icipe Senior Accountant / Finance Officer Job in Nairobi Kenya

icipe - African Insect Science for Food and Health is an intergovernmental organisation funded by governmental aid agencies, UN organisations and private foundations to carry out research and training in environmentally sound and sustainable management of arthropods for improving health and agricultural productivity in the tropics. 

icipe has 400 staff to support its research and capacity building programmes located at various sites in Kenya and Ethiopia.

icipe wishes to urgently recruit a dynamic and highly qualified person to fill in the position of Senior Accountant / Finance Officer. 

Ref. No. NRS/61/062014

The position is for the Partnership for Economic Policy (PEP) an international non-profit research and capacity building organization hosted by icipe under a long-term research and collaboration agreement.

Overall Purpose of the Job: Overall, to ensure the financial controllership and integrity of all PEP projects and the organization by providing  consolidated financial plans and reports and  support program growth and expansion through transparent and efficient accounting systems.

The successful candidate will functionally report to the Executive Director of PEP. 

The position will be based at icipe’s Main Campus located at Duduville, in Nairobi but will interact with other regional offices of PEP globally and will be responsible for the following key activities among others.

Specific responsibilities of this position will include:

• Provide support to Executive Director, Senior Management and technical staff on financial and program management.
• Ensure compliance with financial and procurement policies and procedures and enhance internal financial controls.
• Strengthen the internal financial management and accounting systems in close collaboration with icipe’s Finance Department.
• Perform a monthly budget vs. expenses analysis at project and program level, including suggested actions and proposed solutions, to support strategic and timely decisions by the Executive Director.
• In close cooperation with technical staff, develop budgets for new project proposals and grant applications as required by donors.
• Upon grant approval, prepare templates and coordinate upload of budgets in the financial system.
• Prepare Financial Donor Reports and ensure consistency with technical reports.
• Develop annual operating budgets for PEP, including capital expenditure and staffing requirements.
• Supports work planning and project implementation by identifying gaps in staffing in relation to available budgets.
• Elaborate contracts with collaborators and facilitate processing of payments.
• Ensure research and support costs are fully allocated to projects/grants in a transparent manner.
• Implement monthly changes in the system for staff salaries and allocations to relevant projects.
• Maintains close working relationships with program administrators and peers in relation to financial management.
• Performs other duties assigned by the Executive Director.

Requirements

• Degree level (BA/BS) or higher in Accounting or Finance from a recognized University and training in accounting with CPA, K (Advanced Level).
• MA in Finance or Accounting with CPA, K (Advanced Level) and 5 years of practical experience in financial management.
• Relevant experience in a demanding environment or an International organization, on general accounting ledger, and financial reporting; and ability to present complex issues clearly and concisely.
• Advanced knowledge of standard software and financial/project management systems (e.g. SUN Accounts, Pastel Evolution, Vision Executive and Vision Excel).
• Experience of leading on financial aspects of multi-country donor contract management and providing advice on complex financial management
• Experience of developing and setting up financial operational systems and schedules.
• Strong level of customer orientation and flexibility, with a high level of attention to detail and ability to travel.
• Ability to work with different nationalities in a multi-cultural environment, under pressure and as a member of diverse work team.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Knowledge of other languages (e.g. French) will be an advantage.
• Ability to take initiative and plan and work with limited supervision.
• Be available to start on the job at the earliest.

Disposition

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Must have the ability to plan and work with minimal supervision.

Reporting

This position reports to the Chief Executive Director, PEP.

The selected candidate should be available to start as soon as possible,

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted up to 30th June, 2014, or until the position is filled, whichever is earlier. Please quote the job reference number NRS/61/062014 on the email subject line. 

Send an application (including current salary details and anticipated remuneration package), with a current CV with names and addresses of 3 referees (including e-mail addresses and fax numbers), copies of transcripts or academic certificates and relevant testimonials to 

Human Resources Department, icipe, 

P.O. Box 30772-00100 

Nairobi, Kenya. 

Electronic copies must be sent to icipehr@icipe.org. 

Only applications of shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.

icipe is an Equal Opportunity Employer