Finance Officer on USAID funded Zambia Community HIV Prevention Project
Background
Plan International is one of the oldest and largest children’s development organisations in the world. We work in more than 70 countries worldwide to create lasting change for children and their communities. Plan International is an independent, equal opportunity, non-profit organisation without political or religious affiliation. Child protection is key in all that we do.
Working in Zambia since 1996, Plan International Zambia’s development and capacity building programmes focus primarily on education, health and sanitation, economic empowerment, including child protection and participation. Plan International’s work is guided by a unique development approach, the Child-Centered Community Development (CCCD). Plan International Zambia has programme units in: Central, Luapula, Eastern, and province as well as in Lusaka, where the Country Office (CO) is located.
Position Description
Plan is seeking applicants for the position of Finance Officer on the USAID-funded Zambia Community HIV Prevention Project (ZCHPP) based in Lusaka. The position exists to ensure that grant related financial records for the ZCHPP are accurate and are up to date in all Plan International systems and provide effective financial support to staff in the implementation, monitoring, and reporting of the project activities. The Finance Officer reports to the Country Accountant.
Key Responsibilities for this position include;
- Timely preparation of cheques based on complete and accurately coded and approved payment packages.
- Preparation and submission of bi- weekly cash flow forecast
- Reviewing and monitoring of Country Office project advances and proper accountability of funds.
- Reviewing all Project Outlines to ensure correct budgets, outputs, and Work Breakdown Structures (WBSs) have been included.
- Tracking of project budget changes and ensuring correct Forecast Annual Budget is maintained in the System Application Processes (SAP) and that activities are in line with plans and Funding Agreement Documents and any revisions thereof.
- Ensuring that all Project Outlines and modifications are correctly mapped in SAP.
- conducting detailed analytical review of project budget and expenditure by effectively using the SAP system and coordinate explanation of variances
- Timely preparation of monthly /quarterly/annual project reports and submitting for review as per grant reporting requirement.
- Effective monitoring of country project budget
- Providing technical support to project staff and Programme Unit Finance staff on project management and reporting
- Coordinating submission of Time Sheets for funded project staff and ensuring that these are properly completed and approved as per procedure.
- Ensuring that only payments where a supplier has signed the Child Protection Policy are passed for payment
Individual Specifications include:
- Possession of a Higher National Diploma in Accounting
- Degree in Accounting or equivalent qualification will be an added advantage
- 10 years’ experience in a similar role with 8 years in an NGO sector
- Well versed in computerised accounting applications
- Ability to take charge of the accounting functions in the absence of the Country Accountant.
- Sound appreciation of child rights
- Good analytical skills
- Knowledgeable of International Financial Reporting Standards
- Proficient in computer skills and use of relevant accounting package
Plan International Zambia is an equal opportunity employer and as such qualified female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.
Further, Qualified Zambian nationals, including those living in the diaspora, are equally encouraged to apply.
To apply please send a cover letter, USAID 1420 biodata form, and resume in English to: jobszambia@plan-international.org. The deadline for applications is Thursday 14th April 2016. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
