Call for Applications for the position of a Finance and Administrative Assistant (Nationally Recruited Staff)

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture calls for applications for the recruitment of a dynamic and experienced Administrative and Financial Assistant to support the Alliance of Bioversity International (Alliance Bioversity-CIAT) activities in Cameroon.

The Finance and Administrative Assistant supports the Finance and Administration Units at the Station, while working in close collaboration with other operation services, to support Alliance Bioversity-CIAT teams; Compliance with IITA procedures is of utmost importance. The Administrative and Financial Assistant will be responsible for providing a variety of specialized tasks, whilst ensuring accurate and timely delivery in compliance with IITA administrative and financial rules and regulations. He/she is also expected to recommend improvements to process delivery and system design.

A – Duties and Responsabilities

Administration management

• Responsible for correspondences, preparation of contracts and sending invitations.
• Responsible for vehicle fleet (regular maintenance and vehicle usage policies applied)
• Responsible for fixed assets management
• Take responsibility for the maintenance of all office equipment
• Prepare payment request according to internal procedures of the organization.
• Coordinate and organize field staff travels
• Manage documentation/logistics of Alliance Bioversity-CIAT visiting researchers, scholars and guests ensuring that it is correctly completed and available
• Assist with planning of workshops and events

Project Financial management

• Support the tracking of expenses and income for multiple Alliance Bioversity-CIAT projects implemented in Cameroun.
• Prepare and track Alliance Bioversity-CIAT-related invoices ensuring accuracy by checking sources, making necessary calculations and assuring inclusion of all relevant data.
• Assist in preparation and monitoring of country facilities budget.
• Review project invoices for policy compliance, accuracy and authenticity.
• Support audits for projects implemented in Cameroon.

Accounting services

• Verify and ensure accuracy of monthly financial reports submitted by IITA, by checking sources, making necessary calculations and assuring inclusion of all relevant data.
• Formatting the information in specified templates and submit on a monthly basis to Alliance HQ for posting in Agresso ERP.
• Assemble, code, and align expense transactions uploaded from Mobile wallet payments and submit to Alliance HQ for posting.
• Analyze staff account balances and ensure timely liquidation of advances.
• Ensure proper filing of accounting related documents.
• Participate in the preparation of annual Audits.

Treasury management

• Initiate mobile wallet payments on Mobile wallet platforms
• Track mobile wallet payments and ensure confirmation of execution and receipt by vendors and farmers
• Liaise with and report and irregularities to Mobile wallet service providers
• Performs other duties, as required by the supervisor.

B – Qualification

Education:

• Must hold at least a University degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or related discipline;

Working Experience: 

1. Minimum of five (05) years working experience as Finance and Administrative.
2. Familiarity with NGOs and/or international organisations would be an asset;

Language:

1. The candidate must communicate fluently in English language, both written and spoken
2. Knowledge of French is an advantage

C - Key Competences

Core competencies:

• Experience in collaborating with people from different backgrounds and cultural diversity.
• Strong ability to co-ordinate, prioritize and organize workload; take initiative and work under pressure.
• Highly effective planning, organizational and multi-tasking skills with a positive attitude and strong administrative service orientation
• Strong client service orientation
• High degree of integrity and transparency

Technical/Functional Skills: The Administrative and Finance Assistant shall have:

• Good knowledge of rules, regulations and procedures of government and related agencies, including understanding interpretation of country labor laws and tax laws
• Possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, good judgment and a high level of integrity and respect for confidentiality.
• Strong knowledge of accounting and budgeting practices and procedures relevant to not-for-profit organizations
• High level of computer skills, ability to handle complex financial and budgeting systems including excellent knowledge of Excel and ERP systems
• Knowledge of international standards in particular, GAAP and IFRS is desired.

D - Workplace

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

E - Restriction

The position is limited to Cameroonian citizens.

F - Remuneration

A nationally competitive remuneration package will be offered.

G - 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.

H – 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/BNznvHi7EJAm8x9m9
• 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 September 18^th, 2024 to: 

The Resident Representative

International Institute of Tropical Agriculture in Cameroon

P.O. Box 2008 Yaoundé (Messa)

Tel : (+237) 673 030 471 ; +(237) 696 838 958

Email: IITACA-HRS@cgiar.org / IITA-Cameroon@cgiar.org

Application to the position of: Finance and Administrative Assistant Alliance Bioversity-CIAT

In addition to your application folder sent by email, kindly fill the mandatory form available on https://forms.gle/BNznvHi7EJAm8x9m9  

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