COMESA Job Vacancies

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) is a regional grouping of 19 African States which have agreed to promote regional integration through trade development, investment promotion and transport facilitation.
More information can be obtained from the COMESA website www.comesa.int
COMESA is in the process of recruiting staff to assist in implementation of programmes in its Climate Change Initiative and is therefore inviting applications for the under listed posts.
1. Finance Specialist
Purpose of the job: Production of programme budget, maintenance of accurate financial and accounting records and preparation of management and financial reports for the programme
Reports to: Programme Manager on operational matters and the Director of Budget and Finance on Financial and Accounting issues
Tasks
The Finance Specialist will be required to assist in the day-to-day management of Climate Change Unit with specific reference to the management of its financial affairs.
In this regard, the specific tasks of the Finance Specialist will include:
·         Preparing replenishment requests (with the relevant monitoring of previous payments, contractual requirements etc) for the signature of the relevant Authorising Officers;
·         Maintaining accounting records of the Climate Change Unit and other assigned projects in the Sun Accounting System for timely submission to management and to the relevant cooperating partners
·         Assisting in the preparation of project documents, work programmes and the corresponding budgets in the Annual Work Programme and Budgeting System of the Secretariat;
·         Monitoring disbursements of funds with regard to meetings, workshops goods, and services and ensuring that each payment is released on time
·         Participate in the successful implementation of project activities eg. seminars, meetings etc;
·         Assist in preparation of accurate monthly and annual financial reports for the Climate Change Unit and other assigned projects
·         Monitoring cash flows on the Climate Change Unit accounts and other assigned projects;
·         Any other duties that may be assigned from time to time by the Programme Manager or Director of Budget and Finance
Education
·         A minimum of an internationally recognised professional accountancy qualification such as ACCA or CIMA or CPA. A postgraduate degree in Finance or Business Administration would be a distinct advantage.
Experience
·         At least Eight (8) years post qualification experience in financial management or accountancy
·         At least 5 years direct accounting experience with public or donor financed projects in an international setting
·         Experience in working with Sun system accounting software
2. Procurement Specialist
Purpose of the job: to ensure that all programme procurements are made in a timely, efficient and cost effective manner
Reports to: Programme Manager
Tasks
·         Manage the procurement aspects of the project from inception up to contract completion, providing the needed technical support and guidance in all stages of the procurement cycle
·         Developing and updating project procurement plan on a regular basis and implementing the procurement plan for goods, services and consultants
·         Prepare documents required to facilitate project operations, including Requests for Expressions of Interest, Procurement Notices, Bidding documents, Tender Evaluation Reports, contracts and other related documents
·         Monitor contract performance for compliance with the terms and conditions of contracts including follow up checks for corrective action 5. Negotiate terms and other related issues with consultants, contractors and suppliers in consultation with the Legal Counsel
·         Analyse questions/complaints from bidders, suppliers and contractors on bidding and award issues
·         Ensuring all project procurements are compliant with procedures, timely and cost effective
·         Ensure prompt payment of suppliers through liaising with the Finance Specialist
·         Making travel arrangements for programme staff, delegates and consultants
·         Preparing reports for Procurement and Contracts Committees, Policy Organs, Donors
·         Perform other duties as assigned by the Programme Manager
Education
·         Candidates must be in possession of an internationally recognised professional qualification such as the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS Graduate Diploma Level) or equivalent.
·         A postgraduate degree in procurement, business administration, contract law, or equivalent would be a distinct advantage.
Experience
·         A minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible post qualification experience in procurement operations
·         At least 5 years direct procurement experience with public or donor financed projects in an international setting
·         Experience in working with sun system software
3. Monitoring and Evaluation Expert
Purpose of the job: Tracking and reporting on progress of the Programme to ensure efficient attainment of stated objectives
Reports to: Programme Manager
Tasks
·         Prepare annual work plans and quarterly activity plans
·         Develop a results based framework as the principal M&E planning and implementation tool.
