World Agroforestry Centre Finance Officer (East and Southern Africa) Job in Nairobi, Kenya

Vacancy: Finance Officer (East and Southern Africa)
 

About the organization
 

The World Agroforestry Centre is an independent research institution which generates science-based knowledge about the complex role trees play in agricultural landscapes and rural livelihoods. 

As part of the Centre’s work to bring tree - based solutions to bear on poverty and environmental problems, researchers – working in close collaboration with partners – are developing new technologies, tools and policy recommendations for increased food security and ecosystem health.
 

The Centre’s headquarters are located in Nairobi, Kenya, and research is conducted in 23 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. 

We are supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and receive funding from over 50 different donors

The position
 

The incumbent in liaison with the Finance Officers at ICRAF Headquarters will be responsible for the financial management function of ICRAF East and Southern Africa (ESA) region.
 

Main purpose of the job
 

1. To manage all financial information and databases for the ESA region. Provide supervision to Country Finance Officers of country offices in the region.
 

2. To provide practical recommendation and advise for improving operational efficiency in the region and ICRAF in general.
 

3. To participate in proposal and project budget formulations, project financial monitoring and evaluation and reporting to project managers, HQ and donors.
 

Key responsibilities

• Manage and maintain the ESA SUN system database, fixed assets database and the online financial statements.
• Manage the region’s monthly closing and annual finalization process as per the ICRAF cut-off dates and ensure the timely submission of monthly reconciliations, fixed assets movements and trail balance.
• Monitor and prepare the ESA regional annual budgets as per ICRAF Plan Of Work and Budget (POWB).
• Support the development of project proposal an concept notes as per the ICRAF full costing policy.
• Preparation and analysis of grant financial reports as per the grant agreement and monitor the funding receipts, supervise the finance team in the region and ensure smooth and accurate flow of data and information to and from ICRAF HQ and the Node/Country Offices.
• Review and post all monthly project imprest reports received from the ESA Node/Country Offices.
• Custodian of all documents received from the region’s Node/Country Offices availing this upon request by donors, auditors and HQ.
• Maintain and enhance internal controls over financial transactions and business processes.
• Monitor the region’s project funds, monitor the Node/Country Offices’ petty cash disbursements and perform surprise cash counts.
• Management of advances to Associate Institutions, collaborators/partners and staff personal accounts as per ICRAF Policy.
• Liaise and consult with the Financial Services Unit (FSU) at ICRAF HQ on all financial and budget related matters.
• Lead budget preparation process by providing instructions and guidance in the formulation or resource allocation in the region.
• Perform quarterly budget analysis and report to the Regional Coordinator on expenditure trends, projected budget overruns and recommend corrective measures where necessary.
• Maintain an accurate fixed asset register for the region.
• Train and build a high performance finance team in the ESA region.

Qualifications

• A professional with a degree in finance/accounting, CPA (K) or ACCA.
• Master’s degree in financial management is an advantage.
• At least 5 years’ experience in financial management and accounting in a similar position in an international organisation, non-profit or development organisation.
• Undertaking and application of financial practices, policies, concepts and procedures.
• Proficiency in ICT with demonstrated experience in MS Office, data management, SUN accounting package as well as other accounting packages.
• Understanding of local laws and practices in the Eastern and Southern Africa region in regard to financial and taxation policies.
• Personal drive and process thinker.
• Team builder and team player.
• Creative thinker and capacity to make good judgment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and in a multi-cultural environment.

Terms of offer
 

The World Agroforestry Centre is an equal opportunity employer and offers a collegial and gender-sensitive working environment. 

We believe that staff diversity promotes excellence and strongly encourage applications from qualified women and physically challenged persons. 

This position is on local terms and will be for an initial period of three (3) years, renewable subject to six (6) months’ probation period, assessment of performance, continued relevance of the position and availability of resources.

How to apply
 

Go to http://worldagroforestry.org/working-for-icraf/vacancies
 

Applications will be considered until 06 September 2013. 

Please note that only short-listed applicants meeting the above requirements will be contacted.

We invite you to learn more about World Agroforestry Centre by accessing our website www.worldagroforestry.org