Ref No: DDG-P4D/SA/FA/10/22

Background:

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the internationally recruited position of Senior Accountant/Financial Analyst.

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a not-for-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation. Working with various partners across sub-Saharan Africa, we improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment, and preserve natural resource integrity. IITA is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food secure future. Please visit http://www.iita.org/ for more information on IITA.

The Agenda for the Transformation of Agriculture in the Democratic Republic of Congo (ATA-DRC) is structured around seven priority areas that aim to enable rapid impact. Under the leadership of the African Agricultural Leadership Institute (AALI), an Enabling Environment is established and a Youth Brigade instituted to guide DRC’s progress towards agricultural transformation. The program will improve seed and production systems of cassava, maize, rice, soybean/bean, and banana crops and accelerate value addition and access to markets. In partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, and other public and private sector agencies, it will transform agri-business through Advancing Mechanization and Agricultural Engineering. ATA-DRC is a vehicle for advocacy that is working on a strong alignment with similar programs funded by other development partners such as the World Bank, African Development Bank, and IFAD among others. ATA-DRC has a robust Management and Coordination Unit and to support its operations, services are required of a Senior Accountant/Financial Analyst.

Position Responsibilities

Accountant

• Under the overall responsibility of the Program Coordinator and the direct supervision of the Project Manager, s/he will oversee grant disbursement, monitor accountability and ensure timely financial reporting in accordance with timelines.
• S/He will lead and manage the accounts and finance function to ensure compliance to accounting rules of procedures and guidelines.
• S/He will maintain, update, and monitor financial plans and expenditures ensuring alignment to work plans and timelines.
• In close consultation with the IITA finance team in Kinshasa and in consultation with the Head of Finance and Administration, Central Africa Hub in Nairobi, s/he will review project expenditures and produce a financial report and advise Program Manager.
• S/He will prepare quarterly and annual financial reports in accordance with rules of IITA and One-CGIAR procedures.
• S/He will support the procurement officer in Kalambo and the procurement officer in Kinshasa to manage the roster of all materials and service of the project.

Financial Analyst

• Perform financial forecasting, reporting, and operational metrics tracking.
• Analyse financial data and create financial models for decision support.
• Report on financial performance and prepare for regular leadership reviews.
• Analyse results, perform variance analysis, identify trends, and make recommendations for improvements.
• Work closely with the accounting team to ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Evaluate financial performance by comparing and analysing actual results with plans and forecasts.
• Guide the cost analysis process by establishing and enforcing policies and procedures.
• Provide analysis of trends and forecasts and recommend actions for optimization.
• Identify and drive process improvements, including the creation of standard and ad-hoc reports, tools, and Excel dashboards.
• Increase productivity by developing automated reporting/forecasting tools.
• Perform any other job-related duties as may be assigned by the Program Management.

Educational Qualifications

The candidate should have:

• • MBA in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or Statistics. • Financial modelling experience.

Core Competencies

• 3-5+ years of accounting/business finance or other relevant experience.
• Thorough understanding of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
• Thorough understanding of methods of systems analysis and the principles, design, and procedural methods used in computer and database development.
• Ability to use budgeting, forecasting, modeling, and reporting to ensure that financial status stays on track.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking and time management skills.
• Highly effective planning, organizational, and multi‐tasking skills with a positive attitude and strong administrative service orientation.
• Ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary or transdisciplinary team in a crosscultural environment.
• Fluency in English with excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Duty Station: Kalambo, Democratic Republic of Congo.

General information:

The contract will be for an initial period of two years. IITA offers an internationally competitive remuneration package paid in US Dollars.

Applications:

Applications must include covering letter which should address how the candidate’s background/experience relates to the specific duties of the position applied for, curriculum vitae, names and addresses of three professional referees (which must include either the Head of the applicant’s current or previous organization or applicant’s direct Supervisor/Superior at his/her present or former place of work). The application should be addressed to the Head of Human Resources. Please complete our online application form using this link: http://www.iita.org/careers

Closing Date: 5 th November 2022

IITA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse workforce, particularly welcoming applications from women.

While all applications will be acknowledged, please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.