Programme Accountant - The East African Community ( EAC) in Arusha

Job Title: Programme Accountant

The East African Community ( EAC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are join tly implementing a Programme on Climate Chang e Adaptation and Mitigation in the Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA-EAC-SADC) Region under the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite ramework. The overall objective of the Progr amme is to address the impact of climate change through successful adaptation and miti gation actions aimed at building socio-econo mic resilience of communities through Climate-S mart Agriculture (CSA). The Programme is intended to increase investments in climate resilien t and carbon efficient agricultural practices and strengthen linkages between agriculture, f orestry, and other land uses (AFOLU) and re newable energy practices in the COMESA-EAC- SADC Member/Partner States.

The EAC Secretariat has received funding from the Government of Norway; the European Union; and the Government of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland th rough COMESA towards the implementation of the Programme. Part of the funds will be irected towards supporting positions established as part of the Programme Management Unit ( PMU) that will be charged with providing technica l, coordination and administrative functions to be implemented by EAC individually and jointly w ith the other Implementing Partners (COMESA and SADC).

Applications are therefore invited from suitably qualified citizens of East Africa for the following position tenable at the EAC Sec retariat in Arusha, Tanzania.

Main purpose of the Job:
To provide financial accounting services to the Programme and to ensure he efficient and effective financial management of the Programme in accordance with the pr ogramme budget and finance guidelines

Duties and responsibilities:

1. Setting up and reviewing of accounting, financial and related systems in compliance with the requirements of the donor funds;
2. Assisting the Programme Coordinator in planning and coordinating the preparation of cost estimates, budget, and financial forecasts, as well as advising user departments on financial requirements of the project;
3. Administering procedures and practices for donor funds management, expenditure control and financial reporting of budgetary funds, as well as ensuring that there are no budget overruns;
4. Maintaining a proper accounting records and monthly as well as quarterly reports, including analysis of accounts to ensure that decision makers receive timely and accurate information;
5. Preparation of quarterly, semi-annual and annual financial statements for purposes of Audit;
6. Prepare Financial Management reports for the EAC Secretariat and the Development Partners ;
7. Preparation of Monthly bank reconciliation statements; and
8. Promote a positive corporate culture and image of the Community.

Qualifications and Experience:
A Bachelor’s Degree, from a recognized University, in Accounting, Finance, Business Management and Administration (Financial Accounting option), Economics or Commerce (Accounting Option).

Must have a professional accreditation in accounting such as ACCA, CIMA or CPA; and a minimum of 5 years experience in executing financial management and accountancy activities in a busy accounting environment. Relevant experience in donor funded projects at regional/international level will be an added advantage.

Skills and Competencies:
Knowledge of International Accounting Standards and International Standards on Auditing; and knowledge in the application of accounting, auditing and financial reporting systems and software packages such as Sun Accounting System; Proficiency in computerized financial management information Systems, good, communication and report writing skills, as well as good inter-personal skills. The candidate should have the experience in evaluating audits, assessing auditor competence, and following up on issues raised by the audits; and in interpreting financial and project management reports and determining appropriate remedial actions. He/she must be proficient in the use of computers for word processing, spreadsheets and any other applications used in the Financial Management function. The candidate should possess the strong planning, organization and time management skills to function in a team and contribute towards a common goal. Ability to manage multiple project tasks; a person of proven honesty and integrity with no criminal record; result oriented and proactive

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
These are non-established project positions tenable at the EAC Secretariat Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania. The positions are supported by COMESA through donor funds provided by the European Union, the Royal Norwegian Government and the Governments of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.

The positions will be tenable for a period not exceeding four (4) years subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

The above positions will be subjected to the EAC quota system.

Deadline: 30-05-2013.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit their applications by registered mail, courier service, e-mail or dispatch together with Curriculum Vitae, copies of both academic and professional certificates and testimonials, names and addresses of three referees, and day time telephone contact to:

The Secretary General
East African Community

P.o Box 1096
Arusha, Tanzania.

Fax No: 007 27 2502455/2504481
E-mail: vacancies@eachq.org

Female Candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

The East African Community will only respond to those candidates who meet its requirements