Regional finance manager

Imprimer   The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), carries out research to generate science-based knowledge about the complex role that trees play in agricultural landscapes and uses its research to ensure that policies and practices benefit the poor and the environment. Our vision is an 'agroforestry transformation' in the developing world?a massive increase in the use of trees on landscapes by smallholder rural households to ensure security in food, nutrition, income, health, shelter and energy, and a regenerated environment. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) conducts research in Africa, Asia and Latin America
The West and Central Africa (WCA) with a Regional Office in Yaounde ? Cameroon covers a vast geographical area made 21 countries with a population of 330 million people and covers a surface area of about 1200 million ha. The region?s activities are carried out in the Sahel, Upper Guinea and in the Humid Tropics zones where significant potentials exist for ICRAF and partners to contribute to reduce poverty, hunger and malnutrition for the rural poor communities.
We are looking for a Regional Finance Manager for ICRAF-West and Central Africa region to be based in the ICRAF-WCA Regional Office in Yaounde, Cameroon. The selected candidate will be required to travel within the region to the country offices and occasional international travel. The position will report directly to the Regional Coordinator ICRAF-WCA while maintaining a direct functional reporting relationship to the Director of Finance & Operations at ICRAF Headquarters based in Nairobi, Kenya. The incumbent will supervise financial staff at the WCA regional office and in West and Central Africa Country offices.
Overall purpose of the job
In liaison with Finance Officers at ICRAF HQ: Responsible for the financial management function of ICRAF-WCA region. To manage all financial information and databases for the ICRAF-WCA region. Provide supervision to Finance Officers of nodes and country offices in the region. To provide practical recommendations and advice for improving operational efficiency in the region and ICRAF processes in general. Participate in proposals and project budget formulation, project financial monitoring and evaluation and reporting to project managers, HQ and donors.
Responsibilities
- Manage and maintain the ICRAF-WCA Sun System database, fixed assets Database and the online financial statements.
- Manage the regions 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 trial balance.
- Monitor and prepare the ICRAF-WCA Regional annual budgets as per ICRAF POWB
- Support the development of project proposals and 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 nodes/Country Offices.
- Review and post all monthly project imprest reports received from the ICRAF-WCA nodes/country offices .
- Vouch and be the 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.
- Administrate the Regions Project funds, monitor the nodes/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.
- Maintain the suppliers cycle and procurement process for the region?s as per ICRAF policy
- Liaise and consult with the Financial Service Unit at ICRAF headquarters in Nairobi on all financial and budget related matters.
- Lead budget preparation process by providing instructions and guidance in the formulation of 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 ICRAF-WCA RegionA professional accounting/business qualification equivalent to an MBA or CPA, CA, ACMA or ACCA or a graduate education with a Master degree in financial management and accounting.
- At least 7 year?s experience in financial management and accounting in a similar position in an international organization, non-governmental or development organization
- Undertaking and application of financial practices, policies concepts and procedures.
- Proficiency in ICT with demonstrated experience in MS Office, data management, the SUN accounting package as well as other accounting packages.
- Understanding of local laws and practices in the West and Central Africa region in regard to financial and taxation policies.
- Practiced and successful negotiator.
- Personal drive and process thinker.
- Team builder and team player.
- Creative thinker and capacity to make good commercial judgement.
- Fluency of both French and English (spoken and written)
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and in a multicultural environment.
- Testimonials from three previous employers attesting the incumbent?s qualifications, performance and integrity.
Terms and Conditions
ICRAF is an equal opportunity employer offering a regional competitive salary and benefits package, and a collegial working environment. The appointment will be for an initial period of two (2) years with nine (9) months probation period, with potential for extension and renewable subject to assessment of performance and availability of funds. ICRAF offers a collegial and gender-sensitive working environment, believes that staff diversity promotes excellence, and strongly encourages applications from qualified women.
Applicants are invited to send a cover letter illustrating their suitability for the above position against the listed qualifications/competencies/skills and a detailed curriculum vitae, with names and addresses of three referees (including telephone, fax numbers and email address).

Applicants should indicate ?Application for a Regional Finance Manager- WCA? on their application letters or email submissions. Applications will be considered until 10th March 2011 or until the position is filled.
Only short-listed applicants meeting the above requirements will be contacted.
We invite you to learn more about ICRAF by accessing our web site: http://www.worldagroforestry.org

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