Regional Finance Officer (SA Hub) (Ref No: DDG-CS/RFO/SA/11/15) Background: The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the internationally recruited position of Regional Finance Officer. IITA is one of the world’s leading research partners in finding solutions for hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. Its award-winning research-for-development (R4D) approach addresses the development needs of tropical countries. IITA works with partners to enhance crop quality and productivity, reduce producer and consumer risks, and generate wealth from agriculture. IITA is a non-profit organization founded in 1967 in Nigeria and governed by a Board of Trustees. IITA works on the following crops: cowpea, soybean, banana/plantain, yam, cassava, and maize. It is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future. Please visit http://www.iita.org/ for more information on IITA. Position Responsibilities: Provide advice and oversight on financial procedures in all the IITA Stations in Southern Africa Hub (SARAH) i.e Zambia, Mozambique and Malawi.
Serve as IITA/Lusaka Station Finance Officer, thereby taking responsibility for the underlisted tasks: - Assist in preparation of the Station’s capital and operating budget. - Oversee the operation of imprest account for the station in conjunction with HQ Finance Office, and ensure the Station has adequate funds for its operations. - Review monthly reconciliation of bank accounts and cash. - Supervise all accounts staff. - Review and approve expense claims for processing. - Review processed claim forms for payment. - Review payment of procurement claims for accuracy and compliance. - Review Purchase Orders in the system for payment and delivery status; and follow up with Procurement unit in Lusaka and Supply Chain in Ibadan to ensure Receiving Reports are processed for all served Orders. - Ensure compliance to IITA`s Standard Operating procedures (SOPs) on Finance & Accounting, and all other financial operating guidelines. - Monitor outstanding travel/cash advances. - Supervise the maintenance of Station’s Fixed Asset register. - Ensure all cash and cheques under custody are disbursed/or banked in accordance with the Institute`s accounting policies and guidelines. - Maintain all necessary accounting records. - Support scientist on monitoring cost centers operating within the hub.
Streamline financial policies and procedures in all IITA SA Stations in Zambia, Mozambique and Malawi. Conduct regular checks and ensure accounts staff in all IITA SA Stations comply with financial guidelines and procedures of the Institute. Identify training needs, and organize in-house training, of accounting personnel and other staff (including Scientists and Administration) on accounting controls and procedures, budget monitoring, etc.
Co-ordinate audit activities and other assurance and monitoring providers across all SA Hub Stations. Perform the role of second reviewer of FINIX transactions in all IITA SA Stations in Zambia, Mozambique and Malawi. Support stations in IITA SA on budget monitoring of administrative and cost recovery cost centers. Review monthly reconciliation of bank accounts in all IITA SA Stations in Zambia, Mozambique and Malawi. Provide technical support and back stopping to all accounting staff in the IITA SA stations i.e. Zambia, Mozambique, and Malawi. Any other finance-related duties assigned by Director of R4D Southern Africa Hub and Director of Finance.
Educational Qualifications The candidate should have a Bachelors’ degree in a relevant field—research administration, public administration, finance, accounting or management. Core Competencies: • Must be a professionally qualified accountant (CPA, ACCA, CIMA, CA). • Preferably with five years or more of progressive experience in managing corporate finance, including reporting to senior management. • Experience in a multidisciplinary research organization and cross- cultural environment, preferably in a not-for-profit organization. • Experience as a manager of staff, team builder. • Proficiency in at least one major enterprise management system (oracle, sun, platinum SAGE, etc.) and relevant computer applications. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English is essential. Duty station: Lusaka, Zambia General information: The contract will be for an initial period of three years with possibility of renewal based on performance and continued availability of funding. IITA offers internationally competitive remuneration package paid in U.S. Dollars. Applications: Applications must include covering letter which should address how the candidate’s background/experience relates to the specific duties of the position applied for, curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three professional referees (which must include either the Head of the applicant’s current or previous organization or applicant’s direct Supervisor/Superior at his/her present or former place of work). The application should be addressed to the Head, Human Resources Service. Please complete our online application form using this link: http://www.iita.org/careers Closing Date: 9th December 2015 IITA is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from women candidates. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
