Finance and Administrative Officer - Sierra Leone

International IDEA is collaborating with Action Appointments for this recruitment process. Applications should be sent directly to tracy@actionappointments.co.za

Context

Sierra Leone will hold its fifth consecutive democratic elections since the end of the civil war, in June 2023. International IDEA is designing a 3-year donor-funded programme to support the electoral process in Sierra Leone. The project aims to support democracy institutions and civil society (including the media) in Sierra Leone towards the credible and peaceful conduct of the 2023 elections and provide support to reform processes in the years after the elections to contribute to further consolidation of democratic gains in Sierra Leone’s transition trajectory. This vacancy is advertised contingent on availability of funds for the project.

The programme will support the active and inclusive participation of traditionally marginalised persons in electoral and political processes; strengthen the capacity of the election management bodies (EMBs) in Sierra Leone to conduct credible and inclusive elections in 2023 and beyond; improve the capacity of the EMBs and relevant civil society organisations capacities to contribute to resolving election disputes; and enhance stakeholder capacity for electoral and legal reforms beyond 2023.

The Finance and Administrative Officer will provide high-level financial and administrative support in accordance with project needs and requirements for the Freetown Office, and will be responsible for accounting, payments, bank account management and providing support to the office on financial and procurement aspects.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Processes invoices, advance requests, project expenditure reports, prepares and process payment requests accordingly.
• Performs bank reconciliations and handles the petty cash fund, clearance of receivables, overall cash management and facilitates monthly financial closures in accordance with office and institutional requirements
• Assists with expenditure control, advising team members on possible cost-saving measures.
• Coordinates and monitors the usage and maintenance of project equipment and vehicles
• Prepares and follows up on the collection of VAT refunds from the Sierra Leone National Revenue Authority.
• Enters data into the ERP system and prepares monthly expenditure receipts and reports.
• Monitors cash flows and ensures adequate cash levels are maintained every month for the project.
• Contributes to the preparation of and response to the office and project audits.
• Operates and maintains use of computerized accounting systems and spreadsheets to assist day-to-day accounting procedures and with reporting requirements.
• Ensures compliance with donor financial and procurement policies including financial accounting obligations where applicable.
• Ensures that International IDEA complies with relevant national laws and procedures pertaining to project finance and administration.
• Maintains records of fixed assets and updates them on a quarterly basis.

General Profile

• Clarifies financial information with diplomacy and clarity to other team members and partners.
• Requires good knowledge, excellent skills and initial experience in their field;
• Has developed knowledge and skills through formal training or work experience.
• Adds value to team-based activities in his/her unit; collaborates with other entities of the Institute as required.
• Follows internal procedures to ensure high standards of performance and compliance with Institutional guidelines.
• Acts in accordance with International IDEA’s Core Values: Respect, Integrity, and Professionalism.
• Integrates a gender and diversity perspective in all activities.

Education and Experience

• University degree in business, financial management or other relevant discipline.
• Minimum three (3) years of progressive responsibility in supporting Accounting, Finance, Administration and Grant Management functions.
• Full or part professional qualifications in finance and accounting, for example, ACCA are considered advantageous.
• Knowledge of award and contract regulations and reporting requirements of EU and/or other major donors advantageous.
• Experience in working in an international context, e.g. in an intergovernmental organization, considered an advantage;
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office package (including MS Work, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Internet is required; Knowledge of ERP systems (particularly Unit4) is desirable.
• Fluency in written and oral English and Creole/Krio is required.

Terms of Contract:

• Local Post.
• Fixed term appointment with a maximum duration of 21 months or until the project end date of 30 November 2024 (whichever comes first)

Please note as this is a local post, International IDEA will bear no costs relating to relocation of the selected candidate to the duty station. This position is open to those legally authorized to live and work in Sierra Leone for the duration of the contract. International IDEA is not able to support work permit applications.

Applying for this position:

Closing date 11 December 2022.

International IDEA is collaborating with Action Appointments for this recruitment process. Applications should be sent directly to tracy@actionappointments.co.za

International IDEA is an equal opportunity employer which seeks to further diversify its staff in terms of gender, culture and nationality.