Regional finance director, Yaounde

Regional finance director, YaoundeClosing Date: Monday, 04 June 2012

Regional Finance Director Location: Central Africa Regional Programme Office, Yaoundé Contract Type: 2/3 years Remuneration: Competitive Closing date: This position remains open until filled Starting date: As soon as possible Reference: WWF-FD-CARPO

About WWF For 50 years, WWF has been protecting the future of nature. The world's leading conservation organization, WWF works in 100 countries and is supported by 1.2 million members in the United States and close to 5 million globally. WWF's unique way of working combines global reach with a foundation in science, involves action at every level from local to global, and ensures the delivery of innovative solutions that meet the needs of both people and nature.

About Central African Programme Office (CARPO) WWF's Central Africa Programme, headquartered in Cameroon, was founded in 1990. It is focused on the Congo basin and provides support to WWF's offices and projects in Cameroon, Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Gabon In this green heart of the African continent, the Congo Basin forests are a haven for indigenous peoples, elephants, gorillas and a bewildering array of other amazing wildlife.

One common thread links the fates of these actors: the continued existence of the world's second largest tropical rainforest expanse. We cannot take the existence of the Congo Basin forests for granted. Today, unregulated and often illegal extractive activities are pushing ever further into the Congo Basin. The results? Between 1990 and 2000, approximately 91,000 km2 of forests were lost in Central Africa. That represents an area about 3 times the size of Belgium. Together with its partners, WWF has developed its Green Heart of Africa Initiative, reaching out at all levels – from villages to presidential offices – to protect and sustainably manage one of the most outstanding forest and freshwater ecosystems in the world, while satisfying Central Africa's pressing development needs.

Mission Talent has been tasked by WWF with providing an exclusive search for the position of a Regional Finance Director.

Major Functions

To ensure that WWF CARPO applies the highest standards in Financial management in order to support its Conservation Strategy in the region. To supervise and co-ordinate the development and implementation of policies, procedures and systems for all financial support services throughout the Programme, including accounting, financial reporting, auditing, IT systems, budget management, and adherence to guidelines developed by the Home Office. To support the Regional Representative in the development and implementation of the Programme's Strategic and Business Plans and in ensuring that the programme has enough financial resources to comply with its contractual obligations. To provide effective leadership to ensure strong and professional financial management at WWF CARPO regional level and throughout region's presences

Major Duties and Responsibilities Policies, procedures and systems

Ensures that all Programme locations apply the established WWF International Field Operations Policies & Procedures as set out in the appropriate manuals and the WWF Network standards issued by the Chief Operating Officer of WWF International; Where appropriate, co-ordinates the preparation of local versions of these procedures in compliance with local law and WWF agreements with Countries; Ensures that all Programme locations operate in strict application of the laws and regulations in force and ensures that the policies and procedures are adapted, where necessary, to reflect these laws and regulations in coordination with the Home office where local laws & regulations contradict WWF International policies & procedures; Ensures that all Programme locations are properly equipped with the appropriate WWF International approved accounting and financial systems, and that these are updated in a co-ordinated and timely manner.

Financial Management and Reporting

Ensures that all Programme locations have appropriate financial structures with properly qualified and trained staff; Supervises and performance manages the finance staff at WWF CARPO regional level directly, and has strong functional (dotted line) supervision over head of finance in all Programme locations, and as designated; Ensures that all Programme locations provide timely and appropriate financial information to management; Ensures the adequacy of financial reports, systems, procedures and internal controls in all Programme locations; oversees the financial consolidation of all programme offices reporting into the Regional Office; Develops a timetable for data transfer from Country Offices and Projects within the region to ensure timely preparation of consolidated financial reports. Directs the preparation and distribution of all consolidated financial reports; Supervises the development of and modifications to the Programme's Chart of Accounts, in co-ordination with the Country Offices and WWF International; Ensures that all contracts are properly developed and that all Programme locations and sub-contractees properly monitor and fulfil their financial contractual obligations, including reporting to donors; Co-ordinates and participates in the preparation of project and Programme budgets and forecasts; Ensures that all project budgets, and particularly that of the Regional Programme Office, are fully funded; Ensures that staff contracts are funded and appropriate systems are in place for payment; Ensures that the financial reports for all Programme locations are regularly reviewed, analysed and followed-up jointly by senior finance staff and the project executants: Co-ordinates transfers of funds from donors on a timely basis to Projects under the direct management of the Regional Office; Ensures quality of service of the financial departments, monitors the financial key performance indicator (KPI) reporting

Strategic and Business Planning

Contributes to the Regional Strategic Plan development Directs and improves WWF CARPO's performance to meet WWF International's operations and management systems network standards and best practices as well as contractual requirements of WWF CARPO. This includes but is not limited to designing, implementing and ensuring the compliance of improved F&A and operational controls, processes and procedures throughout the Regional offices; Based on the WWF CARPO Strategic Plan ensures an integrated programme and budgeting planning process and the development and monitoring of an Annual Action plan for WWF CARPO and related Country Offices; Ensures that the Regional Management Team understands all necessary aspects and needs of operational development and Strategic Plan targets, ensures they are fully supported by as well as informed of operational objectives, purposes and achievements; ensures participation and engagement of Operations teams in all relevant meetings and planning of other departments of WWF CARPO and with partners, in particular in relation to the development of key programmes and projects Co-ordinates the preparation of the annual operations and programme budgets for the Programme, in accordance with the annual planning cycle. Budget planning will require close collaboration with finance, accounting, administration and programme staff. Assists in the preparation and review of all proposals for submission for funding relative to Projects to be managed by the Regional Office. Assists in the revision of Country Agreements as required by local context and the development of the Programme.

Special Projects

Oversees any special projects, conducts analysis as required on any of the above activities.

Required Qualifications

A university degree in Commerce, Business Administration or related field; possession of an MBA or equivalent post-graduate qualification would be an advantage Full accounting qualification i.e. CPA, ACCA or equivalent Over 10 years working experience in a senior Finance position preferably in a major international organisation/NGO Management experience at international level and Demonstrable skills in the development of finance and accounting policies, procedures and systems in the context of an international NGO Good knowledge of fund accounting including reporting requirements of major Government and Aid Agencies. Hands-on knowledge of the ACCPAC, Oracle or any other ERP accounting software would be a distinct advantage

Required skills and behaviours

English/French fluent, Mobility – able to travel regularly to offices and programmes Cultural sensitivity with excellent interpersonal skills for an African and international context

Critical behavioural competencies include

Ability to promote team synergy in a multi-cultural work environment, Integrity and reliability Customer orientation/relations, Analytical thinking and problem solving, Organisational skills, highly effective work habits, strategic thinking and decision making, Flexibility and team spirit, Change management

WWF CARPO has exclusively tasked Mission Talent to undertake this search. All applications must be addressed to Tim Biscaye and submitted via applications@missiontalent.com (and cc tim.biscaye@missiontalent.com). To apply for this leadership role, please adhere to the following 4 guidelines:

Kindly attach your CV (in English) and a covering letter (of 350 words or less) which summarizes how your profile aligns with the key job requirements and required skills and abilities of this role. Draft your CV and Covering Letter in a WORD formatted documents (not PDF or RTF). Please do not add any additional documentation in your initial application. Your subject line needs to state WWF-FD-CARPO + "Your Last Name, First Name"

If you want priority attention to your submission, please follow the above specified four (4) steps.

Thank you in advance for your interest in this position. Please note that only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted by Mission Talent for follow up.

Attention please!

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Please note:
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, TRAINING OR ANY OTHER FEES).

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON BANK ACCOUNTS.

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