(STCP) FINANCE MANAGER AT IITA

SUSTAINABLE TREE CROPS PROGRAM (STCP) FINANCE MANAGER (REF: DDG-R4D/STCP/FM/10/10)

BACKGROUND:
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the position of a Finance Manager.

IITA is an international non-profit research-for-development (R4D) organization created in 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and supported primarily by the Consultative Group of International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). Our R4D is anchored on the development needs of sub-Saharan Africa. We develop agricultural solutions with our partners to tackle hunger and poverty by reducing producer and consumer risks, enhancing crop quality and productivity, and generating wealth from agriculture. We have more than 100 internationally recruited scientists from about 35 countries and 900 nationally recruited staff based in various stations across Africa. http://www.iita.org/

POSITION/RESPONSIBILITIES:
The position of STCP Finance Manager will be based at the STCP Regional Office in Accra, Ghana. The STCP operates in Liberia, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon and therefore the Finance Manager will be expected to travel to these countries. The position will coordinate and provide support to the country offices on all accounting and financial matters and prepare regular financial updates for management. The position will be responsible for the final preparation of all STCP financial reports for specific projects. In collaboration with the country offices the position will analyse cost data of major activities and prepare study reports. He/She will report to the STCP Program Manager.

SPECIFIC DUTIES
Monitor funds disbursed by the STCP by specific activities and funds available.
Regularly update the STCP Program Manager on financial matters.
Ensure that each STCP country has a fully operational accounting and finance system in place.
Assist in the implementation of finance policies, procedures and systems in the STCP.
Ensure compliance with IITA procedures and guidelines at country and regional levels.
Review country and regional financial reports for completeness and accuracy.
Assist in the drafting of project proposals.
Assist, in conjunction with IITA Contracts & Grant Office, in the preparation of project contracts with donors and partners.

PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
Mentor and support country accountants/finance managers.
Provide training to program staff on finance and accountancy issues.
In coordination with the Program Manager and country managers undertake staff appraisals of the program’s finance/accountancy staff.

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES
Assist with administrative support to the country offices
Assist with the compliance and implementation of IITA policy and procedures in the STCP.
Visit country offices to review finance, accounts and administrative procedures and systems.

FINANCE AND BUDGETING
Ensure that country offices act in accordance with country laws and standards of accounting practice.
Review, with the objective of gaining a clear understanding, IITA budget guidelines and instructions.
Review all funding allocations and to ensure proper guidance to programs and proper coding.
Follow any new procedure and guidelines designated by IITA.
Produce monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports for management.
Prepare the necessary documentation for payments by donors and follow up.
Prepare finance/accountancy guidelines/manuals for program staff.
Report immediately to the Program Manager any financial irregularities.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT/ANALYSIS
Assist and support country teams with the recording of essential cost data and information.
Assist country teams with the analysis and presentation of the costs of key activities.
In collaboration with regional officers compare activity costs from the countries and prepare reports and studies.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation
Report to the Program Manager any irregularities within the program on policy and procedures.
Assess potential financial risks and recommend ways to mitigate identified risks.

AUDIT
Assist in financial audit, including the provision of audit schedules and the clearing of audit queries.

GENERAL
Undertake any other duties assigned by the Program Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:
Advanced degree in a relevant field - accounting, business administration, public administration, and management, preferably an MBA
Must be a Certified Public Accountant or Chartered Accountant
Preferably with 10 years progressive experience in managing corporate finance, including reporting to senior management
Excellent interpersonal and team building skills
Proficiency in at least one major enterprise management system (oracle, sun, etc.) and relevant computer applications
Experience in a multidisciplinary research organization and cross- cultural environment, preferably in a not-for-profit organization and rural development would be advantageous
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English is essential
Experience in staff training and mentoring will be an advantage
Knowledge of French is an added value

GENERAL INFORMATION:
Initial appointment is for two years. IITA offers a competitive remuneration package paid in US dollars. This is a regional position and is open to nationals and residents of Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia and Nigeria.

APPLICATIONS:
Applications including curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three referees should be addressed to the Human Resources Manager. Please complete our online application form using this link: http://old.iita.org/cms/details/job_application.aspx

CLOSING DATE: November 15, 2010

IITA is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from women candidates

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.