COOPI is looking for a Finance Officer in East Africa

In East Africa, COOPI is active in Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan and Somalia. COOPI is currently implementing projects in the sectors of WASH, protection, DRR, food security, livelihoods and shelter with funds of different institutional donors.

This is a local vacancy, and only Kenyan nationals will be considered.

Purpose of the role

Reporting to the Regional Administrator, the Regional Finance Officer will be responsible for supporting him/her in monitoring the smooth running of administrative activities concerning the countries and projects in the region of competence, in accordance with COOPI procedures, manuals and regulations and the contractual rules of the various donors.

The Finance Officer will provide support in:

• Accounting and financial management, as well as management control of national coordination and project activities, ensuring the notification of any defects or inconsistencies to the regional administrator and proposing possible solutions;
• Preparing financial reports and implementing corrective measures as requested by the Regional Administrator;
• Managing external audits by supporting the different Country Coordinations in the region.

Main responsibilities

The Regional Finance Officer will provide support according to a work plan and priorities established by the Regional administrator concerning the actions listed below. The Regional Finance Officer will also act as interim Regional Administrator in the event of absence (missions, leave, etc.).

Projects:

• Regularly verifies the financial forecasts of ongoing projects in the Region;
• Requests and checks the accuracy of the data entered in the project’s economic-financial management tools at the start of the project and in the event of project revisions;
• Requests changes in costs from the Milan head office and sends supporting documents to the countries;
• Checks the documentation of project procedures and coordination on a sample basis;
• Verifies the management of salaries of non-Italian expatriate staff on site;
• Monitors the management of durable goods.

Financial Reporting:

• Schedules and monitors the preparation of financial reports to be submitted;
• Prepares financial reports when needed;
• Provides support for audits carried out at head office and in the countries of the region of competence.

Accounting:

• Prepare and updates the necessary accounting records for Regional expenses;
• Supports the recording of country and project expenses when needed.

Administration:

• Updates the administrative information in the tools whenever needed;
• Support the Regional Office in administrative procedures whenever needed;
• Act as interim Regional Administrator in the event of absence (missions, leave, etc.).

Requirements

ESSENTIAL

• Knowledge of the main institutional donors (AICS, OCHA, WFP, UNHCR, EU, ECHO, USAID-BHA);
• Strong experience and knowledge in accounting;
• Experience in administrative and financial management of projects and countries;
• Experience in drafting budgets and financial reports;
• Experience in preparing audits for different donors;
• Excellent ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines;
• Excellent ability to monitor, verify, and find solutions to problems;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Kenyan nationality.

DESIRED

• A minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in an international NGO;
• Previous experience with emergency, short-term projects;
• Sound knowledge of humanitarian context.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the application closing date, once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
Please note that only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interviews will be conducted on rolling basis and the vacancy will be closed when filled, thanks for understanding.

COOPI Cooperazione Internazionale is an Italian secular and independent humanitarian organisation fighting against all forms of poverty to improve the world. Founded in 1965, today COOPI is present in 33 countries in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and the Middle East, with both emergency and development projects carried out by expatriate staff – an average of over 270 people per year – and national staff. The main institutional funders are the European Union – ECHO and INTPA – USAID, UN agencies, the Italian Government, local authorities and other European Governments.