Call for Applications for the position of a FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE Specialist – CAMEROON

IITA Cameroon is seeking to recruit a dynamic and experienced Finance and Administrative Specialist with solid problem-solving skills, the ability to work well in a team environment, excellent oral and written communications skills, and the ability to work under minimal supervision for International Potato Center (CIP).

The International Potato Center (CIP) was founded in 1971 as a research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweet potato, and Andean roots and tubers. It delivers innovative science-based solutions to enhance access to affordable nutritious food, foster inclusive sustainable business, and employment gth, and drive the climate resilience of root and tuber agri-food systems. Headquartered in Lima, Peru, CIP has a research presence in more than 20 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

A - Duties

The Finance and Administrative Specialist will be responsible for coordinating finance and administrative activities in Cameroon. The position will be based in Ngaoundéré with frequent travel to regional offices.

The Finance and Administration Specialist will report to the Regional Finance Manager and to the Project Coordinator & Country Manager of the project based in Yaoundé.

Key Responsibilities

Finance

• Oversee the financial operations of the country office and ensure timely delivery of financial reports, including cash and bank management, payroll, ledgers, and other aspects of the country’s financial management.
• Responsible for entering financial information, timely month-end close, and maintaining all financial records for projects and the organization.
• Prepare, examine, or analyze accounting records, financial statements, or other financial reports to assess accuracy, completeness, and conformance to reporting and procedural standards.
• Liaise with the Projects Finance Specialists in the monitoring and reviewing partners’ reports.
• Manage financial controls, analyze office, and project budgets, and make recommendations on budget expenditures. Monitor the expenditures to ensure that program funds are utilized appropriately by the close of the fiscal year.
• Support the Country Manager and Project Managers, in coordination with the Project Finance Specialist, with project budget monitoring and review.
• Ensure that all financial reporting is completed on time.
• Oversee the country’s statutory annual audits.

Administration

• Responsible for the administration of insurances, contracting, and administrating services according to the Center’s standards and policies.
• Responsible for country legal and statutory compliance.
• Compute taxes owed and prepare tax returns, ensuring compliance with payment, reporting, or other tax requirements.
•  Manage fixed assets of the Center, review and support the preparation of inventories.
• Responsible for procurement of goods and services.
• Responsible for coordinating IT issues with headquarters, serving as IT Key user.

People (HR)

• As an Operations Business Partner, ensure HR solutions and to maximize service delivery in according to CIP’s policies and procedures.
• In coordination with HQ, advice and support staff and managers on all aspects of employee relations (from Recruitment to Departure) and help them interpret and apply HR policies and practices in day-to-day work.
• Be accountable for the compliance with the National and International Health & Safety laws, regulations, and standards.
• Oversees payroll administration and maintain detailed records and documentation of payroll functions for audit purposes, in accordance with legal requirements
• Prepare reports and provide recommendations to monitor significant trends (i.e., inflation), emerging opportunities, and challenges in the areas of responsibility.
• Maintain staffing data up-to-date & prepare periodical HR reports & records, in accordance to the requirements of the organization.
• Coordinate the orientations programs for NRS/ IRS HQ staff to contribute with the sharing of key organizational information that will help them to make a smooth transition to their new role.

Grants & Contracts

• Coordinate with the Grants and Contracts (G&C) team on contracts-related actions. This will require following up on project management-related activities such as signature and agreements or reporting on a need basis.
• Liaise with the G&C office to monitor deliverables reporting for grants applicable to the operations in the Country.

B – Qualification

• At least a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Accounting, or a related discipline.
• At least three (3) years of professional experience performing similar functions in an environment of international organizations or NGOs.
• Proficient in MS Office, especially in Excel.
• Accounting software packages (ERP preferable).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and French are required.

C – Why should you consider this opportunity?

• CIP is a global and reputable international organization with a robust and state-of-the-art R&D background. 
• CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improving nutrition and well-being, and gender equity for poor people in roots, tubers farming, and food systems in the developing world.
• CIP is a member of the CGIAR, a network of 15 research centers mostly located in developing countries and supported by more than 50 donor members.

D – What are the conditions?

The position is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position limited to Cameroon Nationals and permanent residents only who are ready to start the job immediately. The employment contract will be for 12-months term (with a 3-month probation period) with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

E – How to apply?

The application file shall include the following documents:

• a detailed Curriculum Vitae.
• a letter of motivation (maximum of one page; including the full names of the candidate, their complete address, phone number, and email address);
• a copy of the national identity card;
• copies of all relevant academic diplomas and professional certificates;
• a list of 3 professional referees including their contact information; one being the current or most recent supervisor, unless otherwise advised by the candidate with a strong rationale;
• a completed online application form; kindly fill the form in addition to sending your application file available at https://forms.gle/xsUVnTgETWiRi1kJA  

Applications shall be addressed (e-mail attachments ONLY), latest by December 14^th, 2023 to: 

The Resident Representative

International Institute of Tropical Agriculture in Cameroon

P.O. Box 2008 Yaoundé (Messa) Tel : 222237434 ; (+237) 699319747

Email: IITACA-HRS@cgiar.org with a copy to A.Ballon@cgiar.org  

Application to the position of: CIP Finance and Administration Specialist, Cameroon.

Only applications received in French or English from candidates who have filled the online form will be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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

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

CIP does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, or training). CIP also does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.

Source:https://www.jobinfocamer.com/job/38032/finance-and-administrative-specialist-a-iita-cameroon