BACKGROUND

Farm Africa is a specialist development NGO based in UK working with smallholder farmers, forest communities, local government and private sectors across East Africa for the last 30 years. Effective agriculture has the power to change lives. It underpins prosperity, food security and stability the world over. Farm Africa focuses on transforming agriculture and managing natural resources sustainably. We champion a holistic approach that boosts yields, protects the environment and connects smallholder farmers to thriving markets.

We drive agricultural and environmental change to improve lives. Our strategy has three pillars: agricultural expertise, management and preservation of ecosystems, and the power of business to drive prosperity. We believe Africa has the power to feed itself and are helping make this happen by establishing and spreading the best farming and forestry techniques so that poor farmers and herders have more food to feed their families and to sell. We help smallholders manage their natural resources sustainably so that they can withstand climate change challenges and shocks and ensure their families have enough food in the future as well as now. Farm Africa works in partnership with communities, government, local and international organizations, and the private sector to innovate, learn and share best practices for maximum impact of our projects.

Farm Africa is implementing a large number of projects/programmes in the areas of agriculture (crop and livestock), natural resources management and market engagement across Ethiopia. We are increasingly designing and implementing complex and integrated multi-sector projects, some by ourselves and others in partnership with like-minded organizations in the form of consortium

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The overall purpose of the project Finance and admin. Officer is to ensure the smooth running of the project office through strong management of cash, stores, vehicle arrangement, and communication and handle financial activities and logistics. The post holder is responsible for the day-to-day general financial and administration of the organization, assisting the Project Coordinator, Project Finance Manager and supporting the staff.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONISBILITES

Key Specific Roles and Responsibilities are:

 Finance

• Verify pre and post financial transactions at field office level (for completeness, accuracy, availability  of budget, ensuring compliances), and submit to Senior Project Finance Officer at CO
• Prepare cash books on time with quality, and submit to the Senior Project Finance Officer
• Prepare monthly bank reconciliation on time and with quality, and submit to the FM-CO.
• Liaising with banks for all finance matters
• Follow up on the timely settlement of staff advances by closely working  with Senior Finance Officer-CO and report to the CO  advances long overdue
• Support the PC/Team Leader at FO in preparing monthly cash forecast & transfer request ensuring accuracy & timeliness
• Review the detail of BMRs together with PC/Team Leader at FO, communicate any adjustments on a timely manner, ensure the availability of budget for any transaction ahead ;and advice the PC/Team Leader at FO on timely utilization of budgets
• Ensure all relevant staff members of field office are informed of donor requirements; and work closely with program and other support functions to ensure compliance

Procurement & Other Support Services 

• Responsible for facilitating & handling all procurements of field office
• Handle FO logistic service including movements of vehicles, project inputs and reports to the CO Logistic Manager
• Ensure the timely procurement and distribution of items at field office, keeping all relevant documentation complete and up to date & by closely working with the Technical Team at field office
• Liaison with CO-Procurement Manager & follow up  all procurements of the project   to be made at CO level or need to get approval from CO
• Support the PC/Team Leader at FO in preparing procurement plan regularly
• Implement a system to ensure efficient use and safety of the project vehicles and equipment, including timely and appropriate maintenance and monitoring of costs
• Follow up, organize all leave and other HR related records and submit to the CO HRM
• Assist in staff recruitment and disciplinary issues
• Ensure a conducive  staff working environment
• Manage the operations of the project compound by Liaising  with the Leaser of office building
• Perform all other duties as requested by line manager

These essential functions are not to be interpreted as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job related duties as required. All work responsibilities are subject to having performance goals and/or targets established.

PROJECT: Various

REPORTS TO: Project Coordinator and functionally to Senior Project Finance Officer

REPORTING TO POSTHOLDER: Cashier/Accountant, Office Attendant and Driver

LOCATION: Various (field offices)

DURATION & HOURS: Fixed term

Our VALUES

Investing in smallholder farming is the number one way to combat poverty in rural Africa. Farm Africa is a leading NGO specialising in growing agriculture, protecting the environment and developing businesses in rural Africa.

EXPERT. Deep expertise and insightful evidence-based solutions are at the heart of everything Farm Africa does.

GROUNDED. Positive change starts with Africa’s people, so our experts work closely with local communities, engaging them in every level of decision-making.

IMPACTFUL. We take a long-term view so we can deliver lasting changes for farmers and their families.

BOLD. We model innovative new approaches and are not afraid to challenge strategies that are failing.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Education, qualifications & other knowledge

Essential

• BA or above in Accounting or related fields
• Knowledge of employment legislation in Ethiopia
• Good understanding and firm belief in gender equality and issues in rural communities

Desirable

• Training on financial application systems such as SUN, Peachtree

Experience

Essential

• At least four years relevant experience in Finance and Administration role with similar responsibilities in an NGO or private enterprise
• Experience of asset and inventory management

Desirable 

• Previous INGO work experience in rural areas

Skills & abilities

Essential

• Skills in budgeting and maintaining accounts
• Computer literacy and experience working with accounting software
• Excellent record keeping and report writing
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• Strong attention to detail and problem solving skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Good team building skills and the ability to work in a multi partner approach
• Strong analytical, organisational and IT skills
• Ability to work independently and with minimum supervision, prioritize tasks and to take initiative
• Strong sense of integrity and personal commitment to the goals and values of Farm Africa

Desirable 

• Skills in financial application systems