Finance Administrator

 Background

The project's goal is to contribute to the modernization of agriculture and the development of the agro-industrial sector in Ethiopia by sustainably improving the productivity and quality standards of selected agricultural value chains in Oromia, Sidama, and the South Ethiopia regions. The project covers 49 Woredas across three regions (34 in Oromia, 10 in Sidama, and 5 in Sidama and South Ethiopia). The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) is the Ethiopian institutional counterpart, working with the Bureaus of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BOANRS) of the three regions. Other partners include federal and regional agricultural research institutes, financial institutions, agricultural cooperatives, agro-industrial enterprises, and various regional bureaus. FAO provides technical support. The project is structured into six components:

1. Development of capacities of public and private actors along the selected value chains.

2. Development of agro-infrastructure, machinery, and equipment.

3. Improvement of access to credit and financial services.

4. Integration of gender and youth aspects into value chains.

5. Increase in production and productivity with a focus on nutrition-sensitive agriculture.

6. Sustainable management of natural resources.

The Ethiopian counterpart responsible for the general implementation of the project is the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), which has specialized departments in the various area of intervention of the Program. The ministry will work in close coordination with two main implementing partners, the BOANRS of Oromia, Sidama and South Ethiopia regional states, the research institutes, its affiliated centres, the ATI, and several other institutions. FAO provides, through a grant of 4 million Euros, specific technical assistance services.

Implementation of the 6 components requires one senior level professional, with relevant expertise (see below point 6) to handle the project procurement process. Therefore, the MoA wants to recruit a National Procurement Specialist responsible for the tasks described below.

Purpose of the position

The Finance administrator will be responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of all financial management functions under ISVCD. This includes leading the planning, execution, control, and reporting of program finances and ensuring compliance with government regulations and donor (e.g., AICS) requirements. The finance coordinator supervises the finance specialist and provides high-level support in building financial capacity across implementing agencies at all levels (federal and regional).

Job Requirements

Education:

• Master's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or with related field of study.

Experience:

• Minimum 6 years of progressive experience in financial management, with 3+ years in project environments.

• 2 additional years of experience with B.A degree

• Experience with AICS or other multilateral/bilateral donor financial management policies, exchange rate management, and World Bank procurement guidelines is highly desirable.

• Experience managing and supervising teams

Duty Station: Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), Federal Project Management Unit (FPCU)

Reporting to: ISVCD Project Manager

Supervises: Financial Management Specialist (FMS), Cashiers, and regional finance team members and other project fund beneficiaries.

Duration: The assignment will be for 12 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding C availability.

Salary: As the scale of the Ministry of Finance for projects.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Financial Management and Budgeting

• Administer and lead the revision and implementation of financial documents and guidelines.

• Administer and lead financial planning, budgeting, and policy implementation aligned with ISVCD objectives and donor agreements.

• Ensure the consolidation and submission of operational and financial plans from all implementing levels to the Government and Funding agency.

• Review financial requests, budget variance analyses, and cash flow projections

• Monitor activity budget adjustments, fund allocations, and disbursements align with the project plan.

• Ensure timely budget disbursement to all implementing agencies based on approved work plans and budgets.

• Ensure the settlement of disbursed budget from all project budget beneficiaries.

• Manage exchange rates and record transactions with hard currency.

Financial Oversight and Compliance

• Ensure financial operations comply with applicable Government of Ethiopia policies and donor (AICS) financial management guidelines and ethical clause

• Oversee the establishment and maintenance of strong internal controls to safeguard program assets and ensure budget discipline.

• Review financial transactions and all consolidated Financial Reports.

• Authorize financial data integration and reporting through IBEX/, IFMIS and Peachtree systems.

• Ensure the timely preparation and submission of quarterly and half year Financial Reports and annual financial statements in the required format.

• Ensure the successful conclusion of internal and external auditing activities pertaining to the Activity and respond to audit requests on a timely fashion and ensure appropriate corrective actions are taken to audit findings.

Supervision and Capacity Building: The Finance Administrator shall directly or indirectly supervise the FMS (federal and regional) and oversee the execution of the following key functions:

• Planning, organizing, and directing the finance team's daily activities.

• Ensuring adherence to accounting standards and policies.

• Participating in and supporting annual budget preparation and revisions.

• Reviewing budget variances and proposing corrective actions.

• Validating and analyzing accounting codes and source documents (e.g., cash payments, receipts).

• Prepare and review lists of payables/receivables and aging reports.

Reviewing quarterly financial reports from implementing. agencies.

• Consolidated quarterly financial reports and prepared withdrawal applications for submission to the Donor (AICS).

• Producing financial performance reports and updates to stakeholders.

• Coordinate capacity building programs to financial personnel at federal, regional, and woreda levels, including training, supervision, technical support, and mentorships.

• Provide periodic financial performance analysis and budget variance reports.

• Monitor the performance of financial staff under direct and indirect supervision.

Capacity Building & Support

• Identify finance training needs across regions and woredas and deliver structured capacity development programs.

• Conduct scheduled field visits to support regional teams and ensure FM practices are being properly followed.

• Train finance staff on compliance and financial procedures.

• Mentor FMS and other finance staff under direct supervision.

Internal Controls and Audit

• Ensure proper internal controls are in place to manage program resources and mitigate financial risks.

• Establish systems to prevent misappropriation, fraud, and financial mismanagement.

• Oversee the preparation of financial documents for internal audits and ensure audit recommendations are addressed in a timely manner.

System Management and Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the key liaison with the Ministry of Finance, AICS, and other development partners (ATI, Research Institutes, IES, etc) on all financial matters.

• Submit timely, accurate, and complete reports, including Financial Reports, withdrawal applications, and audited statements.

• Ensure effective use and maintenance of accounting systems (e.g., IFMIS, IBEX/Peachtree).

• Lead financial data analysis for informed program decision-making.

Skills & Competencies

• Advanced computer literacy with strong working knowledge of Peachtree/IBEX and GoE's FM systems, such as IFMIS and Excel.

• Excellent report and email writing, communication, and analytical skills.

• Expertise in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) is desirable

• Professional certification (CPA, ACCA, etc.) is a strong advantage.

• Strong understanding of the Government of Ethiopia's financial and procurement systems.

• Good proficiency in English and Amharic.

• Leadership and team management.

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• High integrity and results orientation.

Deliverables

• Monthly/Quarterly, half-yearly, and yearly financial reports and budget variance analysis.

• Quarterly financial reconciliations and audit-ready financial records.

• Timely disbursement of funds and payments.

• Capacity-building sessions for project staff on financial procedures.

• Compliance audits and internal control reviews.

• Cleared and submitted withdrawal applications

• Operational plans with budget for the project (ISVCD)

Performance Evaluation

The Finance Administrator performance will be evaluated annually based on:

• Timeliness and quality of financial reports and deliverables. Compliance with fiduciary policies.

• Efficiency in fund flow and resource utilization.

• Team management and capacity building effectiveness.

• Responsiveness to audit queries and findings.

• Volume of settled financial documents

How To Apply

Interested candidates should submit their CVs, cover letters, and relevant certifications to MOA, Human Resource Lead Executive in person to Ministry of Agriculture, around Gurd shola behind ministry of Trade and Regional integration