Finance Assistant

Reference number: 202434
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Local Position
Duty station: Lusaka, Zambia
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CIFOR-ICRAF
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

Overview

To provide assistance in finance, grants management and accounting support to staff in the CIFOR-ICRAF Zambia Office ensuring compliance to CIFOR-ICRAF policies and procedures.

Duties and responsibilities

1.Finance Tasks

·Assist in managing, monitoring, and
reviewing the grants.

·Ensure that petty cash expenses are
fully supported as per policy, prepare monthlyreconciliations, and submit approved petty cash certificate to the
finance officer by 5th of every month.

·Participate in the development and
review of annual financial plans, budgets & targets.

·Assist in preparing draft donor reports
for projects implemented in Zambia country office.

·Assist in recording financial
transactions in the financial system.

·Maintain proper filing system for
finance records (invoices, receipts, delivery orders and contracts).

·Assist in managing CIFOR-ICRAF assets
and maintain an accurate asset register.

·Ensure the effective management of
internal controls, the operations and effectiveness of all processes, including
the travel & accounting systems in Zambia.

·Support project financial audits and in
liaison with Nairobi HQ and Bogor HQ for the various grants to ensure
compliance with policy and procedures for budget monitoring, reporting and for
operational efficiency.

2.Internal Controls

·Implement internal control systems that
ensure CIFOR_ICRAF attains its objectives, produce accurate and reliable data
for decision making.

·Ensure compliance to policies and
safeguard of CIFOR_ICRAF assets.

·Identify and assess changes that could
significantly impact the system of internal control in the country and project
offices.

·Evaluate and communicate internal
control deficiencies in a timely manner to the supervisor.

Other
Responsibilities:

·Perform any other tasks assigned by
Supervisor, Finance Managers HQs, Head of Finance and Country Coordinator for
Zambia.

·Identify and take action to mitigate
potential risks within the work area.

·Take reasonable care of own occupational
health and safety and that of others as obliged by CIFOR_ICRAF’s Safety Policy;
and cooperate with CIFOR_ICRAF in complying with requirements under any
statutory health and safety provisions of relevant Country laws.

Requirements

• Bachelors’ Degree (Accounting major
  preferable).
• Be a member of ZICA Zambia Institute of
  Chartered Accountants
• Proficiency in MS office, accounting
  software – UNIT4 Business World (Agresso)would be an added advantage.
• Over 2 years of experience in
  international organizations or NGO sector.
• Experience in payables accounting.
• Experience in handling audits.
• Experience in financial management of
  grants.
• Fluent in English.
  

Education, knowledge and experience

•Bachelors’ Degree (Accounting major preferable).
•Be a member of ZICA Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants
•Proficiency in MS office, accounting software – UNIT4 Business World (Agresso)would be an added advantage.
•Over 2 years of experience in international organizations or NGO sector.
•Experience in payables accounting.
•Experience in handling audits.
•Experience in financial management of grants.
•Fluent in English.

Terms and conditions

•This is a Locally Recruited position. CIFOR-ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in local currency commensurate with skills and experience.

•The duty station will be Lusaka, Zambia CIFOR-ICRAF offices.

Application process

The application deadline is 21 Jul 2024
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.