Call for Applications for the position of an ACCOUNTING AND MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT (Nationally Recruited Staff)

IITA Cameroon is looking for an Accounting and Management Assistant to support Finance Unit at the Station, while performing a variety of administrative, clerical and finance tasks to support the Congo Basin Institute (CBI) project teams; Compliance with IITA procedures is of utmost importance. The Accounting and Management Assistant will be responsible for providing a variety of specialized tasks, whilst ensuring accurate and timely delivery in compliance with IITA financial rules and regulations. The position will be based at IITA Station, Yaoundé and will report directly to the Director of Finance, IITA Station Accountant and CBI Manager.

The Congo Basin Institute is a joint program between IITA and UCLA hosted by IITA for higher learning and scientific excellence in Central Africa. It generates research that decision makers can use to address sub-Saharan Africa’s environmental and development challenges. CBI is driven by dedicated researchers and donors that support research and training in the Congo Basin. 

A – Duties and Responsibilities

• Generate monthly and year-end financial reports for each CBI project at IITA
• Project, track and report expenses and income for each CBI project at IITA
• Track incoming bank payments and reconcile with expected incoming payments
• Prepare and track CBI-related invoice data and invoices
• Assist in year-end closing of accounts, preparation of year-end reports related to prepayment, review project invoices for policy compliance, accuracy and authenticity.
• Periodic preparations of expense reports as required or requested.
• Participate in the preparation of audits.
• Assist staff with preparing travel approval requests, obtaining cash advances and reconciling expenses
• Assist with monitoring and analysis of project accounts to ensure they are up to date, promptly invoiced, and reconciled.
• Prepare projections and request advance funds as required
• Develop CBI project budgets for new projects
• Ensure electronic archives of all expenses are maintained and accessible
• Ensure liaison with GEF and WWF Yaounde offices as required for IKI and GEF projects including compiling documentation and transferring as neededPerform other activities as directed by supervisor
• Manage documentation of CBI visiting researchers and scholars ensuring that it is correctly completed and available
• Assist with visitor logistics and planning of workshops and events
• Assist with procurement of items for CBI project staff as required (including identification of suitable items/requirements and follow-up on internal procurement procedures)
• Assist with administrative and clerical tasks
• Assist with some field Station Management tasks
• Performs other duties, as required by the supervisors.

B – Qualification

Education:

• Must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree [Licence] in Accounting or related discipline;
• Master’s degree (MBA or accounting) is an advantage

Work Experience: Minimum of two (02) or four (04 years working experience in similar roles or Accountant in a development project Head Office or an international organization preferable

Language: The candidate must communicate fluently in English and French both written and spoke

C - Key Competences

Core competencies:

• Honest, energetic, independent, self-motivation and administratively self-sufficient.
• Ability to think out of the box to solve problems.
• Excellent communication capabilities (verbal and written skills)
• Excellent customer management skills
• Discretion as there will likely be sensitive information and figures discussed.
• Excellent ability to pay attention to details and accuracy.
• The ability to prioritize work.

Technical/Functional Skills: The Accounting Assistant shall have:

• The ability to maintain clear and accurate financial records.
• The ability to accurately monitor, record, and balance accounts.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience with an Accounting Software system, Any ERP Software will be an advantage.
• Proficient in the use of MS Office, specifically good mastery of Excel;
• Excellent interpersonal skills Must be able to work in a multidisciplinary and multicultural team;
• The willingness to undertake professional development.

D - Workplace

The incumbent of the position will be based in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

E – Contract type and duration

This will be a twelve (12) months fixed term position.

F – Working hours

The incumbent must be available to work full time with flexible hours.

G – Restriction

The position is limited to Cameroonian citizens;

H - Equity in employment

IITA encourages applications from women, men, young people who believe they meet the requirements of the position. All applications will be assessed in a fair and objective manner.

I – Application folder

The application file shall include the following documents:

• a completed online application form; kindly fill the form in addition to sending your application file available on https://forms.gle/p7PtXUQGvqA1DDHG7    
• a detailed curriculum vitae but NOT exceeding three pages;
• a letter of motivation (MAXIMUM of two pages; including the full names of the candidate, their full address, phone number and email address);
• a copy of the national identity card;
• a copy of the highest academic credential (certificate) and;
• a list of three professional referees including their contacts (one of them must be a current or former supervisor of the candidate).

Applications shall be addressed to (e-mail attachments ONLY), latest by August 19^th, 2025 to: 

The Resident Representative

International Institute of Tropical Agriculture in Cameroon

P.O. Box 2008 Yaoundé (Messa)

Tel : +(237) 696838958

Email: IITACA-HRS@cgiar.org

Application to the position of: Accounting and Management Assistant

In addition to your application folder sent by email, kindly fill the mandatory form available on https://forms.gle/p7PtXUQGvqA1DDHG7 

Only applications received in French or English with a completed online form will be considered and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.