African Seed Trade Association Finance Officer Kenyan Job

Vacancy Announcement

Finance Officer (ASIESA Project) With African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA)

About AFSTA

AFSTA is a continent-wide umbrella body representing the private seed industry. AFSTA was formally established on March, 2000, during an inaugural congress in South Africa where Kenya was elected as host country for the Secretariat.

The African Seed Trade Association arose out of a need to have a regional representative body for the seed industry, which could also serve to promote the development of private seed enterprises. AFSTA now has a diplomatic status.

About ASIESA

In response to the challenges above, AFSTA and COMESA teamed up in 2010 to create the Alliance for the Seed Industry in Eastern and Southern Africa (ASIESA).

This is a public-private partnership whose goal is to create a reliable source of improved quality seeds the region by addressing the constraints facing the supply of certified seeds to farmers.

Phase one of ASIESA is being implemented in Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Madagascar through their National Seed Trade Associations (NSTAs).
ASIESA objectives

Funding

The ASIESA is a multi-donor seed project with initial funding provided by USAID. It is expected that more development partners would join ASIESA to make it a success.

Finance Officer (ASIESA) Role

The ASIESA Finance Officer will be in charge of managing the ASIESA project funds and to ensure all expenditures comply with accountability standards as well as local and international rules and regulations as per donor requirements.

Working with the AFSTA administration, she/he will report to, and be jointly responsible with the ASIESA Project Director, for the project’s budget controls.

Main Tasks and Duties

• Ensure compliance with local (Kenyan) rules and regulations as well as donor requirements pursuant to international accounting laws.
• Create annual project budgets and forecasts.
• Conduct regular project audits
• Manage the project's general ledger and monitor cash flow.
• Manage staff payroll and ensure remittance of taxes.
• Prepare monthly financial reports including balance sheets, cash flow statements and other reports and schedules.
• Perform other related duties as may be delegated by the Program Director.

Mandatory Competencies and Qualifications:

The successful candidate must be an African citizen from any one of the COMESA countries. Candidates from the eight ASIESA Project countries (Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Madagascar) are encouraged to apply.

Career Background / Operational Experience:

• A commendable career with 10+ years experience in African agri-business and specifically within the Seed Sector in COMESA region.
• At least 5+ years experience in financial management of complex seed related donor projects in Africa, COMESA region.
• Public sector or Non-profit sector experience an advantage.
• Capable of travelling extensively.

Academic Background

• Masters degree in Finance or other related fields.
• A Bachelors degree in the same fields will be considered if supported by ample relevant working experience)
• Chartered Accountant
• Qualifications in Project Management
• Good Computer skills (MS Office / Internet/Quickbooks).
• Membership of a Professional Association (CPA, ACCA, CFA, etc)

Other Requirements

• Ability to work in a multi disciplinary team to achieve common goals in a challenging environment.
• Hands-on approach to working.
• Strong financial presentation / reporting skills.
• Fluency in spoken and written English;
• Resourceful; passionate about their work.
• Respectful of all working relationships;
• Basic working knowledge of French will be an added advantage.

Terms and Conditions

The Finance Officer shall be based in Nairobi, Kenya, where the Headquarters of the Association is located. The Finance Officer is recruited with a five (2) -year mandate with a high potential for extension based on a successful performance assessment.

The Remuneration is based on the internationally competitive and attractive salary scale of AFSTA

Application

Expressions of Interest with a full CV and supporting statement, highlighting your experience and skills against the requirements of the role should be submit to Ms. Susan Waweru, Director, SRI Executive Search, Nairobi, Kenya.

Email: swaweru@sri-executive.com

SRI Executive has been retained by AFSTA to manage both internal and external applications for this role.

The closing date for applications is 30 April 2012