Project Profile:
The Equitable Prosperity – Maendeleo Sawa (M-SAWA) project is a seven-year, $28.7 million initiative funded/implemented by MEDA (supporters, partners and investors) with funding from Global Affairs Canada (GAC) which will run from 2015 to 2022. The project aims to contribute to Kenya’s economic growth and increase job creation by improving the business performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and small entrepreneurs (SEs) in select counties along the Northern and LAPSSET Corridors in the following sectors: • Agriculture/agribusiness • Construction and allied industries • Extractives
Job Summary:
The Finance and Grants Officer (FGO) will assist the Finance Manager in developing accounting framework, internal controls and reporting framework on the funds allocated. With strong experience in financial management, audit and teamwork skills, the Finance and Grants officer will assess and train grantees on compliance, budgeting, best financial practices, donor reporting, and procurement.
Location and Duration: 1-year renewable contract. This position is based in Nairobi, with occasional travel within the project target counties in Kenya.
Eligible candidates: Kenyan Nationals
Duties and Responsibilities:
The FGO’s responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
Conduct Financial analysis of Grant applicants audited financial records and providing assessment reports on the suitability of the applicant.
Support existing grantees to ensure a strong compliance to MEDA internal policies, Donor regulations and Government of Kenya(GOK) laws.
Evaluate grantee proposals (including budgets, assumptions and milestones); lead the setup, implementation and improvement of grant monitoring systems.
Track grantee due diligence recommendations, to ensure proper project follow- up, implementation and closure in a timely manner.
Identify non-compliant grantees, advise both the grantee and MEDA management on pre-emptive corrective actions.
Design, review and present budget comparison reports for grantees as required each month.
Review quarterly reports received from grantees and process subsequent cash advances to them. Manage advance requests and compare expenses to contracted amounts; ensuring costs are within the contracted budget.
Upon completion of the grantee project, perform a closure audit, assess fixed assets needing disposition and recommend action.
Internal financial Reporting. Preparing the monthly, quarterly and annual Financial reports ensuring that budgets are complied with and variances are promptly reported and/or corrected.
Timely and accurate preparation and submission of the payroll.
Support the audit process. Implementation of the Audit Plan ensuring all audit requirements are met and audit recommendations have been implemented.
Budgeting- Prepare draft annual budgets as required.
Assist in processing office payments, managing staff advances, reviewing petty cash expenses and supporting documents for approval, budget, reasonability and compliance.
Internal Controls and risk management. Assist to identify and address risk areas and implement measures to minimize the risk of irregularities, based on corporate and regional compliance and audit standards for MEDA and the GOK rules and regulations.
Any other tasks as may be assigned by the supervisor.
Qualifications
Key Competencies required:
Knowledge and Experience:
Desired: Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Accounting or Finance or its equivalent. Master’s degree is an added advantage
Certified Public Accountant with valid membership
Minimum of 6 years’ experience in Finance field with at least 3yrs in Grants management
Proven track record in evaluating and funding projects and Good understanding of the donor/grants compliance;
Strong experience with international audit requirements
Working knowledge of major donor funded operations, finance services and practices
Excellent computer skills in Excel & ACCPAC software or other accounting software.
Excellent oral and written communication in English and Swahili
Behavioural:
Exceptional interpersonal, communication, team-building and relationship building skills.
Highly analytical individual (process and interpret large amounts of data) who demonstrates a high degree of maturity and integrity
Results and solution-oriented approaches that demonstrate integrity, accountability and commitment
Demonstrated experience working in a complex environment
Appreciation and support of MEDA’s faith, values, mission and purpose
