefings for visitors to Yobe• Ensure close monitoring of the political and security environment and communicate to colleagues as necessary.• Maintain office first aid box and hibernation kit 4. Human resources • Collect staff timesheets on a monthly basis• Support administrative management of staff & record-keeping (emergency contacts, insurance, etc.)• And any other relevant tasks as required by my line manager Show less

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  DANISH

  Jan 2019 - Mar 2020

  GRANT OFFICER, Roving.

  Reporting:• Assist Reporting and Communication Specialist (RCM) in gathering inputs from the team and follow-up, as per the reporting schedule; • Assist Program Quality Assurance unit in conceptualizing and facilitating the implementation of program quality tools developed;• Support grant opening, review and closing meetings, including attendance at meetings when possible;• Assist Program Quality Assurance unit in conducting secondary research in order to inform new opportunities and designs, as required;• Assist RCM in maintaining up to date filling on DRC Dynamics and facilitate the dissemination of specific information and documents, as and when required;• Provide the required support for donor visits and evaluations, when required.Internal Communication:• Regularly monitor sources of internal and external information, data and knowledge products and share this information/updates with relevant team members, as and when required;• To be the base focal point for project staff seeking grant management documents and ensure timely and effective responses to inquiries for grant documents.Communication & Visibility:• Assist field-level visibility including the recording of visibility by travelling to the field sites as needed to collect information for success stories and pictures to be used by RCM for publications; • Support RCM in roll out of visibility training at all bases;• In close collaboration with program and M&E team, support documentation of lessons learnt, best practices and proven innovations in programme design, implementation, monitoring and reporting to improve program design and implementation strategy; • Create a culture of sharing this knowledge among staff members. Show less

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  Plan International

  Apr 2020 - Dec 2021

  GRANT OFFICER

  The purpose of this role is to support the resource mobilization unit by supporting the efficient grant management of projects, coordination of proposal development, donor reporting in consultation with program staff, finance officer, grants Advisor and others. • Support in coordinating, and monitoring the implementation of the donor funded projects and programs • Manage donor grants transactions effectively and efficiently and ensure quality reporting • Support in establishing a grants tracking mechanism in order to effectively follow up grant activities and to determine progress and make decisions where further action is needed. • Ensure grant management procedures are followed and donor compliance requirements are met. • Ensuring that reports to donors are submitted on time; that reports are coherent and accurate (quarterly, interim or final reports). • Ensure timely set-up of grants in SAP system and corresponding modifications are effected • Ensuring that grants are implemented in compliance with Plan International guidelines and relevant donor regulations. • Maintain and update grant files. • Document and share key compliance issues with Plan International staff and partners setting ground for compliance management • Draft Funding Approval Document (FAD) and ensure all relevant files are updated on a regular basis. Show less

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  Population Services International

  Jun 2021 - Jul 2023

  Review and process subrecipient financial reports against budgets, including validating expenditures through a sampled review of supporting documentation, identifying internal control weaknesses and disallowed or questioned costs, and preparing financial report review checklists, invoice testing forms, and management letters. Liaise with Financial Analysis and Program Management team at HQ to confirm reconciliation of subrecipient actual expenditures compared with advance payments and clearing of cash balances. 40% of TimeConduct subaward monitoring site visits, and update risk-based subaward monitoring and capacity building plans, on a regular basis. Implement subaward management tools, templates, methods; and processes developed by PSI's HQ Grants and Contracts Department. Coordinate closely with Program Management and Global Project leads at HQ to confirm documented correlation between subrecipient financial expenditures and subrecipient programmatic reporting. 30% of TimeCollect and file essential subaward documentation (e.g., pre-award assessments, selection and negotiation memos, reports, site visits reports, monitoring plans, financial report review checklists, invoice testing forms, management letters, important email communications, pre-closeout letters, closeout checklists, modifications, etc.) and ensure compliance with all requirements stipulated in each subaward. Respond to subaward-related audit requests as needed. 30% of Time Show less ▪ Assuring that the donor or lead recipient's contractual terms are realistic and applicable given the local context and internal procedures▪ The coordinator plans and leads all grant launch and closing meetings with the HQ grant team.▪ Work with the finance department to coordinate and track disbursement requests. The Finance department will do this when a donor accepts the final report, pays the final advance, and closes the grant.▪ In order to finish projects on time and on budget, make sure grant or contract management is well-organized.▪ Coordinate regular grant monitoring by facilitating and supporting timely grant review, opening, and closing meetings.▪ Ensure that donor contracts, reports, and important correspondence are filed consistently and frequently.▪ Understand donor policies, regulations, and procedures in depth.▪ Keep track of key donor correspondence for the Director of Compliance and Grants, the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis, the Country Heads of Finance and Administration, and Project Managers.▪ Assuring senior management and technical leads understand donor communication protocols and providing copies of correspondence for files.▪ Identify compliance risks and advise programs, support teams, and senior management.▪ Communicate with the project managers about specific compliance issues and make sure everyone is aware of them.▪ Examine all proposed sub-contract and sub-grant agreements and applications for compliance with the organization's donors and funders.▪ Develop and maintain key processes and systems for managing grant risk assessments, donor financial compliance, and reporting.▪ Adhere to approved program and project budgets and spending policies; develop new spending guidelines, cost allocation, and annual planning policies and procedures.▪ Work with guarantees grant and contract budgets to match institutional budgets. Show less

