Director of Corporate Services , Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA)

The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa

VACANCY Announcement
FARA is the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa, an umbrella organization bringing together and forming coalitions of major stakeholders in agricultural research and development in Africa. FARA complements the innovative activities of national, international and sub-regional research institutions to deliver more responsive and effective services to its stakeholders. It plays advocacy and coordination roles for agricultural research for development, while the national agricultural research systems (NARS), advanced research institutions (ARIs) and international agricultural research centres (IARCs) develop and promote the adoption of improved technologies and policies along the research-to-development continuum in their respective countries and jurisdictions. Since it was established in 2002 FARA has been able to develop several African-wide initiatives through consultation with stakeholders.

During the last five years, FARA and the sub-regional research organizations have gained considerably in strength, and have shifted implementation away from fixed networks to a more flexible programme approach using responsive networking. From 2014 onwards the work of FARA i.e. its Programme, will be structured into three Strategic Priorities.

In view of the foregoing, FARA is seeking to recruit highly qualified professionals for the position of Director of Corporate Services.

Director, Corporate Services: Ref: FARA/adv./DCS/2014

Main Purpose

The Director of Corporate Services leads the management of FARA’s finances, its human resources and administration policies and practices and its facilities in Accra, and makes a major contribution to corporate strategy and the institutional and organizational development of FARA. The Director of Corporate Services contributes to the Strategic Leadership of FARA, and reports to the Executive Director (ED). The successful candidate will be a hands-on and participative manager and will lead and develop an internal staff team to support the following areas: finance, business planning and budgeting, human resources, administration and IT and language translation.

The Director of Corporate Services will play a critical role as a member of the FARA Secretariat’s Management in strategic decision making and operations as FARA continues to enhance its quality programming and build capacity. This is a tremendous opportunity for a finance and administration leader to maximize and strengthen the internal capacity of FARA as a well-respected, high-impact organization.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Corporate Services shall perform inter-alia the following duties and responsibilities:

i. Financial Management

• Analyze and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicate monthly and annual financial statements; collate financial reporting materials for all donor segments, and oversee all financial, project/program and grants management.

• Coordinate and lead the annual audit process, liaise with external auditors and the finance committee of the board of directors; assess any changes necessary.

• Oversee and lead annual budgeting and planning process in conjunction with the Director of Research and Innovation and the Executive Director’s Unit; administer and review all financial plans and budgets; monitor progress and changes and keep the Secretariat Management Committee abreast of the organization’s financial status.

• Manage organizational cash flow and forecasting.

• Implement a robust contracts management and financial management/ reporting system; ensure that the payment schedule is adhered to and that financial data and cash flow are steady and support operational requirements.

• Update and implement all necessary business policies and accounting practices; improve the finance department’s overall policy and procedure manual.

• Effectively communicate and present the critical financial matters to the board of directors.

• Maintaining and develop FARA’s management accounts, producing a monthly report on financial performance against budget for the Senior Management Team.

• Developing, reviewing and maintaining financial systems, policies and procedures, including cash flow forecasts and weighted annual budgets.

• Advising the Executive Director on legal and regulatory requirements affecting financial management and oversight.

ii. Human Resources, Information Technology and Administration

• Further develop FARA’s human resources and administration, enhancing professional development, compensation and benefits, performance evaluation, training and recruiting.

• Ensure that recruiting processes are consistent and streamlined.

• Establish and manage a comprehensive training program to educate employees regarding staff tools, policies and procedures.

• Work closely and transparently with all external partners including third-party vendors and consultants.

• Manage Translation, Interpretation and Conference and Logistics Services (CALS)

• Oversee administrative functions as well as facilities to ensure efficient and consistent operations as the organization scales.

• Maintaining and developing HR systems, policies, procedures and records, advising the Executive Director on regulatory matters.

• Managing relationships with payroll and pension administration contractors.

• Overseeing the provision of training in FARA’s financial, HR and administrative systems to other staff as appropriate.

