Mozambique: Finance and Administrative Assistant (16-26) (2 Posts)

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

Location: Nampula, and Alto Molocue - 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

The position The Finance and Administrative Assistant will assist in a range of financial management and administrative duties, in accordance with CIP HR Policies and Procedures, under the supervision of the Project Manager and Administrator, He/She will assume the following duties and responsibilities:

Specific duties will include:

ACCOUNTS

• Monthly preparation of the cash position
• Funding status control
• Monthly bank reconciliations
• Budget monitoring and analysis
• Control of fixed assets
• Office Insurance management (including vehicle)
• Analysis of advance accounts, petty cash accounts, reimbursements, payments and any other accounts related with the operations of the office.
• Control of tax recovery
• Daily recording of transactions carried out by the office’s staff
• Filing of accounting information duly supported by invoices or contracts
• Perform any other duties that will be assigned.

ADMINISTRATION

• Provide administrative and management support to the project staff
• Assist with communication from the office (appointments, reports, booking of meeting venues, equipment provision, drafting of correspondence for the Project Manager)
• Assist in coordination of travel arrangements and logistical support – including the handling of travel requests and liquidation, accommodation and meals for events
• Arranging staff meetings and taking minutes
• Handling of procurements
• Maintenance and updating of CIP-SSA contacts list
• Organize and maintain a filing system
• Dealing with partner’s financial reports and requests
• Ensuring availability of office stationery and sundry.
• Keep inventory and manage maintenance of office equipment
• Handle telephone calls, receive and assist visitors to the office
• Organize and maintain filling system for the office
• Implementation of CIP policies and procedures
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned

Selection Criteria

• University degree in accounting, finance, business administration or equivalent profession status awarded by a relevant professional institute.

• At least 2 years of relevant work experience in a similar position, preferably in an international organisation research organization

• Knowledge of the work in the field particularly in project implementation

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Methodical, organized and results-oriented

• Good knowledge of rules, regulations and procedures of government and related agencies.

• Ability to work independently and to take initiative when sorting out problem issues.

• Computer literate in Word and Excel.

• Willing to work on weekends if circumstances require

• Fluent in spoken and written English

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 10^th October, 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