CHARITY JOBS IN AFRICA

Organization: World Wide Fund For Nature
Country: Cameroon
Closing date: 19 Sep 2014

Position: Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – CCPO

Reports to: Country Director

Supervises: Head of Accounting, Project Finance Analysts, Finance Officers, Dotted line to Programme Administrative and Finance Officers (PAFOs)[1]

Date: Sept 2014

I. Mission of the Department:

To ensure that the WWF Cameroon Office has efficient and effective Financial & Accounting operations and systems as well as a sound management of financial resources in place which support the delivery of high performing conservation activities.

II. Major Functions

• Supervises and coordinates all financial and accounting operations in the country;
• Ensures the implementation and respect of WWF policies, procedures, and systems concerning all Finance and Accounting works as per the Field Operational Manual (FOM) developed by WWF International ;
• Ensures that the regional Strategic Plan’s objectives and the Country Action Plan’s objectives are fully achieved in view of establishing a solid financial basis as well as an effective internal control management;
• Ensures that Cameroon laws regarding Finance and operations are respected;
• Ensures that quality-financial reports are delivered to all required stakeholders on time.

III. Major Duties and responsibilities

The CFO supervises or performs directly the tasks below in the Cameroon Programme while ensuring that they are equally performed in all the Cameroon field sites by qualified and trained staff, in compliance with WWF International procedures. S/he verifies this by regular visits in the field and by arranging a system of reporting that allows monitoring the performance of each Field Project and Programme.

A. Policies, procedures and systems

1. Ensures that all programme locations apply the established WWF International Field Office Policies and Procedures as set out in the appropriate manuals;
2. Where appropriate and required, co-ordinates the development and implementation of local versions and adaptations of these procedures;
3. Ensures that all Programme locations operate in strict application of the national laws and regulations in force and ensures that the global and regional policies and procedures are adapted, where necessary, to reflect these laws and regulations;
4. Ensures that all locations are adequately equipped with WWF International approved finance systems and software while guaranteeing that relevant staff members are properly trained in the use of and have the necessary level of access to them.
5. Ensures wide awareness of WWF’s fraud and corruption policy by Finance staff and promotes zero tolerance for any reprehensible cases.

B. Financial Management and Reporting

1. 1- Ensures that all Programme locations have appropriate financial and administrative structures with properly qualified staff;
2. 2- Supervises the accounting services and staff (functional supervision to field accounting and finance staff);
3. 3- Provides support in the operation and development of the accounting system, structures and procedures;
4. 4- Supervises the development and modifications of the project's Chart of Accounts, in co-ordination with the Regional Finance Department;
5. 5- Monitors submission of financial reports to ensure that these are timely, complete, correct and appropriate. Identify problems and assist in providing solutions;
6. 6- Ensures that proper use is made of accounting systems at the Programme and Project offices, and that support is provided where necessary to train staff;
7. 7- Ensures that all finance staff in WWF Cameroon have clearly-defined objectives, indicators of achievement, and quarterly/annual workplans;
8. 8- Prepares, administers, and controls approved consultancy contracts / agreements and sub-grants;
9. 9- Ensures that all WWF Cameroon offices properly monitor and fulfill contractual obligations;
10. 10- Review and assess the efficiency, confidentiality and integrity of the finance data filing system and backup at least once per year;
11. 11- Identifies monitors and mitigates risks affecting WWF Finance operations in Cameroon.
12. 12- Ensures tight management of projects and Core funding limiting occurrence of deficits, interproject loans and losses.

C- Cash flow management

1. As necessary, performs on-site visits to evaluate financial operations of projects;
2. Provides an annual written evaluation of the financial performance and capacity of each Programme, by location;
3. Ensures that Finance carries out regular reviews (at least quarterly) with project executants to review each project's current financial situation and results and to develop meaningful forecasts as required;
4. Assists in the development and maintenance of appropriate cost recovery systems to ensure that all Core costs are correctly funded and properly allocated to beneficiary projects;
5. Ensures that bank transactions concerning each project are adequately monitored, and approved levels of signature are respected;
6. Ensures that a monthly statement of bank balances is reviewed and circulated to concerned managers;
7. Ensures that all bank reconciliation statements are reviewed and approved by the appropriate management level on a monthly basis;
8. Reviews and approves all project cash flow projections;
9. Liaises with donor contacts and coordinates a timely call of funds for all WWF Cameroon projects and coordinates transfers of funds to WWF Cameroon field offices;
10. Coordinates in support of Programme and Project leaders the preparation of annual budgets; reviews these budgets and provides his comments and recommendations to the Country Director;
11. Reviews and approves the budget section of all project concepts and proposals;
12. Liaises efficiently with other WWF’s Finance staff in other countries and any finance leaders at the regional or network level to ensure consistent finance management practices and accountability across the Central and Western Africa Region;
13. Coordinates the development, review and approval of the annual project budgets and project forecasts for all Programmes.

D. Management of Finance staff

1. Determines and promotes the use of all necessary means to regularly develop finance staff capacities;
2. Develops and review staff Job Descriptions and Terms of Reference of staff;
3. Ensures that a training plan exists and finance staff are regularly trained and updated on new procedures, policies, processes, standards and best practices;
4. Prepares annual performance plans and assessments for all finance staff in line with WWF procedures and agreed upon deadline;
5. Ensures that rigour and discipline are maintained within the finance Department and where necessary disciplinary measures are effective.

IV. Profile

Required Qualifications

• Minimum a bachelor’s degree in in Accounting or Financial Management;
• 10 years’ experience, which at least seven (7) years in a leadership role, with demonstrated success in an international environment (NGO or Company);
• Full accounting qualification i.e. CPA, ACCA or equivalent will be a plus;
• Demonstrated skills in developing, managing and evaluating financial and administrative plans and policies;
• Experience working with government and donors;
• A thorough knowledge of and dexterity with accounting’s softwares and systems.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership abilities;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• Excellent inter-personal skills, including the ability to develop and maintain strong relationships at all levels, within WWF Cameroon and, as required, with external stakeholders;
• Excellent oral and written communications skills in English and French;
• High ethics and a personal commitment to transparency and accountability;
• Adherence to WWF’s values, which are: Knowledgeable, Optimistic, Determined and Engaging.

V. Working Relationships

Internal: Interacts and works closely and on a regular basis with finance staff in all WWF Cameroon offices, as well as with other WWF Cameroon managers and project staff. Coordinates and interacts as appropriate with members WWF CARPO, WWF International, and other WWF offices.

Is working under the functional supervision of the Finance Manager Central & Western Countries.

External: Interacts as required with governmental institutions, donors, partners and other stakeholders, in collaboration with the Country Director and/or the Regional Finance Team, as appropriate.

This job description covers the main tasks and conveys the spirit of the sort of tasks that are anticipated proactively from staff. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to organizational needs.

[1] Field Heads of Finance and Administration

How to apply:

Email a cover letter and CV to recruitcarpo@wwfcarpo.org. The subject should read CFO-CMR.

Deadline for applications: 19 September, 2014. Thank you in advance for your interest in this position. Please note that only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted for follow up. If you have not been contacted six (6) weeks after closing, consider your application unsuccessful.

Female applicants are encouraged.

WWF is an equal opportunity employer and committed to having a diverse workforce