R4D Program Finance and Administrative Specialist (Re-advertisement)

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the internationally recruited position of R4D Program Finance and Administrative Specialist.

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a not-for-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa\u2019s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation. Working with various partners across sub-

Saharan Africa, we improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment, and preserve natural resource integrity. IITA is a member of the One CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food-secure future. Please visit http://www.iita.org/ for more information on IITA.

Position Responsibilities:

Finance and Administrative Support to R4D

\u2022        Provide support and guidance to Science Area Directors and Program Leads on financial and administrative matters.  

\u2022        Assist and advise Deputy Director General-Research for Development (R4D) on financial and administrative matters within the R4D directorate.  

\u2022        Perform financial analyses and monitor budgets and burn rates of Initiatives and W3/bilateral projects within the R4D directorate.

\u2022        Develop agendas for regular meetings with Science Areas Directors and Program Leads and monitor the implementation of action plans, developed during such meetings.

\u2022        Any other finance and administrative-related duties as assigned by Deputy Director General, Research for Development (R4D).

Support to Proposal Development

\u2022        Participate in the formulation of budgets and financial plans during proposal development and annual institutional plans.  

\u2022        Assist with the alignment of staff FTE and other financial needs in relation to the One CGIAR Initiative budgets.

\u2022        Monitor progress with investments in science infrastructure, as defined in the IITA\u2019s Refreshed 2023-2030 Strategy.

Administrative Oversight of the IITA@ICIPE office 

Oversee financial and administrative operations of the IITA@ICIPE office, including People and Culture management, procurement, security, facilities maintenance, asset management, and supervision of administrative staff, among others.

\u2022     Liaise with HQ on financial and administrative matters of the IITA@ICIPE office.  

Requirements

Educational Qualifications and Experience

The candidate should have an advanced degree in a relevant field such as Business Management, MBA in Finance, or Accounting. Project management training is an added advantage. 

Core Competencies

\u2022          At least ten years of extensive experience working in a similar position, preferably in a donorfunded not-for-profit international organization.

\u2022          Solid knowledge in financial and contractual management of large, complex donor-funded projects, preferably within the agricultural research arena.

\u2022          Experience in overseeing administrative and financial operations, and with team and people management abilities.

\u2022          Demonstrable skills in the budgeting requirements and proposal development processes of major international donors.

\u2022          Extensive knowledge in financial planning, budget monitoring, forecasting methods, financial data analysis, donor reporting, and ability to explain budgeting and financial information in plain terms. 

\u2022          Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

\u2022          Good interpersonal skills, including the ability to relate respectfully with staff at all levels and across work areas.

\u2022          Excellent planning and organizational skills with the ability to pay attention to detail.

\u2022          High level of proficiency in using Microsoft Office packages (Word, PowerPoint, and advanced-level user of Excel). Hands-on experience with accounting software and ERPs is essential.

\u2022          Fluency in both written and spoken English.

Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya 

Benefits

General information: The contract will be for an initial period of three years. IITA offers an internationally competitive remuneration package paid in U.S. Dollars.  

Applications: Applications must include a cover letter which should address how the candidate\u2019s background/experience relates to the specific duties of the position applied for, curriculum vitae, and names and addresses of three professional referees (which must include either the Head of the applicant\u2019s current or previous organization or applicant\u2019s direct Supervisor/Superior at his/her present or former place of work). The application should be addressed to the Head of People and Culture. Please complete our online application form using this link:https://apply.workable.com/iita/#jobs

Closing Date: 1st April 2024

IITA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse workforce, particularly welcoming applications from women.  

While all applications will be acknowledged, please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.