Finance and Grants Officer at International Alert: (Deadline 31 December 2022)

Job Title

Finance and Grants Officer

Reports to

Finance and Operations Manager

Management Responsibility

None

Job location

Rwanda

Grade

4.2

Contract Duration

One year renewable

International Alert

International Alert has been working for over 30 years with people directly affected by conflict to find peaceful solutions.

We believe in a world where people resolve their differences without violence and can build a more peaceful future for their families and communities.

We build a more peaceful world by collaborating with people from across divides to resolve the root causes of conflict, because everyone can play a part in building peace, every day.

We work alongside local communities, partners, businesses, and policymakers to turn our in-depth research and analysis into practical solutions and action on the ground.

And we bring together people from the grassroots to the policy level to inspire and amplify the voice of peace, because it is only together that we can achieve change. To learn more about how and where we work, visit www.international-alert.org.

Job Purpose

Reporting to the Rwanda Finance and Operations Manager ;the role holder will provide hands on support for all aspects of grants financial management in the country office and is responsible for the partners finance staff capacity strengthening, the development and implementation of good internal controls, risk management, and utilization according to international Alert Rwanda approved policies, standards, and procedures.

The post holder will demonstrate a high degree of analytical skills, planning, organizational, and facilitation while introducing innovations needed to meet the demands of the operating environment.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Receive, review, process supporting documents and coordinate proper filing of the same related to the general ledger transaction and follow the organization’s regulatory documentation retention policy to maintain accounting files.
•  Maintain of proper, accurate and up-to-date accounting records at all times.
• Ensure that all advances are accurately processed, effectively followed-up and liquidations are reviewed and processed in Finance System on a timely basis.
• Support in ensuring accurate monthly payroll preparation and subsequent transfers of salaries staff bank accounts.
• Ensure all relevant tax returns and other statutory deductions are accurately prepared and their respective remittances done on time and relevant refunds claimed.

Perform monthly closing processes and reconciliation of the general ledger accounts to ensure that internal and external reporting deadlines are adhered to.

• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly and year-end reports and submit them on a timely basis.
•  Prepare specialized reports, analysis and financial models, present results of analysis.
•  Work with both internal and external auditors during financial and operational audits.
• Follow up on issues raised by auditors to ensure resolution in cooperation with colleagues;
• Supports the processes that assist managers in making strategic and operational data-based decisions by delivering timely, accurate and relevant financial information.
•  Carry out research and analysis on the compliance requirements of potential donors in the pipeline and prepare reference materials.
• Attend project start-up workshops and ensure that compliance matters are brought to the attention of all relevant staff.
• Assess current contracts, systems, and procedures against donor requirements and develop donor compliance track sheet to support contract readiness and compliance adherence;
• Perform grant-related post-award functions, including budget and expense analysis, periodic invoicing, financial reporting, personnel costs distribution changes, reconciliations, re-budgeting, and grant closeout functions.
• Ensure timely disbursement of funds to sub-recipients/partners, process liquidation of partner advances and report of the same
• Conduct spot checks of partner organisations in accordance with monitoring plans.
•  Assess partners’ financial reports and audited financial statements to ensure compliance with International Alert policies, procedures and contractual engagements;
•   Ensure proper coordination with Sub-recipients /Sub-grants / local implementing partners and build their capacity where need be in assuring office risk is minimized due to non-compliance with International Alert and donor regulations.
• Verify financial reports and action plans by International Alert and Partner Organisations which are submitted to Rwanda Governance on quarterly basis.

Travel requirements

The position is based in Kigali City  with  frequent travel to the districts in which we work.

Bachelor’s degree with 2^nd class upper division in Accounting or Finance.

Minimum three years of demonstrated professional experience in accounting, auditing, finance or grants management with a busy organization or project (not-for-profit sector preferred).

Excellent knowledge of Word, Excel and Outlook, also keen knowledge, and experience of the importance of databases and their role in providing accurate management information.

Having an ICDL certificate would be an added advantage.

Knowledge of income tax and labour laws as well as other Rwandan government regulations related to NGOs.

Proven knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and a practical knowledge of financial systems and internal controls in NGO settings.

Respect, integrity, diversity, commitment to excellence, adaptability, able to perform under stress, innovation, building relationships, communicating effectively, coaching and mentoring, developing and working in teams, initiating action, planning, and organizing.

Strong emotional intelligence and self-awareness.

Communicates clearly and cogently in English and Kinyarwanda in writing and speech.

Reads French easily, can write informal memos in French, and can sustain a professional conversation in French about finance and operational aspects of Alert’s work.

Knowledge of Grants Administration especially system management and donor compliance in reporting of diverse institutional donors (EU, USAID, SIDA, SDC etc.)

Experience in pre-award due diligence assessment of potential partners

Experience of International NGO grant management systems and financial regulations

Good command of Microsoft spreadsheet preferably Microsoft Excel and D365 business central software