Senior Finance Officer - Ref.2015/05

ABOUT CRS: Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.

POSITION IDENTIFICATION:

Department: Finance

Job Title: Senior Finance Officer (Ref.2015/05)

Grade: 6

Reports To: Program Manager – GAVI

Supervises (Direct Reports Only): N/A

Based In (Location): Nairobi, Kenya with 25% international travel

1. JOB PURPOSE

The Senior Finance Officer will be based at the CRS East African Regional Office in Nairobi and work closely with the GAVI Program manager, EARO RTA for risk and compliance management, up to 22 implementing CRS country program and the GAVI CSO constituency. S/he will be responsible for the monitoring, analyzing and reporting on the GAVI budgets at EARO, Country Program (CP) and partner level. S/he will build the capacity of the CP Finance Officers where applicable to orient them to reporting expectation and financial compliance with GAVI guidelines.

1. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Support and assist with PH advance processing where applicable

• Review PH advances and monitor liquidations processes by CP. Review monthly aging reports and follow up with CPs on delinquent balances

• Assist Program Manager/officers with projects financial & budget management,

• Provide periodic consolidated and by country burn-rate summary

• Review and analyze financial information and provide exception report to GAVI project management on a regular basis.

• Support Budget preparation

1. MAIN ACTIVITIES:

a) Collaborate with CPs in partners’ capacity assessment, monitoring and building as per CRS’ sub-recipient financial management policy and procedures.

b) Monitor and follow up that partners have taken corrective actions within defined timelines.

c) Proactively alert GAVI management about partners that have issues with financial management and reporting activities.

d) Maintain assessments and monitoring records of each partner and follow up on implementation of recommended corrective action plans.

e) Review and understand agreements between CRS and the partners to ensure partners’ compliance as per the terms and conditions of the sub-recipient agreement.

f) Support CP finance officers in charge of partners’ finance to ensure proper book-keeping, accountancy and reporting requirements for the project. As needed, provide onsite support and training to build capacity of CPs finance officers.

g) Make regular project visits to the various partner organizations as required. During the visit review the books and the accounting system of the partner to establish the adequacy of the internal controls (using CRS partners financial accounting check list). Come up with recommendations on how the accounting system could be improved while confirming whether previous recommendations have been implemented.

h) In collaboration with CP Finance, identify partner training needs, prepare an appropriate training curriculum and carry out trainings as appropriate.

i) Provide technical assistance in financial management for the GAVI CSO project.

j) Assist project managers/officers with developing budget and preparing Budget Template Forms (BTF) and eBudget.

k) Ensure project budgets are entered in Sun Systems database.

1. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIREMENT

A. KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge & experience in the use of sun system and Q&A report query applications.

• Analytical skills and proactive support to project managers/offices

• Excellent oral and written communication skills (English).

B. SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Proficiency in the use of appropriate computer software.

• Excellent computer skills (Microsoft office programs).

• Excellent English language oral and written communication skills.

C. REQUIRED BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

• Serving with Integrity; Manifests CRS mission, values, and guiding principles to help improve the lives of the poor, vulnerable, and voiceless

• Modeling stewardship; Making responsible and efficient use of time, talent, money, assets, and natural resources to achieve plans and goals.

• Developing constructive relationships; Building and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships through solidarity.

• Promoting learning; Building the capacity of self, staff and partners to continue learning and innovating to better fulfill our mission

D. QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or Finance.

• Certified Public Accountant, Kenya CPA (K) or ACCA qualification.

• Ability to work relatively independently, a self-starter and be able to self manage

• Ability to work with project management staff.

• Experience with Sun Systems will be an added advantage.

• Ability to travel internationally for at least 25% of the time.

• Excellent diplomatic skills and proven ability to work in a multi-partner project

• 3-5 years of experience as a finance officer/Project accountant

1. KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

Internal: EARO led Project Managers/officers, Deputy Finance Manager, Implementing CP Finance staff, Partner finance staff and CRS/Kenya finance colleagues.

External: Partners, public donors & representatives

1. DISCLAIMER CLAUSE

This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skills, effort, duties and responsibilities associated with the position.