The Finance Officer is responsible for the day-to-day financial management of the World Bank funded Projects implemented by African Union Institute for Statistics (STATAFRIC) at AUC. Ensure the management of the projects in an effective and efficient manner and completing the activities within the agreed due dates. Work closely with Finance Directorate to implement the activities during the lifetime of the projects
The 3 major projects funded by the World Bank are:
•    Harmonizing and Improving Statistics in West Africa Project (HISWA)
•    Eastern Africa Regional Statistics Program-for-Results (EARSPforR)
•    Harmonizing and Improving Statistics in West and Central Africa (HISWACA).
Main Functions

•    Strengthen financial management of the Project as Project Implementing Unit,
•    Manage the day-to-day financial activities of the project including monitoring budgets, expenditures, and cash flow.
•    Develop and maintain financial systems and controls to ensure compliance with AUC and the World Bank financial policies and procedures.
•    Conduct financial analysis to identify areas of improvement and provide recommendations for action
•    Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to management and the AUC Directorate of Finance.
•    Coordinate the development and implementation of annual budgets and budget revisions.
•    Work with Project Implementation Unit to ensure budget proposals are consistent with program objectives and are within budgetary constraints.
•    Monitor budget implementation and provide guidance to Project Implementation Unit staff on budgetary matters.
•    Manage the financial aspects of the World Bank financing, including budget development, financial reporting, and compliance with the World Bank requirements.
•    Ensure that project expenditures are in accordance with the financing agreement.
•    Submit Withdrawal Applications to the World bank in a timely manner for disbursements to the project designated account.
•    Ensure compliance with the AUC financial regulations, procedures, and policies.
•    Provide guidance on compliance issues to the project coordinator and other staff.
•    Develop and implement procedures to ensure compliance with audit requirements. Ensure audit findings are rectified in a timely manner.
Specific Responsibilities

•    Manage World Bank Project funds and provide overall financial oversight over the utilization of the funds;
•    Monitor the performance of fund flow mechanisms of the Projects and ensure that timely replenishments are made to implementing offices and the required funds are received;
•    Ensure that payments are made as per the budget allocated for each project and expenditure category;
•    Ensure compliance with the Bank’s Financial Management Policies and applicable African Union Financial Rules & Regulations;
•    Ensure that all reconciliations (bank and fund) are done on monthly basis and reports are produced on the same;
•    Maintain strong internal control over disbursements and accounting for the funds;
•    Track and maintain records of accounts payable, accounts receivable and commitments under the projects.
•    Prepare the projects financial management reports, including interim financial reports (IFRs) and submit them to World Bank;
•    Coordinate World Bank Projects audits and prepare responses to audit queries and assist in the implementation of audit findings;
•    Perform any other duties as may be required from time to time.
Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

•    Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or related field with a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in a national, continental or international organization;
OR
•    Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or related field with 5 years of relevant work experience in a national, continental or international organization.
•    A Professional qualification such as CPA, CA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent;
Required Skills

•    Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools
•    Management experience and excellent interpersonal skills
•    Analytical and problem-solving skills
•    Critical thinking skills
•    Excellent communication skills and ability both orally and in writing
•    Excellent report writing and presentation
•    Sound planning and organizational skills
•    Ability to negotiate diplomatically
•    Ability to delegate the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority with regard to performance management and professional development
•    Conscientious in observing deadlines and achieving results
•    Familiarity with international and regional definition, methodologies and standards in the relevant area
•    Proficiency in one of the AU working languages, fluency in another AU language is an added advantage

Leadership Competencies