Responsible for financial operations support function in UNHCR project. She/he ensures conformity with Plan International reporting requirements and the stringent compliance standards established by the Donors in agreement with Plan for the implementation of UNHCR project. In addition, she/he will also ensure that all financial entries related to the project are captured in SAP.

she/he will be based at Country office level providing financial support to finance and non-finance staff to deliver the project that will contribute to affect the life of children and refugees in the various communities the project is implemented.

DIMENSIONS OF THE ROLE

· Business planning processes

· Accounting and treasury.

· Financial reporting and analysis.

· Capacity building.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

· Assist in the preparation of the annual grant budget, monitor the impact of operation plans upon existing grant, analyze and advise supervisor/senior management concerning appropriate actions to be taken.

· Reviews Project Outlines and PO modifications before PM approval in order to ensure accuracy of expense codes and budget availability as per the Project Implementation Plan approved with UNHCR.

Monitor actual grant expenditures against approved UNHCR line items on a monthly basis; alert management to any irregularities and make recommendations concerning the re-negotiation or approved grant line items with UNHCR where appropriate.

· Manage general ledger and cash management processes.

· Reviews monthly cash forecast and ensure timely processing and requesting fund requirement of the UNHCR Project.

· Reviews UNHCR documents and checks compliance to UNHCR requirements/processes and any deviations are dealt with appropriately.

· Maintain appropriate accounting records in the Accounting software (SAP)

· Ensure that all related expenditures are attached and justified accordingly

· Reviews payment packages.

· Coordinate the payment process of project implementing actors: field agents, Civil Society Organization (CSO) etc through the online Mobile Money technology in line with Plan International zero cash policy.

· Monitors overall project expenses burning rate through monthly Budget Vs Actual analysis and advice the project Management team.

· Ensure that Grant Cost recovery is done effectively each month.

· Liaise with the UNHCR compliance team and Country Finance team to ensure smooth delivery of project financial outputs.

· Prepare salary for staff on service contracts and share with HR for centralization and payment.

· Recording of all HCR income as advised or received

· Maintain regular communication with all project stakeholders (staff, partners) on project financial milestones

· Reinforce the capacities of accounts assistant on accounting through regular training and coaching.

· Carry out regular field visits to project sites to supervise the implementation of activities on the field and access the internal control systems In place

· Participate in the preparation of grant proposal documents of the project (Budget, Grant agreement…)

· Review the Procurement process to ensure compliance with UNHCR approved purchasing procedures and Plan Operation Manual (Cash disbursement, Expenses reports…)

· Ensure the good management of project Bank Accounts.

· Maintain an updated risk register of the project and put in place measures to mitigate risks.

Prepare annual external audit and liaise with audit team on site to provide responses to their queries.

· Follow up Finance-related audit recommendations.

· Supervise, coach and evaluate performance of a team under her/his supervision

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Essential

· University degree in Accounting/Finance/Management

· At least 3 years’ experience in a similar role or in grants management

· Fair knowledge of project management

· Good experience and knowledge of accounting and grant funds management regulations and procedures;

· Good experience and knowledge on internal financial controls and procedures.

· Good experience in project reporting requirements and knowledge in financial systems

Desirable

· Good team player (ability to work in a team)

· Proficient in Microsoft applications especially spread sheets (e.g. excel)

· Good communication skills both oral and written

· Ability to work under pressure and deliver to tight deadlines

· Self-starter and innovative

· Good English and French is an asset