Country: Central African Republic
Closing date: 31 Oct 2016
Type of position: 1 year international contract. Please note that this is an unaccompanied position. Extensive travel to the field locations. Reports to: LWF World Service Regional Finance Manager
Background
LWF World Service has established its operations in the Central African Republic (CAR) in early 2013. The CAR coordination office is based in Bangui with operational offices in Bouar and Berbérati. LWF in CAR is implementing multisectoral projects focusing on communities in the following sectors: WASH, Livelihoods, Shelter & NFI, Food Security and Protection (principally social cohesion). These projects are funded by a wide variety of donors, including the BMZ, AA, UNHCR, ICCO, CHF and ACT Alliance.
Basic purpose
The Finance Officer (based in Bangui, with frequent travel to different project areas in CAR) ensures that accounting systems are maintained to provide the information required for planning and monitoring and reporting for program operations, for safeguarding assets, discharging liabilities and legal responsibilities. He/She will lead, manage and coordinate, under the supervision of the Regional Finance Manager for CAR and Cameroon, the Finance Department of field offices of LWF CAR.
Required Qualifications
• University degree. • Qualified accountant.
Additional Knowledge, Skills and Experience
• Several years’ experience in managing finances of development and emergency programs & working in complex and volatile contexts. • Knowledge of church structures and experience with related agencies, ecumenical partners, other NGOs and UNHCR. Awareness of the general political, economic and development dynamics of the region. Strong organizational and management skills. Knowledge of the reporting requirements of ECHO, UNICEF, USAID, UNHCR and government funding agencies. Documented results related to the position’s responsibilities. • Solid knowledge of computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, accounting systems and modern accounting systems. LWF/DWS country programs use the ACCPAC General Ledger system. • Skills and commitment to train national staff and communities to increase their capacity for self-help and development. • Management and leadership skills. • Team-oriented, strong in building capacity and empowering others, excellent communication skills & political and cultural awareness. • Goal oriented and visionary.
Languages
• French - fluent • English - at least oral skills
Main duties
- Manage and directly supervise a team of qualified and experienced finance staff based in CAR’s operational offices (Bangui, Bouar and Berbérati).
- Supervise the preparation of all mandatory monthly and yearly accounts, in collaboration with the Regional Finance Manager. This includes the monthly finance and management reports for the Team Leader in CAR and the LWF world Service head office in Geneva. Ensure that accounting policies are properly and consistently applied and to submit accounts in accordance with the deadlines in the LWF World Service Finance Manual.
- Supervise the preparation of separate financial reports for funding agencies such as the UNHCR, BMZ, AA, CHF, ELCA and ICCO in accordance with the terms of the contracts.
- Where required, submit requests for installments of funds from funding agencies in a timely manner, ensuring a reliable cash flow for the program.
- Control of expenditure against budget for all projects.
- Assist in the preparation of, and verify the accuracy of, budgets for all projects, including Planning and Monitoring Documents, Statement of Needs, ACT appeals for emergencies, and other bilateral projects.
- Training, coaching, capacity building and delegation to finance and programme staff on Internal Controls and procedures in order to build capacity and competence within the team.
- Supply the Budget Vs Actuals reports on a monthly basis to the Management in the field offices and Bangui.
- Ensure the implementation of all corrective actions from Audits and HQ visits..
- Prepare cash flow projections in accordance with procedures, and manage the cash flow of the program in order to ensure that sufficient funds are always available.
- Ensure that purchasing is carried out in accordance with the LWF world Service Procurement Policy.
- Ensure that procedures for electronic data storage, backups, and security are followed in accordance with the LWF world Service Operations Manual.
- Liaise at the appropriate level with banks, tax authorities and other financial institutions.
- Co-ordinate the taking out of and the renewal of insurance policies as required by law for national staff, vehicles, as well as public liability insurance, fire insurance, etc.
- Assume responsibility for up to date and correct inventories of all project equipment, including the Asset Register.
- Make arrangements, in agreement with the Finance Manager and Team Leader, for the recruitment of locally employed staff required for the program and deal with personnel matters, keeping up to date on current legislation.
- Monitor the payment of salaries and allowances of local staff; ensure the timely payment of taxes, insurances and benefits, and ensure the maintenance of payroll records.
- Ensure that all staff settle advances in line with established policy and procedures and that all accounts are settled at the time of termination of service.
- Ensure the compliance of the Personnel Policies and Regulations of the Lutheran World Federation.
- Prepare and submit to LWF/DWS Geneva, if applicable, monthly reports on visitors and other persons to be included under the group insurance policies.
- Work with administrative staff to ensure smooth office operations and cost savings where possible.
How to apply:
To apply please follow the link:https://lutheranworld.recruiterbox.com/jobs/fk06y13?cjb_hash=O_Ckke72&apply_now=true