Senior Finance and Operations Officer -Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Wetlands International is dedicated to safeguarding and restoring wetlands for people and nature. We are driven by the knowledge that safeguarding and restoring wetlands is urgent and vital for water security, biodiversity, climate regulation, sustainable development and human health. Our global not-for-profit network of 20 independent offices is governed by a Supervisory Council and a Board of the Association of 35 national government and non-governmental organization members. We bring knowledge into policy and practice, connect local actions in 100 countries to make a global difference, we catalyse actions that support those that use or depend on wetlands, and we are passionate about the positive change we make for people and nature.

In Ethiopia, Wetlands International is implementing various projects (Source to Sea, Ziway-Shalla Basin in Balance project (ZSBiB-SWF), Sustainable Agricultural Water management (SaWeL) and WASH SDG in the Central Rift Valley and the Omo- Gibe sub-basins in Ethiopia. These projects are implemented with a range of stakeholders, such as the the Ministry of Water andd Energy and its Rift Valley Lakes Basin Administration Office (RVLBDo), Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA), Meki-Batu Small Holder Cooperatives Union, Joytech, Acacia Water, World Waternet and the relevant local, regional and national government bodies.

Job summary

The Finance and Operations Officer, working closely with the project staffs at the Country and Ziway Offices, is responsible for human resource administration, program operations and the management of all financial transactions of the organization.

The incumbent will work closely with the EA Regional Office, as well as with field teams and with Global Office staff and provide a comprehensive and effective financial, operational and administrative service to the Addis Ababa and Ziway offices. S/he will assist the Wetland International Ethiopia team in ensuring that the Country Office is provided and well supported in all areas of Finance & operations, contributing to the work efficiency of the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in ensuring that the security, operations, and administrative policies, protocols and procedures within WI are followed.
• Leads the creation and management of project forecasts and budgets.
• Assist reviewing monthly field documents/requisitions, ensuring they are properly supported, approved and filed
• Prepare contracts and subcontracts to partners, consultants and service providers by following Wetlands International internal control system and procedures
• Support implementing partners on financial and administrative procedures of Wetlands International and also ensure their reports and support documentation are produced on a timely basis as per their contractual obligations.
• Ensure proper maintenance of cash flow and forecasting and timely request of funds from the regional office for smooth running of projects.
• Ensure project financial reports including their respective support documents are well coded and shared to the regional office on a monthly basis
• Assist in monthly petty cash and bank reconciliations
• Assist in facilitating funds transfer to field stations based on approved requisitions prepared from field and approved by the Country Manager.
• Assist with retrieving information and documents to support the internal and external audit processes as per auditors’ requests.
• Reviewing payroll on a monthly basis and ensuring its completeness and accuracy
• Maintain a log for all Ethiopia staff timesheet submitted and follow up on a monthly basis the staff who have not submitted
• Ensure all statutory payments are paid and returns filled.
• Ensure proper filing of financial documents, data and other correspondence for future audits and reviews, ensuring security and confidentiality of the documents in line with organization policy and donor requirements
• Organize logistics of meetings, trainings and workshops including booking rooms, travel and catering;
• Any other task that, in the opinion of the line manager is consistent with the role

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Masters Degree in accounting or financial management, public administration with at least 8 years of experience or equivalent experience.
• A certified accountant (CPA or ACCA) with strong technical accounting skills and in-depth knowledge and experience in financial management of donor funding, reporting, procurement procedures, grant management, donor rules and regulations.
• Proven track record in managing staff, providing high level operational, HR and management support to country offices
• Experience in managing project grants, sub-contracts
• Knowledge of the compliance requirements of various donors
• Knowledge of IT systems, Microsoft Office packages and/ or other accounting systems Knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics will be an added advantage
• Experience with Ethiopian government and various donors’ VAT reporting systems.
• Experience in administrative activities in a busy office environment and compiling monthly information.
• Excellent communication skills in both written and oral English and Amharic language.
• Ability to manage filing systems quickly and systematically.
• Use of excel, word processing, email is a requirement.
• Experience with Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Ethiopia is an advantage.

Competencies

• Strong interpersonal skills
• Good staff and organizational management skills
• Good understanding of NGO’s financial, operational and HR systems
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and handle multiple tasks simultaneously;
• Ability to produce standard, accurate and well-documented reports;
• Excellent writing and analytical skills;
• Good knowledge of administrative and financial rules and regulations
• Ability to work independently but also as part of a team
• Fulfils all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment;
• Knowledge in Excel and other computer applications