Finance Officer at Albarka Healthspring Foundation

Background

• AHSF worked with CPRH in 10 sites (IDP camps, Host communities and health facilities) in three (3) Local government areas of Borno state, Northeast Nigeria, on Integrated Sexual Reproductive Health, Gender-Based Violence and Nutrition Projects, to identify, mobilize and refer Children under five years old, their caregivers Funded by UNFPA. And UNICEF/IOM/TDH in GGASS IDP Camp in Mafa LGA of Borno State on Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) project and health saving projects supported.
• In the Northwest region of Nigeria, we have worked with NAVANTI Group, a US research-based Non-Profit organization, on Food Security and Nutrition, to determine food availability, affordability and accessibility within conflict clocked areas, in the northwest states: Katsina, Zamfara and MAIDUGURI states respectively.
• In MAIDUGURI State, we are currently working with Integrated Health Program (IHP) in the prevention of Moderate Acute Malnutrition and Food Demonstration in all Twenty-Three Local Government Areas, a USAID funded project.
• We also currently worked with Development Alternative incorporated DAI on State2State support to State Accountability, Transparency and Citizen Engagement in seven LGAs of MAIDUGURI State, funded by USAID.
• AHSF also worked with Nigeria Humanitarian Funds NHF on Provision of lifesaving Moderate Acute Malnutrition Services to Conflict-Affected Under 5 Years Old Children and AHSF Pregnant and Lactating Women in Borno and Yobe State Nigeria funded by UNOCHA.
• At present we are working and implementing World Food Programme  to Contribute Improved Food and Nutrition Security to Communities Affected by Crisis and carry out Early Recovery Activities to meet their Immediate Food Needs to enable them to live in Cohesive HHs and Communities, During and After Shocks.

Job Summary
The Finance Officer will be specifically responsible for:

• Finance - The daily financial operations (accounting, financial management, budget monitoring, reporting, and accounting package, familiarize himself/herself on Insight applications of the office (QuickBooks) and ensure that the financial accounting environment follows AHSF policies and procedures, donor rules and regulations & National/State requirements.

Main Duties & Responsibilities
Finance / Accounting:

•  Ensure that the financial accounting environment in the Office follows AHSF policies and procedures, donor regulations and local legal requirements.
• Work with the Accounts Payable Specialist to ensure the disbursement Requests are in line with the authorization matrix and process them at appropriate level.
• Assist with the review liquidation requests submitted by partners and ensure the liquidation documentation is in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and in compliance with AHSF and donor requirements.
• Keep informed about local fiscal and other financial laws related to taxes and exemptions; inform the Executive Director and Finance Manager as appropriate.
• Ensure that the financial accounting environment in the Local Office follows AHSF policies and procedures, donor regulations and local legal requirements.
• Prepare Disbursement Requests for next level authority approvals and process them at appropriate level.
• Keep informed about local fiscal and other financial laws related to taxes and exemptions; inform the Head of Office and North East Finance Manager as appropriate.
• Prepare request and send request for Operation staff and for the sub-office for approval.
• Will make recommendations to the head of program on items to be disposed of and prepare list of items for auctioning when directed.
• Facilitate effective Coordination, understanding and cooperation between the Operations department and Program Department.

Representation:

• Serve as a liaison with donors on matters related to the program to ensure financial and programmatic accountability to donors
• Participate in donor meetings and communicate relevant information to Finance Director and Country Director when called upon to do so
• Assist in activities to ensure maximum visibility of the agency amongst the NGO community
• Participate in the production of reports and ensure the timeliness and accuracy of information provided, as well ensuring confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Contribute to the creation of a positive image and overall credibility of the organization, notably through the application of the organizations Code of Conduct, ethics, values and stand-point with regard to internal and external actors.
• Treat beneficiaries with dignity and apply AHSF Code of Ethics and Conduct, the UN Convention for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in the field, including sensitizing Field Staffs and vendors/agents on such principles.
• The Finance Officer WILL be based in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or any Management related course, professional certification inclusive ICAN, ACA, ANAN.
• Master’s degree in relevant fields; Accounting, any Management course will be an added advantage.
• Professional certifications such as a fully qualified/almost qualified member of ICAN or other qualification recognized by IFAC is an added advantage.
• Experience
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in administration and financial management in the humanitarian sector, including experience in grant financial management aspect of international donor agencies.
• Extensive experience in working with computerized accounting systems, preferably Quick Point.
• Experience in working within a large departmental team.
• Ability to handle handled multiple projects, worked with INGO, NGO.
• Ability to carry-out responsibilities independently with minimal technical support from within the organization.
• Knowledge of varied donor financial regulations.
• Experience in enforcing the compliance of internal control procedures and policies relating to different departments and activities.

Position Requirements:

• Prior experience in supervising staff in a structured work environment
• Demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Must demonstrate a good understanding of contemporary management best practices
• Must have excellent research and facilitation skills.
• Excellent people skills.
• Demonstrate high level of initiative, diplomacy, and tact
• Excellent knowledge of computer software – MS Office and Excel especially.
• Must be flexible and be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Be committed to Action the ’s mission, values, and policies.

Competencies:

• Proven leadership qualities required.
• Strong negotiation, interpersonal and organization skills.
• Can function effectively in a loosely structured work environment and to set appropriate priorities and deal effectively with numerous simultaneous requirements
• Ability to work under pressure and manage work load effectively and efficiently to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in participatory manner with staff to assess needs, implement and monitor activities.
• Ability to integrate and work well within multi-ethnic and multicultural team.
• Ability to work in harsh conditions, often in remote areas.
• Proficiency with MS Word and Excel.