Administration & Finance Manager Job in Nairobi Kenya

Job Title: Administration & Finance Manager
 
Job Ref: IFDC-IPNI

Open to Kenyan Nationals Only
 
The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) is a public international organization addressing critical issues such as international food security, the alleviation of global hunger and poverty, environmental protection and the promotion of economic development and self-sufficiency. 

IFDC focuses on increasing productivity across the agricultural value chain in developing countries.

This is achieved by the creation and transfer of effective and environmentally sound crop nutrient technology and agribusiness expertise implemented in partnership with various Governments, private sector institutions and other stakeholders.

It is in this context that we are presently implementing Projects with IPNI and wish to recruit for an Admin & Finance Manager to support IPNI activities.
 
IPNI and Organizational set-up: The International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI) is a global non-profit, science-based organization with focus on agronomic support to increase agricultural productivity.

IPNI has active programs in Africa, Australia/New Zealand, Brazil, China, Eastern Europe/Central Asia and Middle East, Latin America-Southern Cone, Northern Latin America, North America (Canada and U.S.A.), South Asia, and Southeast Asia. IPNI supports the global fertilizer industry and is recognized world-wide in providing leadership in agronomic research. 

The IPNI program in sub-Saharan Africa was started in 2010, and works with various institutions including the private sector, national agricultural research and extension systems, Universities, International Agricultural Research Systems and other stakeholders to implement research and training programs to enhance agricultural performance in Africa.

Objective:
 The overall purpose of this post is to support the IPNI Africa Region Director in the establishment and maintenance of a fully and efficiently functional office in terms of programme administration, financial and budgetary management, HRM and logistic support. 

The position will provide leadership and oversight to the administrative and financial operations of IPNI Africa and act as the Director’s principal resource person in the preparation of HQ and Donor reports. 

The ideal candidate should have strong leadership skills, and posses professional qualifications and experience to lead accounting and administrative duties of the IPNI office to ensures the correct and effective management of financial resources, in accordance with IPNI’s procedures, guidelines and policies.
 
IPNI aims to work towards acquiring independent institutional status and Accreditation with the Government of the Republic of Kenya in the shortest possible time.

In the meantime, the appointee will require the wit to juggle with and protect the delicate interests of all Project collaboration partners as IPNI progressively acquires legal status and rolls out of this arrangement. 

The position is tenable in Nairobi, Kenya.
 
Specific Responsibilities:
 
The immediate responsibility of the appointee will be to review IPNI’s finance and administration management systems, structure and operation environment in Africa and support the development of a new program management system for the institution.

The appointee will also need to:
  • Carefully review all the IPNI and hosting institution policy tools including Governance policies and structures, current operational strategy (Strategic Plan), Financial management policy and accounts manuals, Account codes for nature of transaction and by project,
  • Understand the concept on which IPNI Africa funds are managed within IPNI as a global institution. This includes budget/project envelopes, mechanisms for donor accounting and reporting etc.
  • IPNI and hosting institutions human resource policies and standard documentation, Standard Operating and Administrative Procedures Manuals
Financial Management
  • Develop and implement sound financial systems, policies and procedures that ensure adequate controls are in place in order to maintain proper books of accounts and to safe guard the assets of the IPNI Africa Program.
  • Design and coordinate implementation and maintenance of financial operations and management information systems.
  • Establish precise and complete expenditure controls, ensuring that all commitments are properly approved and that all expenditures are appropriately supported and are within budget allocations.
  • Ensure compliance with organizational financial policies as well as statutory financial requirements
  • Prepare monthly and annual financial reports for IPNI and donor agencies.
  • Coordinate with relevant program and support staff on the management of issues that include but are not limited to: Preparing monthly, quarterly and annual expenditure plans.
  • Any other tasks which are necessary to further the work of IPNI Africa’s financial management.
Administration
  • Do situation analysis and stock-take the office environment and the hosting arrangements with the IFDC, ICIPE, and GoK with a view to ensuring that IPNI always gets value for its resources in the arrangements.
  • Will represent the Director in Hosting agreement and office accommodation and facility negotiations and arrangements.
  • Maintain oversight on procurements, design and print necessary stationery, and set up offices for basic functionality; telephone installations, computers, furniture etc. Also register IPNI Nairobi with UNDP-IAPSO for cheap procurements of project vehicles and equipment.
  • Manage personnel matters dealing with staff issues such as, administering and management of contracts, working conditions, conflict resolution etc.
  • Assist with the preparation of legal agreements for employees and outside contractors.
  • Maintain effective working relationships with the IPNI’s hosting institutions.
Key Competencies and Qualifications:
  • Minimum: a University Degree in Finance, Business Administration with HR related Discipline. Fully Qualified Accountant with an international accounting body qualification or MBA is an asset.
  • At least 5 years of relevant working experience with international research and development organizations.
  • Strong computer literacy with high competencies in excel and knowledge of accounting software.
  • Ability to effectively manage a variety of internal and external relationships, including relationships with donors.
  • Good knowledge of international donors procedures and security management.
  • Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to details.
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision, under pressure and ability to respect deadlines.
  • Strong analytical, communication, and team building skills.
Application Details:
 
Prospective candidates must submit a letter of motivation and detailed CV, together with the names of at least two referees by email to the Director, International Plant Nutrition Institute, Africa Program. Email: szingore@ipni.net; ssa@ipni.net.
 
Closing date for application is 15 February 2015.
 
Date for commencement of duties is 1 March 2015.
 
The remuneration package, including benefits will be competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. 


The initial position is expected to be on a full time contract position for two years.

Closing Date for Application:
 15 February, 2015