Finance & Operations Consultant at African Union - InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources

The Finance & Operations Consultant will be responsible for the day-to-day financial and operational activities of the PPR project. This includes managing budgets, accounts, procurement, and assets management. The Finance and Operations Consultant will also work to support the IBAR in achieving its objectives. She/he will have the following specific duties and responsibilities.

Specific Responsibilities

• Manage budgets and ensure that they are in line with the project’s objectives.
• Implement financial and operational policies, rules and regulations of AU and donors namely European Union (EU)
• Coordinate and oversee the financial and operational activities of the project, ensuring compliance with African Union and European Union (EU) rules and regulations
• Prepare and monitor the annual budgets and work plans of the project, liaising with RECs, MSs and partners
• Provide timely and accurate financial and operational reports to the Project management and donors, highlighting achievements, challenges and recommendations
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the project staffs, regional stakeholders, donors and other partners, representing IBAR relevant meetings and forums
• Identify and mitigate financial and operational risks, ensuring adherence to internal controls and audit recommendations
• Support IBAR in resource mobilization, proposal development and grant management
• Provide technical guidance and capacity building to the IBAR staff on financial and operational matters
• Prepare financial reports and ensure that they are accurate and timely.
• Administer accounts and ensure that payments are made on time and in accordance with AU policies, rules and regulations.
• Oversee procurement activities and ensure that goods and services are purchased in a cost-effective manner.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the AU-IBAR Director or his/her designate.

Duration and Location

The duration of this consultancy is six (6) months, which may be renewed subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. The successful consultant will be based in AU-IBAR offices in Nairobi, Kenya and will be required to maintain the AUC office hours.

Supervision

The Finance and Operation Consultant will work under the supervision of the Senior Finance officer and the Coordinator of Animal Health Unit and the Project Manager of PPR program and under the overall oversight of the Director of AU-IBAR.

Requirements

Qualifications

• The successful applicant should have a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or a related field.
• A master’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration or related field will be an added advantage. A professional certification (such as CPA, CMA, ACCA, etc.) will be an added advantage.

Experience

• At least five (5) and relevant work experience in financial and operational management of complex projects or programs, preferably in the animal health or development sector.
• Experience with financial management software.
• Experience with procurement procedures.
• Experience with facilities management.
• Knowledge of the animal health sector.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in budgeting, accounting, reporting, auditing, procurement, human resources, and logistics management.
• Familiarity with AU policies and procedures, donor regulations (such as EU, ADB, USAID, etc).

Other Essential Skills and Experience

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (especially Excel) and accounting software (such as QuickBooks, SAP, etc.).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and/or French. Knowledge of other African Union working languages is an asset.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to travel within the region and to other locations as required.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team