Mozambique: PROJECT FINANCE ANALYST (16-24)

The International Potato Center (CIP) seeks a dynamic and experienced Finance Analyst under the Project on Viable Sweetpotato Technologies in Africa (VISTA).

Location: Nampula, Mozambique

The Center: CIP (www.cipotato.org ) is a not-for-profit international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweetpotato, and Andean roots and tubers. Its vision is of roots and tubers improving the lives of the poor. CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved well-being, and gender equity for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world. CIP works with partners to contribute high-quality science, technology, and capacity strengthening for sustainable science-based solutions.

The Project: The overall goal of VISTA Mozambique is to contribute to improved nutrition, food security and incomes of 100,000 smallholder farming families through increased production and better utilization of the biofortified orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) varieties. The group will include those most at risk of vitamin A deficiency - children under five years of age and pregnant and lactating women. With continued support from USAID / Feed the Future, the project is expanding its current activities to 16 districts in Nampula and Zambezia Provinces for the next 5 years. VISTA is a research and development collaboration between CIP and national and local partners and emphasizes the importance of technical excellence, rigorous evidence base, and capacity development of Mozambican stakeholders

Reports to: Projects Finance Specialist

Co-reports to: Project Manager

Position Summary:

The Project Finance Analyst is responsible for the financial and accounting oversight of the Viable Sweet potato Technologies in Africa (VISTA) Mozambique project, funded by USAID. The Project Finance Analyst will assure compliance with the terms of the donor agreement by reviewing the project’s financial transactions and generating and posting monthly financial reports that are complete, accurate, and ensure allowability of costs. The Project Finance Analyst works in a team with the Project Manager, grants and contracts, project staff and interacts regularly with other units in CIP. Successful performance will require a thorough understanding of donor rules and regulations and of the project budget structure and expenditures, as well as good working relations with the Project Manager and project team.

Responsibilities:

• Receive and review monthly field financial reports for consistency, completeness and accuracy of documentation and proper posting to the correct project budget item;

• Create Journal Entry to post project’s financial information directly into CIP’s accounting system;

• Ensure Time and Efforts Reports are completed on time and in an accurate fashion;

• Ensure that expenditures meet donor compliance plans and regulations

• Ensure Partner or sub-grantee compliance with donor requirements

• Carry on capacity building activities for project partners

• Set up amendments to existing project accounts as needed

• Set up and oversee use of reporting and/or invoices templates

• Review cost share documentation for compliance, completeness and accuracy

• Support Program Manager and other project staff in monitoring project spending levels against budget

• Respond to routine accounting/financial report inquiries from field or home office

• When needed, travel to field sites to conduct mentoring and training of project accounting staff or participate in training new project staff;

Assist with preparation for annual audits

Qualifications:

• Fluency in English, both oral and written;

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business Administration;

• A minimum of five years of demonstrated experience in the accounting/finance/administrative area;

• Direct experience of working in international development projects;

• Aptitude for understanding complex regulations and monitoring financial transactions and documentation for compliance;

• Familiarity with USAID projects, FAR and ADS rules and regulations and OMB Circulars

• Excellent oral and written communications in English and Portuguese

• Excellent computer skills, including advanced Excel skills and experience with automated accounting systems.

• Accuracy and attention to detail;

• Ability to train/mentor staff and partners in accounting requirements;

• Ability to be a team player in a busy environment, often with tight deadlines

• Mozambican nationality

• Ability and willingness to take up position in Nampula (relocation if required)

• Conditions: The employment contract will be for a three-year term (with a three-month probation period) with the possibility of renewal, subject to availability of funding. The salary will be very competitive, paid in Meticais, and commensurate with experience. CIP prides itself on its collegial and supportive working environment, which allows space for personal and professional growth.

• Applications: Applicants should apply online through our CIP’s Job Opportunities website (http://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/ ), including a letter of motivation, a full C.V with the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable of the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience. Screening of applications will begin on 30 September, 2016 and will continue until the post is filled. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

  Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org

  CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and professionals are particularly encouraged to apply