Programme Finance Officer at Christian Blind Mission (CBM) Ethiopia

About CBM

CBM (registered as CBM Christoffel-Blindenmission Christian Blind Mission e.V.) is an international development organisation committed to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities in the persons communities of the world. Based on our Christian values and more than 100 years of professional expertise, we address poverty as a cause and a consequence of disability. We work in partnership to create an inclusive society for all.

Project Portfolio

The Christian Blind Mission (CBM) has secured funds from the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) to execute a project entitled ‘Enhancing Employment Inclusion through the Development of Vocational Skills and Inclusive Training-Employment Nexus in Ethiopia’ over three years. The main goal of the project is to contribute to decent employment development and the reduction of youth unemployment, with special focus on women, persons with disabilities, and those at risk of marginalization in Ethiopia. The project intends to promote decent, sustainable, and innovative employment and business opportunities through inclusive technical and vocational training and employment of vulnerable youth without disabilities in Addis Ababa and the Sidama, Tigray, and Southern Ethiopia Regions. The project is planned to be executed in consortium with Volontariato Internazionale per lo Sviluppo (International Volunteer Service for Development/VIS) and the Ethiopian Center for Disability and Development (ECDD). This position is only filled locally. With contractual conditions of the respective country. An expatriation is not intended.

These are your responsibilities

Main Tasks

Project Development:

Develop and/ or review project budgets at the planning stage, focusing on overall compliance with donors and local regulations (taxes, social security etc.).Collaborate with and support the Partner Portfolio team in planning and conducting partner assessments and addressing identified gaps related to finances.

Partner Capacity Building

• Develop and implement capacity-building initiatives for partner project teams, focusing on financial management (including financial reporting, budgeting, creating a framework for preparing financial statements etc.), procurement policies and procedures, forecasting, compliance, and internal controls that meet donor’s/AICS’s and CBM guidelines.
• Conduct workshops, coaching sessions, and one-on-one training for partner finance staff on the topics mentioned above.
• Promote continuous improvement in financial processes to enhance efficiency and transparency.
• Project Coordination & Quality Assurance
• Review project-related financial statements, including Income and Expenditure Statements (I&E), balance sheets, bank reconciliation and cash flow statements. Assist partner in developing a procurement plan
• In case the CO is involved in project related procurement, support the PO in Development of a procurement plan including ToRs
• Conducting the financial analysis of the bids
• Ensure timely payment transfers for projects after completing all review checks. Support partners in responding to donor financial queries.
• Ensure effective coordination on financial matters between the Country Office, International Office, and Implementing partners.Provide a financial overview of programmes to the Country Director
• Maintain up-to-date documentation related to project finances Monitoring
• Conduct financial monitoring visits (remote and in-person) of every project at least once a year to ensure compliance and provide corrective action guidance. During the visits conduct:
• Sample voucher checks to verify data accuracy, compliance with policies (including procurement), and quality of documentation (invoices, quotations, taxes/VAT).
• Detailed eligibility checks and proper accounting of expenses.
• Detailed eligibility checks of expenses against the donor procurement plan

Reporting & Audit

• Review project financial Reports (quarterly and annual) to:
• Ensure reconciliation of financial reports with bank statements and project accounts. Prepare for monitoring visits.
• Support the PO in analyzing budgets against actual expenditure Review and analyze forecasts in collaboration with the PO.
• Coordinate internal and external audits for partner projects with the relevant PO and CD Draft terms of reference for auditor selection and support CD in timely hiring of auditors Follow up on the implementation of complex audit recommendations related to accounting, legal, and tax compliance.
• Close audit action points based on a review of the work done. Compliance & Risk Management Identify and assess financial risks, providing timely recommendations for mitigation to POs.
• Ensure partner compliance with local regulations (tax laws, labor laws, other regulations applicable to NGOs), and donor specific financial requirements.
• Monitor evolving tax regulations and support partners in meeting legal obligations. Close compliance related action points based on a review of the work done.

Other

• Participate and actively contribute to learning platforms in enhancements to relevant policies and procedures to create operational efficiencies
• Comply with all the safety and health procedures and requirements at all times ensure your own safety and health and that of other people who may be affected by your acts oromissions at CBM.
• Carry out role-specific responsibility to safeguard children and adults at risk (as guided by CBM’s respective policies).
• Ensure that all activities are conducted within scope of work or as an employee with CBM
• comply with the IT and data protection principles

Qualifications

• Education (bachelor’s degree or master’s degree) in Finance or Accounting. A professional accounting qualification (such as CPA, ACCA, or CIMA) is an added value.
• Experience: at least 5 years of experience within the I/NGO sector, or equivalent Technical Skills: Financial Management: Proficiency in budgeting, financial reporting, and accounting principles.
• Grant Management: Experience with managing grants, including compliance with donor regulations and reporting requirements.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyse financial data, identify trends, and make informed decisions.
• Risk Management: Skills in identifying and mitigating financial risks, ensuring the integrity of financial operations.
• Software Proficiency: Familiarity with financial software and tools, such as QuickBooks, SAP, or other accounting systems.
• Languages: Professional proficiency in English, local language highly appreciated. Interpersonal Skills:
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to liaise with stakeholders, donors, and team members.
• Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with project teams, providing financial insights and support.
• Capacity Building: Skills in training and supporting partner staff in financial management practices. Attributes:
• Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy in financial records and reports. Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and transparency in financial dealings.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to work in diverse and dynamic environments, often with limited resources. Problem-Solving: Proactive in identifying issues and developing solutions to financial challenges.
• Identification with Christian values and the mandate of CBM

What we offer

• A meaningful position with a lot of creative freedom in the world’s leading organization in
• the field of Disability Inclusive Development
• A fair salary and other social benefits based on the local conditions in the country you apply for
• An approachable, agile organization with self-reliant people in a diverse and collegial team
• and great team spirit.