Introduction

The Expanding Enterprise Participation in the Textile and Clothing Global Value Chain Project is a sub-component of the broader World Bank funded Lesotho Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion Project (CAFI). The development objective is to expand the participation of Lesotho-based garment manufacturing enterprises in the Textile and Clothing (T&C) Global Value Chain (GVC) through a focus on increased productivity, growth, overall supply chain competitiveness with the aim of employment creation, and especially for Basotho owned and managed firms, many of which fall into the Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) segment.

The project is a 42-month integrated set of international Technical Assistance (TA) interventions consisting of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Sustaining Competitive and Responsible Enterprises (SCORE) programme and the International Trade Center’s (ITC) Global Textile and Clothing (GTEX)pProgramme. The international TA phase will be followed by a 30-month national implementation phase. The project is designed and delivered jointly by ILO and ITC with technical support to individual firms that is tailor made to their needs, opportunities and challenges as well as their operational and manufacturing constraints. The technical assistance packages will consist of i) pre-production support to develop firm competencies to improve techniques for material sourcing and yarn and fabric knowledge, improvement of product design and product development; ii) production level support to improve operations and management through Continuous Improvement Projects (CIPs) and productivity improvement interventions and; iii) post-production support to strengthen firms’ abilities to market and brand products to regional and global markets, including coaching and training in high-performance sales and management along with the identification of new business opportunities through training on export and investment promotion, market and client diversification. The Project contributes to the ILO’s mandate to promote sustainable enterprises, productivity and just transition as a means to contribute to decent work in ILO Member States

Reporting lines

The position is located in Maseru, Lesotho under the overall responsibility of the Director of DWT/CO-Pretoria, The FAA will report to the ILO/ITC Project Manager and work closely with other project staff in the team. S/he will also receive guidance and support from the Pretoria Finance and Operation colleagues as well as colleagues from the SKILLS Branch and ENTERPRISES Department in Geneva, when relevant and the team in the SME Unit of the ENTERPRISES Department at ILO Headquarters Geneva.

Description of Duties

The FAA will primarily provide support the ILO/ITC in all finance and administrative tasks, for smooth preparatory works and successful implementation of the project, and in particular:

1. Assist with the planning and preparatory work of the project initiatives in Pretoria. Monitor status of the project and receipt of documentation for review and approval, verifying that information is compliant with applicable rules, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines. Monitor the status of the project outcomes and deliverables and inform the supervisor of any discrepancies.
2. Compile, summarize and present a variety of information and data to the supervisor on issues pertinent to the Office’s work programme, including on budgets, staffing levels and structures of programmes and/or projects, and other related topics or issues.
3. Collect quotations, prepare Purchase Orders (POs) in ILO`s ERP system-IRIS, external collaboration and service contracts, and agreements with partners. Assist in issuing and monitoring of external collaboration contracts and service contracts. Ensure timely discharge of financial responsibilities of the project’s contractual obligations to third parties based on ILO rules.
4. Provide administrative and financial backstopping and guidance for project staff and consultants, with respect to payments, entitlements, travel claims, and other requirements relating to accounts and finance. In addition, maintain various official records and files.
5. Prepare recurring reports as scheduled and special reports as required for donor reporting, for budget preparation, audits or other reasons.
6. Perform the project administrative tasks, including logistical support to the project personal, travel arrangements (including Travel Transactions (TT) request) in ILO`s ERP system- IRIS, visas, hotel reservation, etc., and provide logistics and administration arrangements for meetings, conferences, seminars and workshops.
7. Maintain and update spreadsheets and databases for internal expenditure control purposes. Perform basic searches for information and prepare and update periodic reports, background information, briefing notes and statistical summaries.
8. Assist the Project Manager in the preparation of budget estimates and expenditure forecasts by analyzing and monitoring the situation of resources as compared to planned activities.
9. Maintain an overview of the financial situation of the Project, to ensure that timely administrative support is provided in general and particular areas. Prepare and modify budget code and budget data such as budget proposals, budget revision, and rephrasing.
10. Prepare administrative and finance related briefing materials for the Project Manager. Keep abreast of the progress report requirements and timetable, providing support to the Project Manager and coordinators for the preparation of the submission.

optional section (if needed)

11. Process financial transactions and verify that information and supporting documentation is in compliance with financial rules and regulations, policies, procedures and applicable standards. As well as respond to requests for general information and routine queries on status of payments and other budgetary issues.
12. Keep abreast of changes to relevant administrative and finance related policies, procedures, guidelines and processes and share information with concerned parties, providing further clarification as required. In addition, the developments in the country which may have an impact on areas for ILO assistance and collaboration/development cooperation.
13. Perform other relevant duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

Required qualifications

Education

Completion of Secondary school education plus formal training in accounting, finance or business administration from a recognized commercial school or equivalent.

Experience

Five years of experience in clerical administrative work including record keeping and processing of information and basic knowledge of report writing.

Languages

Excellent knowledge of English and good knowledge of one of the official national languages of South Africa.

Competencies

• Knowledge and understanding of a complex body of financial and administrative rules, guidelines and procedures
• Proven ability to take ownership of all responsibilities, to act with integrity and transparency by maintaining social, ethical and organisational norms, and to meet all commitments within the prescribed time, cost and quality standards.
• Proficient in basic computer software (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe Reader) and ability to use other software packages required by the Office
• Ability to advocate and provide policy advice.
• Ability to deal with people with tact and diplomacy
• Ability to evaluate correspondence and inquiries for best course of action
• Excellent leadership skills, ability to work effectively in a team and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write accurate reports and to build networks to obtain cooperation with partners.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.
• Ability to unite or find convergence in an inclusive manner among diverging perspectives and to build bridges among different stakeholders.

Assessed candidates who will be considered as appointable but not selected for this position can also be offered to be assigned on another temporary position at the same or at a lower grade provided that said candidates possesses the minimum qualifications for this position.