Magatte Gaïs DIOUF

Heading the Finance and Administration Department in WAMCO ( West Africa Multi Countries Office) and being in charge of supporting the Head of Support Services in the overall operations management, I have extensively and efficiently contributed to all activities related to financial and Administrative management. These include:

• Defining and implementing operational and financial management strategies
• Overseeing Treasury and Cash Management
• Preparation and monitoring of budgets (hubs / Projects)
• Ensure compliance with UNOPS rules and regulations
• Ensure internal control and risk management across the Hub
• Reviewing project budgets and expenditure management
• Coordinating internal audits and project verifications
• Coordinating Project closure
• Strengthening and sharing knowledge
• Reviewing and approving finance requests ( operational advance, Petty Cash, Advance financing, Prepayment, Bank guarantees, etc)
• Reviewing and approving client reports
• ort and advice to program, project team, and Senior Management
• Contribute to the engagement review committee and ensure proper determination of Direct Costs and advising on financial risk
• Acting as OIC in the absence of the Head of Support Services
• Support the head of Support services in operations management
• Contributing to Project Quality Assurance
• Monitoring the use of the Finance Delegation of Authority
• Coordinating quarterly and year-end book closure
• Overseeing Administrative activities ( travel, assets management, security management, Business operation Strategy and Business continuity Plan etc)
• Lead the Finance and Admin Team of 12 persons

• Defining and implementing operational and financial management strategies
• Overseeing Treasury and Cash Management
• Preparation and monitoring of budgets (hubs / Projects)
• Ensure compliance with UNOPS rules and regulations
• Ensure internal control and risk management across the Hub
• Reviewing project budgets and expenditure management
• Coordinating internal audits and project verifications
• Coordinating Project closure
• Strengthening and sharing knowledge
• Reviewing and approving finance requests ( operational advance, Petty Cash, Advance financing, Prepayment, Bank guarantees, etc)
• Reviewing and approving client reports
• Support and advice to program, project team, and Senior Management
• Contribute to the engagement review committee and ensure proper determination of Direct Costs and advising on financial risk
• Acting as OIC in the absence of the Head of Support Services
• Support the head of Support services in operations management
• Contributing to Project Quality Assurance
• Monitoring the use of the Finance Delegation of Authority
• Coordinating quarterly and year-end book closure
• Lead the Finance Team

• Overseeing Treasury and Cash Management
• Preparation and monitoring of budgets (hubs / Projects)
• Ensure compliance with UNOPS rules and regulations
• Ensure internal control and risk management across the Hub
• Reviewing project budgets and expenditure management
• Coordinating internal audits and project verifications
• Coordinating Project closure
• Strengthening and sharing knowledge
• Reviewing and approving finance requests ( operational advance, Petty Cash, Advance financing, Prepayment, Bank guarantees, etc)
• Support and advice to program, project team, and Senior Management
• Contribute to the engagement review committee and ensure proper determination of Direct Costs and advising on financial risk
• Acting as OIC in the absence of the Head of Support Services
• Support the head of Support services in operations management
• Contributing to Project Quality Assurance
• Monitoring the use of the Finance Delegation of Authority
• Coordinating quarterly and year-end book closure
• Manage the Team

As a key member of the Africa Management Team, I directed comprehensive operations, including finance, human resources, procurement, administration, and IT.

As a key member of the Africa Management Team, I oversaw and optimized critical operations including finance, human resources, procurement, administration, and IT. My responsibilities included ensuring strict financial compliance, producing timely financial and client reports, and meticulously monitoring regional project expenses against budgets. I also managed the complete HR lifecycle for Senegalese staff (contracts, payroll, benefits, tax compliance, leaves management) and implemented transparent recruitment and procurement processes.

Key Contributions:

• Managed financial oversight, guaranteeing rigorous adherence to governmental, sub-contract, and private foundation financial policies, procedures, and practices.
• Produced timely and accurate month-end financial reports and client reports, meeting all agency and donor requirements.
• Monitored and controlled project expenses, ensuring alignment with donor and agency budgets across all regional projects.
• Developed and managed the annual budget for the Regional Office, including routine updates to optimize resource allocation.
• Spearheaded comprehensive HR management, covering contracts, payroll processing, leave administration, and compliance for retirement pension funds, social security, health insurance, and income tax for local staff.
• Streamlined recruitment processes and procurement operations, ensuring transparency and strict adherence to established procedures.
• Led and supervised a diverse team of 13 support staff, including Administrative Assistants, Accountants, Drivers, Guards, and maintenance personnel.

As a key early member of the project team, I spearheaded the development and implementation of the finance and operations strategy from the proposal phase. My oversight ensured project objectives were met through the efficient use of resources.

Key achievements from the launch of the project to the close out:

• Led critical finance and administrative functions for the US$40 million USAID/EDB Basic Education Project, from inception through successful closeout.
• Managed the complete budget lifecycle, including preparation and rigorous tracking of project expenditures for USAID/EDB activities and a diverse portfolio of sub-contractors (e.g., Plan International, Counterpart International, ENDA, ADE).
• Provided essential financial forecasting and strategic input into annual work planning and budgeting processes.
• Ensured financial integrity by maintaining accurate accounts and delivering precise monthly financial reports to headquarters in Washington D.C.
• Supervised and optimized daily financial operations, including efficient petty cash management.
• Oversaw comprehensive payroll administration and full-spectrum Human Resources management.
• Developed and delivered training programs to enhance staff understanding and adherence to financial procedures.
• Implemented and maintained a secure, organized electronic and hard copy filing system for all financial records, ensuring audit readiness.
• Effectively managed financial oversight and compliance for all local subcontractors and grantees.

My career at USAID spans multiple roles, from Administrative Assistant to Office Manager, showcasing my steadfast commitment, dynamic capabilities, and proven competence. I've consistently contributed to achieving project results through accomplishments such as

2007-2008: Office & Finance Manager

• Ensured the timely and accurate processing of accounts payable and receivable.
• Facilitated efficient procurement operations by securing competitive price quotes and conducting thorough market surveys.
• Established and maintained robust electronic and hard copy accounting files, ensuring data integrity and audit readiness.
• Streamlined payment authorization processes and compiled essential documentation for monthly financial reporting.
• Collaborated on budget development for the Chief of Party and National/Regional Coordinators.
• Provided direct supervision to Administrative Assistants and managed daily petty cash operations.
• Executed regular asset inventories for the project, schools, and partners, maintaining accurate records.

2006-2007: Finance and Program Associate

• Ensured efficient processing and tracking of all project disbursements.
• Played a key role in the development of the yearly project budget.
• Conducted rigorous oversight of monthly petty cash expenditures.
• Generated precise travel expense reports for reimbursement and tracking.
• Supported the timely compilation and submission of monthly financial reports.
• Maintained meticulous financial and administrative project files, ensuring data integrity.
• Regularly updated and reconciled the inventory of project equipment.

2005-2006: Administrative Assistant

• Provided comprehensive logistical and administrative support to both local staff and international consultants, ensuring smooth project operations.
• Managed and reconciled petty cash, meticulously maintaining accurate logs for transparent financial tracking.
• Developed and maintained robust fuel consumption reporting logs for all project vehicles, optimizing efficiency and cost control.
• Oversaw the full lifecycle of procurement and inventory management for all office supplies and equipment.
• Prepared and processed purchase orders and delivery notes, ensuring timely acquisition of necessary resources.