The International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) is a public international organization addressing critical issues such as international food security, the alleviation of global hunger and poverty, environmental protection and the promotion of economic development and self-sufficiency. IFDC focuses on increasing productivity across the agricultural value chain in developing countries. This is achieved by the creation and transfer of effective and environmentally sound crop nutrient technology and agribusiness expertise.

The organization’s collaborative partnerships combine cutting-edge research and development with on-site training and education. IFDC has contributed to the development of institutional capacity building in 150 countries through more than 700 formal training programs, primarily as part of IFDC’s long-term agricultural development projects. Demonstration plots, farmer field schools and in-field trainings have assisted millions of farmers in developing countries.

Job Summary

•   Feed the Future USAID Agriculture Technology Transfer (FtF USAID ATT)
•   Job title: Sr. Finance and Administration Officer
•   Reporting to: Deputy Chief of Party
•   Location: Tamale
•   Starting date: July 1st, 2014. (Initially for one year, renewable based on performance and availability of funds.

The Feed the Future USAID Agriculture Technology Transfer Project (ATT Project) will address Ghana’s complex value chain issues, focusing on using technologies to improve the seed sector, and will identify sustainable solutions leading to increased competitiveness in the rice, soybean and maize value chains. The expected outcome is an increased availability and use of agricultural inputs and technologies to increase and sustain agricultural productivity in Northern Ghana.
Specifically, the project will focus on improving public institutions’ and private sector businesses’ capacities to introduce new technologies to Ghana’s agricultural sector—focusing on the seed sector while working with other stakeholders in Ghana’s agro input sector.  By encouraging the introduction and adoption of sustainable technologies, the ATT project aims to increase productivity and profit margins for agricultural producers throughout Northern Ghana.

Duties and responsibilities.

The Sr. Finance and Administration Officer shall be responsible for all aspects of administration, financial management and operational aspects of the Feed the Future USAID Agriculture Technology Transfer Project (ATT). This includes, but is not limited to: (a) Oversight of all financial transactions under the ATT grant facility, (b) Oversight and control of other contractual obligations, including consultant agreements, (c) Coordination of all logistical and administrative functions (including procurement and management of project assets and equipment, (d) Management of regular human resource issues with support of IFDC regional and HQ staff and (e) Overall financial and budget analysis in accordance with IFDC and USAID procedures.

Additional duties include:

•   Ensure that administrative and personnel procedures are adhered to in accordance with IFDC policies;
•   Analyze monthly financial statements in relation to approved budgets, edit budget projections and advise the DCOP as necessary;
•   Conduct regular contract reviews in collaboration with ATT technical staff;
•   Review annual budgets to ensure conformity with budget projections, budget codes and annual work plan;
•   Assure timely submission of quarterly and monthly fund requests;
•   Travel as necessary to sub-grantees/partner organizations for administrative and financial follow-up and verification;
•   Prepare annual budgets and monthly/quarterly forecast and budget revisions;
•   Ensure consistent application of IFDC and donor policies and procedures;
•   Direct the financial and admin support in the Tamale office to manage day to day accounting, invoicing, payroll, cash management, internal financial reporting and vehicle movements;
•   Be alert on the security situation in Northern Ghana and direct project staff accordingly;
•   Report on any concerns regarding finance and administration, verified or not, promptly to the attention of the DCOP and COP.
•   Any other duties as deemed necessary for the success of the project.

Qualification Required & Experience

•   At minimum a BSc degree in accounting, administration or related field with at least seven years of relevant professional experience.
•   Professional experience in donor funded programs is a must and experience in USAID funded projects a plus. (This requirement is non-negotiable).
•   High level of proficiency in MS Excel, Word and Outlook and accounting software.
•   High level of attention to detail, organized and accuracy.
•   Ability to meet strict deadlines.
•   Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Location: Tamale

How To Apply For The Job

Please read these carefully. Failure to comply will adversely affect your application.

Send a cover letter, recent CV and the details of three professional references to:-

hrtamale@gmail.com and lbello@ifdc.org

Please mention “Sr. Finance and Administration Officer - ATT” in the subject line of the message. If this subject line is absent, applications will not be considered.

Closing Date: 15 June, 2014