·         Compile baselines as yardsticks of Programme success
·         Facilitate external evaluations and technical audits
·         Prepare reports to the Programme Steering Committee
·         Prepare quarterly and annual reports summarizing main activities and results
·         Assess Programme quality, relevance, effectiveness,
·         Assess efficiency of Programme delivery, adherence to standards and procedures
·         Evaluate Programme impact and sustainability:
·         Coordinate the internal monitoring process with the PCUs in EAC and SADC
·         Perform other duties as assigned by the Programme Manager
Education
·         A degree in a relevant discipline such as environmental studies, social science, economics, development studies.
·         A postgraduate qualification in project management or similar would be a distinct added advantage.
Experience
·         At least six (6) years post qualification experience in project/programme management with a special emphasis on designing and/or implementing monitoring and evaluation systems, impact assessments in an international setting
·         A minimum of three (3) years relevant experience in the implementation of specialised IT systems for M&E of development projects
4. Public Relations and Communications Officer
Purpose of the job: To build and sustain the credibility of, and confidence in the COMESA Climate Change Initiative; to deepen and broaden the commitments and partnerships that are necessary for the success of the programme.
Reports to: Programme Manager
Tasks
·         Develop an advocacy and communication strategy for the Programme
·         Coordinate the formulation, development, agreement and implementation of innovative, creative, proactive and reactive campaign strategies and objectives 3. Establish clarity of understanding to the various target audiences
·         Provide management input into design of any communication programme, using core communication principles, audience-centred thinking and understanding of delivery across multiple platforms;
·         Facilitate the delivery of the most appropriate messages for the Programme
·         Package all Programme events and developments into press briefs, statements, releases, interviews; manage Programme interactions with the media,
·         Facilitate the production of publicity documentaries, radio and TV programmes, shows and exhibitions.
·         Organise branding of the Programme; publicity materials, diaries, calendars, fliers, briefs, etc.
·         Maintain an overview of key external developments particularly in the COMESA region
·         Build and maintain national and international networks with industry, suppliers, NGOs, public and paid media
·         Perform other duties as assigned by the Programme Manager
Education
·         Degree or equivalent in Public Relations, Communications or similar field
·         Membership of a professional association of Public Relations Practitioners will be an added advantage
Experience
·         At least five (5) years experience in public relations/communications
·         Proven success record in campaign based corporate marketing and branding
5. Information Systems Analyst
Purpose of the job: Design, establish and ensure smooth operation of ICT networks for effective communication and programme delivery
Reports to: Programme Manager
Tasks
·         Coordinate and manage all Programme IT work
·         Collect, collate, organize all Climate Change Information and knowledge resources into a user-friendly repository
·         Create, manage COMESA Climate Change website
·         Create, manager data bases on sources of information, knowledge, technology etc.
·         Create and manage on-line directory of users, contacts etc
·         Knowledge dissemination through electronic publications, networks, discussion forums, on-line help desk
·         Establish an on-line programme diary and bulletin board system.
·         Perform other duties as assigned by the Programme Manager
Education
·         A degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or related discipline.
·         A Masters degree in a relevant discipline will be a distinct advantage
Experience
·         At least five (5) years hands on experience in IT operations.
Languages
·         For all the above posts, candidates should be fluent in English or French.
·         Working knowledge of the other would be an advantage.
Terms of Appointment
·         Type of contract: The posts are under COMESA non established professional staff contracts.
·         Location of performance of the Contract: The duty Station will be at the COM ESA Secretariat headquarters in Lusaka, Zambia. The successful applicants will also be required to undertake significant duty travel to all COMESA countries and any others identified in the line of duty.
·         Remuneration: Remuneration will be in accordance with the COMESA conditions of service for non established professional Staff and will be calculated on the basis of background and professional experience.
·         Duration of Appointment: contracts for successful candidates will run from the date they take up the appointments up to 2015, subject to availability of funds and performance.
·         Eligibility for Application: Only Nationals of COMESA countries are eligible to apply.
·         Final date for receipt of applications: 25th November 2010
·         Equal Opportunity: COMESA is an equal opportunity employer. Qualifying female candidates are encouraged to apply.
Address:
Applications should be submitted by email or fax to:
The Secretary General
COMESA Centre
Ben Bella Road
P.O. Box 30051
10101 Lusaka
Fax: (260) 211 227318
Email: recruitment@comesa.int

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