  • Global Subaward Coordinator, Global Operations Africa

    Sept 2022 - Jul 2023

  • Grants and Sub-Award Coordinator

    Jun 2021 - Jul 2023
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  Save the Children International

  Jul 2023 - Aug 2023

  Award Management Coordinator

  My role involves actively participating in SCI partnership and Award Management activities, contributing to the strategic planning, acquisition, and efficient administration of development and humanitarian awards. I am responsible for overseeing partner relationships, monitoring award-related data, and facilitating seamless information flow across various departments. I am also accountable for financial and narrative reporting pertaining to donor awards, ensuring the highest standards of data quality in our Award Management System. Show less

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  CASFOD NIGERIA

  Aug 2023 - Oct 2024

  Finance And System Improvement Specialist

  I ensure the seamless and efficient management of all financial operations within the organization. Serving as the link between finance and other departments, I foster collaboration to align financial strategies with organizational goals. My responsibilities include overseeing day-to-day financial processes, driving strategic planning, optimizing resource allocation, and solving financial challenges to maintain productivity and efficiency.I continuously analyze financial systems and procedures, implementing innovative solutions to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve financial reporting. I manage and coordinate finance-related projects, ensuring quality deliverables and adherence to deadlines. Using data-driven insights, I support decision-making and strategic planning, preparing detailed financial reports for senior management and stakeholders.Leading and mentoring the finance team, I cultivate a high-performance environment that encourages continuous learning and development. I identify and mitigate financial risks to ensure the resilience and sustainability of operations. By ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and donor guidelines, I uphold the organization’s integrity and financial reputation.Through a commitment to excellence and proactive problem-solving, I contribute to the growth and success of CASFOD Nigeria, driving continuous improvement and delivering exceptional financial results aligned with our mission and vision. Show less

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  British Red Cross

  Sept 2023 - now

  Fundraising Volunteer
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  Royal Star & Garter

  Feb 2024 - now

  Telephone Friendship Service Volunteer
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  Search for Common Ground

  Oct 2024 - Nov 2024

  Sub Grants Manager

  Managing subgrants and compliance aspects for donor-funded projects at Search for Common Ground, ensuring accurate financial tracking and timely, high-quality reporting. Maintaining subgrantee accounting records, subgrant trackers, and providing financial analysis for effective project oversight. Supporting budget preparation and reviewing procurement documentation to meet funder and organizational standards.Coordinating subgrant start-ups, conducting pre-award financial risk assessments, and leading capacity-building initiatives to strengthen subgrantee compliance and efficiency. Serving as the primary liaison for local subgrantees, handling inquiries, and fostering positive partnerships. Establishing transparent, auditable filing systems for grants and training local staff on grants management policies.Setting up compliance monitoring systems, conducting compliance checks, and producing reports to ensure alignment with Search and donor requirements. Reviewing procurement processes, controlling spending, and driving long-term savings in procurement costs. Conducting compliance reviews, tracking grant progress, and leading start-up and close-out workshops to ensure contractual and donor compliance.Committed to advancing Search for Common Ground’s mission through accountability, professionalism, and strong support for project success. Show less

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  CASFOD NIGERIA

  Dec 2024 - now

  Finance And System Improvement Specialist

  * Oversee and manage all financial operations to ensure efficiency.* Act as a bridge between finance and other departments for seamless collaboration.* Develop and implement strategic financial plans to meet organizational goals.* Allocate resources to optimize efficiency and productivity.* Conduct financial analysis to identify cost-saving opportunities and reduce expenses.* Ensure accurate preparation of financial reports, including budgets and cash flow forecasts.* Manage financial projects, ensuring quality, compliance, and timely delivery.* Streamline financial processes and reporting systems for improved efficiency.* Monitor financial compliance with regulatory standards and industry best practices.* Conduct regular audits and implement corrective actions.* Collaborate with IT to implement tools that enhance financial operations.* Provide financial training to staff to promote accountability.* Prepare financial performance reports for senior management and stakeholders.* Identify and mitigate financial risks to ensure resilience.* Oversee grant management, including fund allocation and donor compliance.* Ensure compliance with tax laws, reporting standards, and donor guidelines.* Lead and mentor finance staff, encouraging development.* Support procurement and ensure adherence to financial policies.* Maintain strong relationships with auditors, donors, and stakeholders. Show less