Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) Job Vacancy

Company Profile

The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) is the apex continental organization responsible for coordinating and advocating for agricultural research for development (AR4D) in Africa.

The conception of FARA was informed by the need to strengthen and coalesce under one umbrella, Africa’s weak and fragmented agricultural research systems so that they could enhance agriculture’s potential to ensure food security and also lift African people out of poverty.

The FARA Secretariat is the lead institution for Pillar IV of NEPAD’s Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) which encompasses agricultural research and technology dissemination and adoption. FARA works closely with sub-regional organizations (SROs) and national agricultural research and extension systems to ensure effective implementation of CAADP activities.

With a continental reach, FARA provides an entry point for agricultural research initiatives in Africa; offers a continental platform for stakeholders in AR4D to shape the vision and agenda for research on the continent; galvanizes the AR4D community; and brings a strong African voice to global research forums and institutions.  The operations of the secretariat require strong financial management, hence the need to engage the services of a Finance Assistant to undertake the following:

Key Responsibilities

• Firstly, Assist with Processing disbursements.
• Secondly, Assist in writing BPVs, receipts and ensures proper coding of all vouchers and forms raised by staff.
• Thirdly, Assist with entering data into Sun System
• Then, Support the Finance team in the implementation of sound Cost recovery system at the FARA Secretariat.
• Also, Assist with preparation, implementation and ensuring compliance with internal financial and accounting policies and procedures.
• Moreover, Ensure timely preparation and payment of withholding tax (WHT) and follow up for Tax certificates.
• Prepare monthly and spontaneous cash count and produce reports.
• Review payment request for right budget codes and activities
• Finally, Budget monitoring of expenditures.

Asset / Stores Management

• Keep proper and up-to-date store records and in particular the consumable stores
• Issuing office supplies as needed
• Assist procurement Unit with replenishment of office supplies

Bank and Cash Management

• Handles banking and cash transactions for meetings and other FARA activities
• Managing petty cash

External Audit

• Participates in the preparation of external audits, both the FARA annual audits as well as donor specific audit requests.
• Implements audit recommendations

Required Skills or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting
• Advance Professional Diploma in Accounting from ACCA
• Knowledge of financial/project administration & management, preferably within an international organization.
• Good knowledge of internal controls systems, multi-currency and financial reporting
• A passion for numbers, accuracy and skills in calculating figures is vital, as is adeptness at paying attention to detail.
• Good time management skills