OE Accountant/ Budget Analyst - U.S. Embassy in Lusaka

POSITION: OE Accountant/ Budget Analyst, FSN-10; FP-5*

OPENING DATE: February 29, 2012

CLOSING DATE: March 14, 2012

WORK HOURS: Full-time; 40 hours/week

SALARY: Ordinarily Resident (OR): ZMK 173,658,312.00 p.a.

(Starting salary) (Position Grade: FSN-10);
*Not-Ordinarily Resident (NOR): $56,323.00 USD p.a.

(Starting salary) (Position Grade: FP-5)

The U.S. Embassy in Lusaka is seeking an individual for the position of OE Accountant/Budget Analyst in the USAID/Zambia’s Controller’s Office.

BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION

The incumbent prepares budget projections and requests based on analysis of staffing levels, proposed funding levels, changing economic environment and Mission/Agency trends, determines appropriate funding source for various OE and Trust Fund expenditures and ensures that obligations and disbursements are attributed to proper accounts. Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Process financial documentation for all OE and Trust Fund resources including attestation of funds availability. Maintain current accounting files and records for all OE and Trust Fund obligations, this includes agreements, contracts, purchase orders, travel authorizations and travel requests and other documents submitted for obligation of USAID funds.

2. Periodically reviews, with EXO management, all OE funded obligations to ensure their validity; initiate action to de-obligate as necessary and monitor

aging monies; advise on timely utilization of such monies under the 5-year rule.
3. Performs section 1311 review of OE and Trust Funds and take necessary corrective actions to de-obligate any excessive balances in collaboration with EXO. Analyzes a wide variety of documents, including AID/W and CFSC reports of collections and disbursements.

4. Prepares OE budget status and projections in collaboration with the Controller and the Executive Office, using detailed forecasts and analysis of expenditures, prior cost information and planned actions, and funds.
5. Prepares special budget reports as assigned for USAID/W and internal Mission use. Obtains input from the EXO and other Mission offices and uses this information to prepare the OE budget submission. When the approved OE budget is received, executes and monitors the budget.

6. Advises management through reports and special studies on the progress of financial plans, funds requirements, and opportunities to effect savings, and alternative suggested allocations to cover budgetary shortfalls. Directs budgetary control functions and coordination of cost estimation with accounting operations, including assembly and evaluation of planned costs, and management of financial allocations during the period of budget execution.

A copy of the complete position description listing all duties and responsibilities is available in the Human Resources Office. Contact telephone number 357000 extension numbers 7161 or 7187.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

All applicants must address each selection criterion detailed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item.

1. A university degree in accounting, finance, or business administration or its equivalent (i.e. at least four full years) in type and level of responsibility in public or private accounting practice is required.
2. Four to six years of progressively responsible experience in professional accounting or auditing when in possession of a degree. Eight years experience if not holding a university degree is required.
3. Level IV (fluent) English ability is required. Language proficiency will be tested.

4. Comprehensive knowledge of accounting principles and financial analysis techniques is required.

5. Thorough knowledge of USAID laws, regulations and accounting systems is required.
6. Excellent writing and oral communication highly developed analytical and planning skills are required.

SELECTION PROCESS

When fully qualified, U.S. Citizen Eligible Family Members (USEFMs) and U.S. Veterans are given preference. Therefore, it is essential that the candidate specifically address the required qualifications above in the application.

ADDITIONAL SELECTION CRITERIA

1. Management will consider nepotism/conflict of interest, budget, and residency status in determining successful candidacy.
2. Current employees serving a probationary period are not eligible to apply.
3. Current Ordinarily Resident employees with an Overall Summary Rating of Needs Improvement or Unsatisfactory on their most recent Employee Performance Report are not eligible to apply.
4. Currently employed U.S. Citizen EFMs who hold a Family Member Appointment (FMA) are ineligible to apply for advertised positions within the first 90 calendar days of their employment.
5. Currently employed NORs hired under a Personal Services Agreement (PSA) are ineligible to apply for advertised positions within the first 90 calendar days of their employment unless currently hired into a position with a When Actually Employed (WAE) work schedule.

6. The candidate must be able to obtain and hold a Background Security Certification.

TO APPLY

Interested candidates for this position must submit the following for consideration of the application:

1. Universal Application for Employment (UAE) as a Locally Employed Staff or Family Member (DS-174); or

2. A current resume or curriculum vitae that provides the same information found on the UAE; or
3. A combination of both; i.e. Sections 1 -24 of the UAE along with a listing of the applicant’s work experience attached as a separate sheet; plus

4. Candidates who claim U.S. Veterans preference must provide a copy of their Form DD-214 with their application. Candidates who claim conditional U.S. Veterans preference must submit documentation confirming eligibility for a conditional preference in hiring with their application.

5. Any other documentation (e.g., essays, certificates, awards) that addresses the qualification requirements of the position as listed above.

SUBMIT APPLICATION TO:

Executive Office
USAID/Zambia

Embassy of the United States of America
Subdivision 694/Stand 100
Kabulonga District

Ibex Hill Road, Lusaka District
P.O. Box 32481
Fax: (260) 211-357000

Email to: EXOZambiaHR@usaid.gov (Emailed applications preferred, but not required.)

POINT OF CONTACT

Telephone: 357-000 extension numbers 7161, 7187.

CLOSING DATE FOR THIS POSITION: March 14, 2012