Republic of Congo: Finance Coordinator

Oct 3, 2021 | Worldwide Fund for Nature
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Worldwide Fund for Nature is an independent conservation organization, striving to sustain the natural world for the benefit of people and wildlife. From individuals and communities to business and government, WWF is part of a growing coalition calling on world leaders to set nature on the path to recovery by 2030. Together, they seek to protect and restore natural habitats, stop the mass extinction of wildlife, and make the way people produce and consume sustainable.

Mission of the Division:

In a spirit of excellence, integrity and dedication, the Finance & Administration Department is committed to providing timely, accurate, clear and complete information and support for a high performing WWF Gabon/Congo team with efficient and effective Financial & Accounting operations, Logistics and IT services, systems, internal controls as well as a sound management of financial resources to deliver conservation activities in line with the office strategic plan.

Major Functions:

  • Supervise and coordinate all financial and accounting operations in the Republic of Congo;
  • Ensure the implementation of and the respect of WWF policies, procedures, and systems concerning Finance and Accounting work as per the Field Operational Manual developed by WWF International and the WWF Network Standards;
  • Ensure an effective internal control management is achieved in the Republic of Congo;
  • Ensure the statutory requirements of the Republic of Congo are respected;
  • Ensure donor requirements are met for all projects/awards in the Republic of Congo;
  • Provide sound and timely financial information to the Country Coordinator and the WWF Gabon office Senior Management Team and all other stakeholders as needed and when requested and advise on opportunities for improvement as well as potential risks.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

The Finance coordinator supervises or performs directly the tasks below in the Congo Programme. He/she ensures that these tasks are performed in all the Congo field sites by qualified and trained staff, in compliance with WWF International procedures. He/she verifies this by regular visits in the field and by arranging a system of reporting that allows him to monitor the financial performance of each Field Project and Programme.

Operational Planning

  • Support the Country Coordinator in the development and implementation of the Republic of Congo annual plans;
  • Coordinate the costing of the annual plans;
  • Coordinate the preparation of project annual budgets and quarterly forecasts of the Congo programme, in accordance with the annual planning cycle and in close collaboration with programme staff;
  • Assist in the preparation of, review all the Republic of Congo project proposals to be submitted for funding, including proposal budgets;
  • Ensure all project budgets include sufficient cost recovery to ensure that all WWF Gabon/Congo core costs are correctly funded and properly allocated to beneficiary projects;
  • Assist Programme and Project leaders in preparing the annual budgets. Review the budgets and provide his/her comments and recommendations to the Country Coordinator.

Policies, procedures and systems

  • Ensure that all programme locations in RoC apply the established WWF International Field Office Policies and Procedures as set out in the appropriate manuals and comply with donors’ regulations as required and participate to regular compliance visits to field offices;
  • Ensure that all Programme locations in RoC operate in strict application of the national laws and regulations in force and ensure that the policies and procedures are adapted, where necessary, to reflect these laws and regulations;
  • Is the focal point for all external and internal audits and ensures that all audit schedules are prepared. Review the auditors' recommendations with the Programme and project staff concerned. Ensure that joint responses to these recommendations are prepared, on a timely basis and that these are implemented on the basis of an appropriate action plan.

Financial Management and Reporting

  • Ensure the accounting for all RoC projects are done properly;
  • Prepare and analyse project financial reports and ensure that these are submitted to donors in a timely manner, complete, correct and appropriate;
  • Identify problems and assist in providing solutions;
  • Prepares and administers consultancy contracts / agreements and sub-grants. Ensure that the RoC projects fulfil all contractual obligations;
  • Ensure finance data are filed properly and backups are done regularly as per the policies.

Monitor cash flow of all Programmes and Project Offices

  • Prepare quarterly cash-flow and planning for all RoC projects to ensure all activities are adequately funded;
  • Ensure that a monthly statement of bank balances is reviewed and circulated to concerned managers;
  • Prepare a timely call of funds for all RoC projects;
  • Ensure that bank transactions concerning each project are adequately monitored and approved levels of signature are respected.

Asset Management & Logistics

  • Ensure that RoC assets are properly accounted according to WWF FOM;
  • Ensure compliance with FOM and WWF International for maintenance and management of property (Vehicles, Main Office).

Procurement

  • Ensure the use of WWF FOM in respect of procurement of goods and services;
  • Review all project requisitions against project budgets;
  • Prepare, administer, and control approved consultancy contracts / agreements and subgrants.

Profile:

Required Qualifications:

  • A university Degree in Commerce, Business Administration or related field or professional accountancy qualifications, combined with good working knowledge of international accounting and reporting standards;
  • Possession of an MBA or equivalent post-graduate qualification and professional qualifications would be an advantage;
  • Over 10 years working experience in a senior Finance and Administration position preferably in a major international organisation/NGO.

Required Qualifications:

  • Minimum bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or Management, with at least seven (7) years of experience in these areas, which at least five (5) years in a leadership role, with demonstrated success in an international environment (NGO or Company);
  • Full accounting qualification i.e. CPA, ACCA or equivalent;
  • Demonstrated skills in developing, managing, and evaluating financial and administrative plans and policies;
  • Experience working with government and donors;
  • A thorough knowledge of, and dexterity with, accounting software; and
  • Experience working with international organizations involved in environmental and/or community issues would be an advantage.

Required Skills and Competencies:

  • Strong leadership abilities;
  • Ability to meet deadlines on tight schedules;
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to develop and maintain strong relationships at all levels, within WWF Gabon/Congo and, as required, with external stakeholders;
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and French;
  • Identifies with the values of the WWF organization, Courage, Integrity, Respect & Collaboration;
  • Demonstrates WWF behaviors in ways of working: Strive for impact, Listen Deeply, Collaborate Openly and Innovate Fearlessly;
  • Adheres to WWF’s brand values, which are: Knowledgeable, Optimistic, Determined and Engaging.

Working Relationships:

  • Internal: Interacts and works closely and on a regular basis with finance staff in all WWF Gabon/Congo offices, as well as with other WWF Gabon/Congo senior managers and project staff.  Coordinates and interacts as appropriate with members WWF International, and other WWF offices. The Coordinator will work under the technical supervision of the Finance & Administration Manager, Gabon/RoC.
  • External: Interacts as required with governmental institutions, donors, partners and other stakeholders, in collaboration with the Country Coordinator, as appropriate.

How To Apply

Please make sure to upload a single PDF document with your updated CV and Cover Letter.

Applications deadline: October 19th 2021.

Kindly note work permit restrictions may apply and that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

WWF is an equal opportunity employer and committed to having a diverse workforce.