JOB ADVERT

Number of positions: 01. Opened only to Cameroonians

Employer:  National Episcopal Conference Cameroon

Supervisor:  Head of Administration and Finance

City/Country: Yaoundé, Cameroon

Posting Date: 23/02/2021

Expected start date: 01 /04 /2021

Contract Duration: 06 months renewable with possibility of renewal.

PROJECT SUMMARY

Funded by the President of America’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has been the prime implementing partner for the Key Interventions to Develop Systems and Services for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (KIDSS) Project in Cameroon since 2014.

Following the 3 – year transition funding just received by CRS (until March 2023), the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (NECC) has been chosen as a potential localization prime partner for the implementation of the USAID / PEPFAR OVC program in Cameroon beyond March 2023. Under the shadows of CRS, NECC will progressively take control of the KIDSS project.

The KIDSS project aims to provide holistic and sustainable care for orphans and other vulnerable children (OVC) by strengthening the capacities of the Government of the Republic of Cameroon (GRC), civil society organizations, communities and households to provide quality care and support to children and their families infected and affected by HIV.

NECC therefore seeks to recruit a qualified staff to serve as the Finance Manager.  The details of the job description are as seen below.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Job Summary

The Finance Manager will oversee the financial management and accountability requirements of the project. He / she will oversee during the project life aspects concerning annual financial planning, financial management and reporting. He will equally ensure grants’ compliance as well as risk management. He / she will ensure that all financial management is handled in accordance with USAID, CRS, and NECC policies, that books are maintained accordingly and financial reports submitted on time. He / she will help strengthen the financial system of the NECC / KIDSS project. He / she will work with community organizations and local implementing partners to ensure their financial systems are strong and provide technical assistance as needed.

Specific tasks and responsibilities

Financial management, analysis and reports

• Participate in the optimization of the financial system of the NECC / KIDSS project.
• Supervise the management of the KIDSS financial system at NECC and at the Zonal levels.
• Ensure that the project complies with USAID, CRS and NECC policies.
• Ensure the accuracy of financial information on all reports submitted to the Secretary General of the NECC, CRS and USAID
• Oversee the timely posting of all financial transactions.
• Lead the process of analyzing and interpreting financial reports to ensure that accurate financial data is provided to the National Project Coordinator and the Secretary General of the NECC to inform their decision making.
• Act as primary liaison with all financial institutions.
• Oversee the month-end financial close process and coordinate the timely submission of monthly and quarterly financial reports to NECC, CRS and USAID as appropriate.

Financial management and capacity building of sub-recipients

• Evaluate and regularly monitor the capacity of sub-recipients to account for the financial resources entrusted to them. Additionally, assess and monitor their ability to accurately record and report all financial transactions. Work closely with partners to ensure they design and implement effective financial systems with internal controls.
• Strengthen the capacity of sub-recipients in financial management. Plan and organize regular trainings and other capacity building initiatives such as exchange visits to ensure that sub-recipients acquire and maintain the skills necessary to effectively manage financial resources.
• Ensure that the advances and liquidations of the sub-recipients are managed in accordance with the financial management policy of the sub award manual of NECC and within the framework of the agreements signed between NECC and these sub-recipients.

Risk and compliance management

• Ensure that internal control systems are in place and respected by employees and sub-recipients.
• Ensure that there is adequate segregation of duties at all levels; disbursement, bank reconciliation and maintenance of accounting software etc.
• Actively engage with internal and external audit teams.
• Understand and stay abreast of changes in the local legal environment and ensure that NECC adheres to local laws relating to taxation and other areas of financial management.
• Promptly inform the Head of Administration and Finance of any known or suspected case of fraud or ethical violation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Experience and Knowledge

• Master's degree in finance or accounting, or in business administration or in another relevant field.
• Minimum of 6 years in project experience preferably involving international donors.
• Knowledge of USAID rules and regulations and reporting standards.
• Sound competence in supervising USAID financed projects.
• Experience in using TOM2PRO
• Sound knowledge on local fiscal laws, OHADA System and reporting / declaration standards.

Personal qualities

• Proactive, results-oriented and service-oriented.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good planning and organizational skills.
• Good ability to transmit knowledge.

Required / Desired Language: Must be bilingual with a working knowledge of English and French.

Travel required: 30% of trips within Cameroon.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Supervisor: The Head of Administration and Finance

Supervisory role: Supervises the project accountant and the zonal finance assistants.

Internal: The internal controller and the bursar of NECC; the Grants and Compliance Manager, the MEAL Manager, the Head of Program Quality and the National Project Coordinator of the KIDSS Project.

External: Finance and compliance staff of CRS, all staff of local implementing partners of the KIDSS Project. 

NECC-wide skills (for all NECC staff):

These are rooted in NECC's mission, values ​​and guiding principles and are used by each staff member to fulfill their responsibilities and achieve the desired results. These are:

• Trust in all relationships
• Professional growth
• Partnership
• Responsibility
• Integrity
• Accountability and stewardship
• Strategic mindset

Disclaimer: This job description does not constitute an exhaustive list of the skills, efforts, tasks and responsibilities associated with the position.

NECC's talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protect children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. NECC is an equal opportunity employer.

 APPLICATION PROCESS

Application files MUST include:

1. Cover letter addressed to the Secretary General of NECC;
2. CV including at least 03 references, one of which should be a leader of a religious/faith community;
3. Proof of relevant academic / professional diplomas
4.  Proof of work experiences.

You can apply by sending your applications to the following address: info@necc-cenc.org

Deadline: March 4^th, 2021 at 5 pm Cameroon time.

Incomplete applications or applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

NB: By applying for this job, the candidate should understand that NECC protects human life at all cost and will require the candidate to do the same if recruited. NECC also requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation and human trafficking.

Successful candidates at this stage will be subjected to a practical test and an oral interview. A comprehensive background check will be done to the retained candidate.