Job Title: Financial Advisor (National Volunteer) Duty Station Harare (With travel to field locations on need basis ) Employer Voluntary Service Overseas Zimbabwe VSO is the world s leading independent international development organisation that works through volunteers to fight poverty in developing countries by delivering innovative development programmes in 36 countries around the world. VSO's high-impact approach involves bringing people together to share skills, build capabilities, promote international understanding and action, and change lives to make the world a fairer place for all. Through our volunteers, we harness the talents, enthusiasm and skills of ordinary people to bring about lasting change. VSO cannot achieve its vision for a better society on its own. Community needs are too numerous and society s problems are too complex. VSO needs to work with other NGOs and government to accomplish development goals. Duration This is 30 months project and an initial agreement will be given till 31 st March 2019 with possibility of extension on satisfactory performance and funding availability. Volunteer Allowance US$812. Reporting Country Finance Manager VSO Job purpose To deliver high quality support services in Finance function which includes improved technical, financial, administrative capacity of target organisations for improved performance, internal governance and upward and downward accountability in finance (systems, reporting and budgeting). Carry out financial capacity assessments and identify gaps and provide training in finance and see that relevant financial plans are developed. Page 1
Contents: 1. Job Description... 3 2. Personal considerations... 6 3. Background and contextual information... 5 Page 2
1. Job Description Responsibilities Key Performance Indicators Competencies Skills and Knowledge Finance and Governance in Partner Organizations Essential: Assist on reviewing partner financial reports alongside programme team members and ensure that VSO and donor requirements are being met in a timely and consistent manner. Review VSO records ensuring that partner financial reporting is up to date and properly maintained, in accordance with VSO and donor requirements. Assist in ongoing process to appraise existing and new partner organizations financial controls and systems in line with the VSO partner governance and finance manual. This will include field visits, desk audits and other methods as appropriate. Ensure recommendations are implemented in agreement with the partner. To work with programme team for understanding of all programmes implementation work and any financial implications arising and to attend programme meetings when required In the event of a major issue in relation to financial management at partner level, especially in the management of donor funds, the Financial Advisor may be required to be deployed to a partner organization to ensure that financial management and reporting are carried out in accordance with VSO and donor requirements. Page 3 Support provided to programme team and partner organizations in ensuring budgets are managed effectively and donor compliance have met. Global financial management policies, procedures and fund requirements are strictly applied and compliant with local law. Provide inputs in updating of Manual of Partner Office procedures. Monthly and annual partner capacity building assessment report is submitted to the country finance manager are ensured Understanding of programme budgets and donor compliance developed Support provided to Finance Manager for delivery of basic training and guidance to the partner finance and programmme staff for skills improvement in the areas of budget preparation and monitoring, budget Building and Sustaining working relationships The social skills to build and actively maintain working relationships that foster teamwork and collaboration with others for the benefit of a common goal. Open Minded and Respectful A non-judgemental approach that values other people and culture. Seeking and Sharing Knowledge Recognition that learning is a two-way and continuous process. Facilitating Positive Change The ability to analyse problems and develop lasting solutions in line with VSO approaches. Adaptability A flexible approach and the ability to adapt behaviour to different situations. Resilience The self-confidence to work with a variety of situations, diverse people and ambiguity. Technical Accounting Expertise Qualified Accountant or master degree in Accounting, Finance or related. Good technical accounting skills. Experience of financial planning, audits, budgeting, accounting methods, record keeping, managing petty cash, Internal risk, delegated authority, separation of duties,, reconciliation process, cash control, Income & Expenditure, balance sheet management, Interpreting financial statements, management reporting, forecast reports, action planning, and reporting to the beneficiaries, knowledge of internal controls, general ledger, payroll processing and taxation. 1-2 years of experience of partnership management, compliance and monitoring especially in I/NGOs. Experience of donor compliance for nonprofit organisations. Knowledge of donor financial reporting and donor procurement procedures. Experience of working in multiple foreign currencies. Intercultural Competence: Ability to work with people from different cultures and backgrounds with commitment to diversity. Ability to build partnerships and relationships in a multi-cultural environment with
Responsibilities Key Performance Indicators Competencies Skills and Knowledge revision, reporting, and internal controls Assist Programme staff in preparation and review of MOU s, Letters of Amendments to contracts, review and ensure timely disbursements, grantee budget adjustments, grant refunds, and compliance. Keep and update regularly the files for each partner as per VSO partnership guidelines. Financial Control and Reporting Ensure that the partner s finance activities meet the financial reporting requirements and deadlines as specified by VSO and donors. Assist with donor, external and internal control audits as required, and in the implementation of recommendations with partners. Assist with investigations into alleged fraud or irregularities at partner organizations. Assist the partner programme team in the preparation of donor reports. Ensure that donor reporting meets all donor financial reporting requirements. Internal Systems and Processes Provide support to Finance administrator for effective financial management of VSO funds for partners. Ensure close coordination with the Finance Administrator on timely fund arrangements for program expenditures. Assist in the establishment and maintenance of a donor financial management system in order to ensure efficient & accurate reporting to donors. Page 4. Organizational financial policies and procedures are adhered to and implemented in a standardized manner across all of the country programmes. Country finance manager and program team advised of all situations. Internal and external reports are timely, high quality and accurate Strong internal controls are in place both at VSO and Partners. Risks are identified and analysed in a timely manner to ensure they can be mitigated against. demonstrable commitment to delivering excellent customer service. Communication Skills Excellent communications in English and local languages. Organisation and Problem Solving Ability to manage conflicting priorities in a complex and fast changing environment, work on own initiative and problem solving with solution focus. Flexibility to adapt to new situations, with a positive attitude to working in an international organisation. Able to travel occasionally and spend time away from base and home. Information Technology - Good level of computer skills (Windows, MS Excel, MS Power Point, MS Word, Outlook, Internet) Commitment to equality and diversity, VSO s values, vision and mission. Desirable: Practical experience gained within a volunteering or international development sector. Experience of using SUN system
Responsibilities Key Performance Indicators Competencies Skills and Knowledge Budgeting Assist the partner programme team and other budget holders in conducting the budget process for the partner programmes, ensuring that appropriate levels of technical support and guidance is provided to all budget holders during the process of preparing the budget and subsequent reviews and revisions. Budgets are prepared, monitored monthly and actions taken to address variances within overall budget limits. Other - Fulfil other appropriate level of responsibilities and accountabilities as defined by the line managers from time to time. Abide by VSO core values and other VSO policies regarding Safeguarding, Gender Sensitivity, Child Protection, Data Protection, Confidentiality and Security. Page 5
2. Personal considerations In addition to the job description, the following information should be used when considering whether a placement is suitable for you. Transport requirements Official travel to the field will be provided. However daily travel from accommodation to office and back will be the responsibility of the volunteer. Security information Duty of care and adherence to security policies and protocols of VSO and Govt. of Zimbabwe is expected from the volunteer. Volunteer is also expected to keep him/herself updated on local news through newspaper or news channels. Travelling to any field outside Harare will be subject to security clearance and approvals from VSO. 3. Background and contextual information VSO Zimbabwe is currently working in all provinces through implementing partners on AYSRH through Volunteering for Development grant of DFID, Big Lottery and SIDA. The volunteer role will help integrate the VSO approaches of Social Inclusion & Gender and Social Accountability in People function. Page 6