Website CRENConline CRENC
Clinical Research Education, Networking and Consultancy
JOB REFERENCE: AFO002/CRENC-IeDEA/01-2022
LOCATION: Yaoundé-Cameroon
SALARY: Competitive with advantages
TERMS: Permanent Full Time
CLOSING DATE: 4th February 2022
LIAISES WITH: Principal Investigator; U.S.A Einstein/NIH team; Programs/Research Director; CRENC programme teams; Banks and Suppliers; Auditors and the government.
ABOUT CRENC
Clinical Research Education, Networking and Consultancy (CRENC) is a Cameroon based research foundation with commitment to clinical research excellence through the quest of novelty and collaboration. Read more about CRENC.
PURPOSE OF JOB
The Research, Finance and Administration Officer is responsible for managing all aspects of the administration and finance function of IeDEA project and IeDEA studies at CRENC so that we achieve our objectives in line with funders policies and procedures.
RESPONSIBLE FOR
The Research, Finance and Administration officer is a strategic position in the organization and reports directly to the IeDEA Principal Investigator and CRENC Executive Director (ED) . He/she will be a hands-on and participative manager and will lead and develop an internal team to support the following areas: finance, business planning and budgeting, human resources, administration, and IT.
The Research, Finance and Administration Officer will play a critical role in partnering with the senior leadership team in strategic decision making and operations as CRENC continues to enhance its quality programming and build capacity. This is a tremendous opportunity for a finance and operations leader to maximize and strengthen the internal capacity of a well-respected, high-impact organization.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
HUMAN RESOURCES, TECHNOLOGY AND ADMINISTRATION
- Further develop CRENC’s human resources and administration, 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 funders/partners including third-party vendors and consultants.
- Oversee administrative functions as well as facilities to ensure efficient and consistent operations as the organization scales.
FINANCIAL SYSTEM
- Ensure that country financial management systems and records are adequate in order to identify and protect the assets and interest of IeDEA project and the entire organization.
- Ensure that the current administrative systems enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the manner in which assets are utilized.
- Ensure that the accounting package (QuickBooks) is maintained properly, and utilized in an appropriate and effective manner.
- Carefully monitor and control cash flow and bank account ledgers to minimize the risk of fraud or misappropriation.
- Monitor all financial activities, and keep CRENC’s Executive Director and Management Team advised of all situations which have the potential to negatively impact internal controls or financial management performance.
- Closely monitor and manage the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on budgets and expenditure.
- Participate in the review, monitoring and capacity building of on financial policies, processes and implementation.
- Ensure that partner finance reports are thoroughly reviewed in coordination with the respective Project/Programme staff.
FINANCIAL CONTROL
- Maintain an effective and efficient system of internal controls which comply with funder’s financial guidelines.
- Review existing systems on an on-going basis in order to develop and improve internal controls, in compliance with funder’s policies and procedures.
- Ensure that all financial records and accounts are compiled in a timely and accurate manner and in line with international accounting standards and funder regulations.
- Ensure that the financial operations comply with legal and statutory requirements e.g. audit and financial reporting to all relevant national authorities.
- Ensure that management prepares the annual and revised budget and funder budgets, as accurately as possible.
- Manage budgets;
FINANCIAL REPORTING
- Ensure timely and accurate preparation of monthly reports for funders (using Financial Reporting Template (FRT)) as adopted with partners.
- Ensure timely and accurate recording of all financial operations in the QuickBooks financial software on daily basis while respecting the accrual system of reporting.
- Ensure timely and accurate preparation of monthly management accounts for budget-holders and management to ensure that they can monitor the budget utilization and take appropriate action on any significant variances.
- Ensure timely and accurate preparation of quarterly financial reports for funders (using Financial Reporting Template (FRT)) as adopted with partners.
- Ensure timely and accurate preparation of funder reports for external US partners.
- Reconcile all balance sheet items on a quarterly basis, in accordance with funder/partner policies and procedures.
- Finalize year end accounts for external auditor and provide any ad-hoc year end reports for US funders/partners.
STAFF MANAGEMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING
- Develop the capacity of the local finance team in the field offices to ensure that a good standard of financial management is maintained.
- Develop a second layer of staff who can provide cover and/ or fill the gap whenever any position is vacant in the finance team.
OTHER FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES
- Facilitate internal, external and funder/partner audits.
- Follow up on the implementation of internal and external audit findings and their reporting.
- Ensure that all statutory deductions and taxes in respect of national staff are complied with and to liaise with relevant authorities in this respect.
- Assist in the development and implementation of the IeDEA and the organization’s Strategic Plan.
- Actively participate in management meetings and be proactively involved in the decision making processes.
- Provide and interpret financial information;
- Monitor and interpret cash flows and predict future trends;
- Analyze change and advise accordingly;
- Research and report on factors influencing business performance;
- Develop financial management mechanisms that minimize financial risk;
- Conduct reviews and evaluations for cost-reduction opportunities;
- Develop external relationships with appropriate contacts, e.g. auditors, solicitors, bankers and statutory organizations;
- Keep abreast of changes in financial regulations and legislation both in Cameroon and partner countries.
RESULTS EXPECTED
Contributes to the effectiveness and efficiency of the Office by providing administrative, finance and management support and specialized assistance to more senior staff in the assigned areas of responsibility.
COMPETENCIES
PROFESSIONALISM
Ability to perform a broad range of administrative functions, e.g., Ability to apply knowledge of various administrative rules and regulations in work situations. Ability to be flexible in the expansion of funders Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.
COMMUNICATION
Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
TEAMWORK
Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
PLANNING AND ORGANIZING
Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
EDUCATION
- Masters in Public Health/Epidemiology, Master degree (MBA) in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting or a related field from an accredited academic institution ; or
- Bachelor’s degree in the above fields with three years of relevant professional experience.
- Securities institute membership or study programs such as Chartered Financial Analyst or Financial Risk Manager/GARP is an advantage.
- Professional certification as Chartered Accountant or Certified Public Accountant is an advantage.
EXPERIENCE
- Experience in financial management, accounting and budgeting;
- Experience with financial oversight and public administration;
- Experience preparing reports, budgets, statistics and coordinate administrative activities;
- Good knowledge of human resources management;
- Knowledge of MS Office and QuickBooks software is highly required;
- Previous work experience with an INGO or NGO is an advantage;
- Previous work with US government agencies like Pepfar NIH is a plus;
LANGUAGES
English and French are the working languages of CRENC. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of French language is an advantage.
ASSESSMENT
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
CRENC CONSIDERATIONS
CRENC shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its head office and projects sites. CRENC is a non-smoking environment.
TRAVEL
The Research, Administration and Finance Officer should have flexibility to travel within and out of the country when need arises.
NO FEE
CRENC DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, TRAINING OR ANY OTHER FEES). CRENC DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON BANK ACCOUNTS.
HOW TO APPLY: CV’s should be no more than 4 pages.
Submit your updated CV and letter of motivation to info@crenc.org latest 4th February 2022. The position you are applying for should be indicated in subject line of the email with the job reference number. Due to the urgency of this position, applications will be short listed on rolling basis and the post may be filled before the closing date. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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