Job Details

Job Description

Vacancy Announcement: DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

The Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management
(SASSCAL) has been established by five Southern African countries: Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia with support from the Federal Republic of Germany. The overall objective of
SASSCAL is to improve the livelihoods of people and to enhance adaptive land use and sustainable
economic development in Southern Africa under global changing conditions with particular focus on
five thematic areas of Agriculture, Biodiversity, Climate, Forestry and Water. The SASSCAL initiative
focuses on research, capacity development and the provision of appropriate products and services
aimed at mitigating and/or dealing with some of the likely impacts of Climate Change.

SASSCAL invites applications for the position of DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION in its
Regional Secretariat, located in Windhoek, Namibia.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Administration and Finance will head the Administration and Finance Unit. The Director of Administration and Finance will lead and oversee the Accounting, Financial Planning and Management, Information Technology, Procurement, and administrative support services and guide the staff working in those areas.

S/he should be able to work under pressure and multi-task effectively.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Financial Management

• Analyze and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicate
  monthly and annual financial statements; collate financial reporting materials for all donor
  segments; and oversee all financial, project/program, and grants accounting.
• Coordinate and lead the annual audit process, liaise with external auditors and other relevant
  stakeholders.
• Oversee and lead annual budgeting and planning process in conjunction with the Executive
  Director and Programme Coordinators; administer and review all financial plans and budgets;
  monitor progress and changes; and keep the SASSCAL Management Committee abreast of the
  organization’s financial status.
• Manage organizational cash flow and forecasting.
• Implement a robust contracts management and financial management/ reporting system;
  ensure that the contract billing and collection schedule is adhered to, and that financial data
  and cash flow are steady and support operational requirements.
• Update and implement all necessary business policies and accounting practices; improve the finance department’s overall policy and procedure manual.
• Effectively communicate and present the critical financial matters to the governing Board.

Human Resources, Information Technology and Administration

• Develop SASSCAL human resources and administration strategies and policies, enhancing
  professional development, compensation and benefits, performance evaluation, training, and
  recruiting.
• Ensure that recruiting processes are consistent and streamlined.
• Establish and manage a comprehensive training program to educate employees regarding
  staff tools, policies, and procedures.
• Work closely and transparently with all external partners including third-party vendors and
  consultants.
• Oversee administrative functions as well as facilities to ensure efficient and consistent
  operations as the organization scales.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Minimum of Bachelor of Accounting degree, backed by Honors in Bachelor of Public
  Accounting and any other Hons or master’s degree in a related field will be desired.
• The Incumbent must be registered as a Chartered Accountant (CA) in any of SADC Member
  States.
• At least seven to 5-10 years of overall professional experience; ideally six-plus years of broad
  financial and operations management experience.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Five to Ten years of professional experience in financial and managerial accounting,
  establishing financial statements (balance sheet, income statement) budgeting, and
  procurement at Senior Management level.
• Strong financial and computer skills: word processing, Excel spreadsheets, QuickBooks, VIP
  Payroll system, knowledge of database operations would be an added extra.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English language (Portuguese would be an
  added advantage)

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The ideal candidate has experience of final responsibility for the quality and content of all
  financial data, reporting and audit coordination for either a division or significant program
  area, and has preferably oversee human resources function previously.
• Ability to translate financial concepts to – and to effectively collaborate with — programmatic
  and fundraising colleagues who do not necessarily have finance backgrounds.
• A track record in grants management.
• Technology know-how with experience selecting and overseeing software installations and
  managing relationships with software vendors; knowledge of accounting and reporting
  software.
• Commitment to training programs that maximize individual and organization goals across the
  organization including best practices in human resources activities.

Promoting Science for Sustainable Development

• A successful track record in setting priorities; keen analytic, organization and problem-solving
  skills which support and enable sound decision making.
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills with an ability to prioritize, negotiate,
  and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• A multi-tasker with the ability to wear many hats in a fast-paced environment.
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and dedication to the mission of SASSCAL.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Ability to maintain pleasant working relationships with individuals of different national and
  cultural backgrounds. Willingness to travel extensively in the region.
• Knowledge and experience with international accounting standards and international
  procurement rules is an added advantage.
• Experience in a similar position with international organizations is essential

APPLICATION PROCESS:

• The deadline for applications is 15th of November 2024
• Applicants should send a cover letter and a CV with details of relevant experience and three
  traceable referees

Applications should be sent to:

The Executive Director, Dr. Jane Olwoch
SASSCAL Regional Secretariat
28 Robert Mugabe Avenue (Corner of Robert Mugabe and Newton Street)
P. O. Box 87292
Windhoek

E-mail: [email protected]

Please note that only short-listed applicants will be notified by the 28th of February 2024.

For further information, please visit www.sasscal.org