• Contributing to an environment of learning in FARA and the constant improvement of its practices and procedures.

iii. Business planning, budgeting and development

• In consultation with the Executive Director and Director for Research and Innovation, leading the preparation of an annual budget for presentation to the Board.

• Contributing to and supporting the Executive Director in the development of an annual business plan and rolling corporate plans.

• Preparing financial forecasts from time to time for FARA as a whole and/or its programmes and activities.

iv. Fundraising and Resource Mobilization

• Supporting the Executive Director’s Unit in resource mobilization, fundraising and stakeholder relationship management.

• Liaising with colleagues to ensure that high quality financial information is included in funding proposals and reports to funders.

v. Governance and risk management

• Supporting the Board in the selection of auditors, and working with the appointed auditors.

• Providing a finance report for meetings of the Boards Finance subcommittee sufficient to enable members to fulfill their responsibilities for financial oversight.

• Supporting the Executive Director in maintaining an effective framework of risk management, including robust systems, procedures, policies and controls to minimise FARA’s exposure to loss.

• Maintaining systems to ensure FARA’s compliance with the requirements of statutory authorities to which it is accountable in Africa and elsewhere, including the timely submission of returns.

• Overseeing the drafting and finalising of contracts, leases and other legal matters.

Required

Interested Applicants must have a Minimum of an MBA/CPA or related degree. An additional post graduate qualification in development policy will be an added advantage. At least 10 years of overall post-qualification professional experience; ideally 6+ years of broad financial and operations and/or progranmme management experience and management of partnerships. Experience of final responsibility for the quality and content of all financial data, reporting and audit coordination for either a division or significant program area, and should have overseen human and/or financial resources function previously including programme management in an international organization. Ability to translate financial concepts to – and to effectively collaborate with -- programmatic and fundraising colleagues who do not necessarily have finance backgrounds. Experience in fundraising and resource mobilization with previous experience in resource mobilization strategies in a multi stakeholder environment. Good knowledge of donor requirements, rules and procedures. Commitment to professional development programs that maximize individual and organization goals across the organization including best practices in human resources activities. A successful track record in setting priorities and delivering concrete results. Keen analytic, organization and problem solving skills which support and enable sound decision making. Excellent communication and relationship building skills with an ability to negotiate, and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders. A multi-tasker with the ability to wear many hats in a fast-paced environment. Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and dedication to the mission of FARA. Track record in people and financial management

Essential

• Evidence of substantial achievement in a complex finance management role in a comparable international organization, including growing FARA’s systems and processes and the successful management of restricted funds from multiple donors.

• Experience in dealing with strategic partnerships and coordination with a track record in grants cultivation and management and good rapport with traditional donors is a significant advantage

• Highly professional in outlook and approach, tenacious and results focused with a commitment to and passion for quality, and the energy to contribute to the development and growth of FARA.

• The ability to report authoritatively to Development Partners on FARA’s financial affairs and performance and to win the trust and confidence of DPs.

• High order personal skills combined with a practical understanding of HR policy and practice.

• Familiarity with the World Bank and EU-support grants and funding mechanisms (e.g. MDTF), international development and current issues in international aid and finance mechanisms.

Compensation

This recruitment is pegged on full time Professional Staff salary and benefits, according to experience and qualifications.

Location

The successful candidates shall be based at the FARA Secretariat in Accra with occasional overseas travel.

Proposed assumption date

1 April 2014 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Applications

Qualified candidates are invited to submit via email comprehensive Curriculum Vitae together with a cover letter and names/contact details of three referees to: Dr. Yemi Akinbamijo, Executive Director, FARA, PMB CT 173, Cantonments, Accra, Ghana. Email:  recruitment@fara-africa.org. Applications will be assessed against the required skills, experience and aptitudes set out above. Applications will be accepted up to28th February 2014. Interviews will be held in Accra in March 2014.

Due to anticipated high volume of applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

FARA Affirmative Action Statement on Employment: there is no discrimination on the basis of gender race, religion, ethnic orientation, disability or health status.

NB: Please quote in your application the reference code of the vacancy for which you are applying.