Finance Officer 88 views1 applications

1. Introduction

Accelerating the Su­stainable Control and Elimination of NTDs (ASCEND) is a £200 million invest­ment from the UK government’s Department for International Development (DFID), to advance the impact and su­stainability of national programmes tackling neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). To be implemented between September 2019 to March 2022, ASCEND comprises of two lots – one focusing on South Asia, East­ and Southern Africa (lot 1) and the other on West­ and Central Africa (lot 2). ASCEND lot 1 is implemented by a consortium of technical partners led by Crown Agents, including Abt Associates, Oriole Global Health and the Royal Tropical Inst­itute. Central to ASCEND 1’s approach is a close collaboration with National Governments and other implementing partners, to enhance national approaches to NTD control and elimination. ASCEND’s goal is to contribute to the global goal of reducing the burden of targeted NTDs so that they are no longer a public health problem.

In Sudan, ASCEND will focus on four NTDS; Lymphatic Filariasis, Schistosomiasis, Trachoma and Visceral Leishmaniasis anchored on the following broad areas of intervention:

(i) *Treatment and prevention of disability, including mass drug administration (MDA), diagnosis and treatment, surgeries, morbidity management.*

(ii) *Increasing the integration of aspects of NTD programmes within the health systems.***

(iii) *Strengthening national health systems, integrating efforts to strengthen the relevant building blocks of the health system.*

(iv) *Data for targeting and monitoring, including impact assessment and alignment of NTDs with national and international MEL systems and processes.*

(v) *Cross-sectoral collaboration, in particular within the health and WASH/BCC sectors. *

DFID has contracted Crown Agents together with its consortium partners to act as Fund Manager for ASCEND in. Therefore, Crown Agents will work with the Ministry of Health (MoH) in the implementation of the activities in-country using different modalities.

Scope of work

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Under the supervision of the ASCEND country lead, the Project Finance Officer will be responsible for overall accounting and financial management of the ASCEND project in Sudan. He/she will be involved in capacity building of relevant Finance Officers within ASCEND IUs/districts. The Seconded finance officer will ensure accountability to donors, by coordinating the development of budgets, monitoring and supporting the approval and payment processes and ensuring that maximum cost recovery is achieved.

The Finance Officer will work closely with ASCEND- CROWN AGENT’s staff, DVB&NTD- MOH staff, and other NTD partners to ensure that appropriate systems and procedures are in place to ensure that the project operates efficiently, uses resources effectively and within the budget. He/she will ensure that financial and operational information is provided to In-country project leadership, ASCEND Country Lead, Regional ASCEND office and technical staff in a timely manner for decision making.

The Finance Officer must ensure that project implementation is done in an environment of strong controls and that the project complies with Donor rules and regulations.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Accounting and Treasury
• Budget Management
• Imprest and bank reconciliation
• Conformance to all relevant financial management rules and regulations.

Accounting and Programme Finance.

1. Maintain primary relationship with donors and act as the principal financial Management liaison.
2. Take the lead in assuring the quality management of local subgrants from inception to closure through the development of adequate financial management systems and maintenance of strong financial controls to guarantee compliance with donor regulations.
3. Ensure that programming and operations staff improve their understanding of DFID granting mechanisms and build their capacity to adhere to donor regulations related to reporting, human resources, asset management, and procurement.
4. Perform on-going monitoring and assessment of DVB’s and IUs’ (Districts) capacity to accurately record and post all transactions and follow up actions to resolve any identified problems.
5. Prepare and implement training and technical assistance as needed to address local capacity needs and reinforce grant management through on job support and monitoring,
6. Actively participate in program meetings as appropriate to effectively plan and coordinate financial and programmatic activities in conjunction with DVB and IUs( implementing districts)
7. Provide technical assistance to all project staff in preparation of annual project budgets and narratives and sub-award budgets and modifications when needed.
8. Make sure vouchers, monthly journals, invoices, financial reports, accruals and other financial deliverables are well prepared and filed both in hard and electronic copies.
9. Reconcile all control accounts on a monthly/quarterly basis to ensure completeness and integrity of financial information, e.g. Bank & Cash, Prepayments, Accruals, Staff Debtors etc. and report accordingly in a timely manner.
10. Perform Project variance analysis and provide updated projections to support internal management and/or donor requirements.
11. Ensure the congruity and consistency of all relevant financial policies and procedures and alert project leadership when there is any financial risk to the project.
12. Provide support in the review of donor contracts to ensure compliance during the execution of a contract.
13. Assist in responding to audit requests and manage to close out processes.
14. Undertake other general finance and administrative duties as required to facilitate the smooth running of Accounting and Project Finance activities.

JOB HOLDER ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

Knowledge (Education & Related Experience):

· A Master’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or /Professional qualification in accountancy such as ACCA, CPA, ACIS and CPE obtained from a recognized awarding Institution or an equivalent.

· At least 5 years of working experience in Accounting/ procurement and Office Administration role in a donor-funded project. Training in NGO/UN agencies financial management or Grant management training will be an added advantage.

· Understanding of Public health programs as well as an understanding of the synergy between programmatic, operational and financial components of public health initiatives.

· Excellent computer skills especially Word, Excel and e-mail/internet

· Excellent communication skills (verbal and written English)

· Demonstrated knowledge of protection, prevention of sexual abuse and exploitation and the field of safeguarding is an added advantage

Desired skill sets (Special Training or Competence):

· Accounting skills.

· Excellent report preparation and presentation skills

· Experience in programme budgeting

· Experience in results-based management, project monitoring and reporting

· Well-developed Training and facilitation skills

· Ability to prioritise workloads, assume responsibility for work and follow through to completion.

· Ability and willingness to work under pressure as part of a global team.

· Proven Knowledge of DFID financial management guidelines will be an added advantage