Head of Finance (PAPS) at the African Union (AU)

The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent. It was officially launched in 2002 as a successor to the Organization of African Unity (OAU, 1963-1999). We are an Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Head of Finance (PAPS)

Requisition ID: 1907
Location: Mogadishu, Somalia
Contract Type: Short-Term
Reports to: SRCC
Directorate/Department/Organ: PAPS
Division: ATMIS
Number of Direct Reports: 4
Number of Indirect Reports: 10
Job Grade: P5

Purpose of Job

• To facilitate the formulation and implementation of policies, strategies, and programs in the area of financial services including budgeting, accounting, cash management, payments and contracts management in compliance with financial procedures of the African Union

Main Functions

• Provide support and guidance to Finance Section on all areas of project financial management, including budgeting, monitoring, reporting and compliance with AU Financial Rules and Regulations;
• Oversee the preparation and review of proposed agreements/contracts with external parties.
• Supervise and manage the employees of the division with regard to organisation and performance evaluation;
• Design strategies and policies consistent with the Department’s goal in order to address the pertinent issues in the relevant area;
• Contribute to the development of the departmental business continuity plan and ensure implementation at division level;
• Ensure risk management and mitigation;
• Design and plan policy programs to achieve the strategies;

Specific Responsibilities

• Provide advice to the SRCC and other staff on all financial matters. Including making recommendations for improving efficiency and optimizing the use of financial resources;
• Participate and provide guidance in the annual planning and budgeting process to ensure allocation of expenditure to the appropriate fund and monitor proper budget utilization to ascertain that budget appropriations are not overspent;
• Advise implementing partner organizations in accounting and reporting and other financial processes to ensure compliance with donor funding requirements;
• Ensure the provision of guidance, performance evaluation, supervision and mentoring to all administrative support and other staff in the areas of his/her responsibility.
• Process and verify all suppliers’ payments and ensure that the accompanying supporting documents are complete and accurate; Coordinate procurement process with Procurement officer that would ensure the project receives quality and efficient services in line with AU rules and procedures;
• Ensure the implementation of administrative policies, and procedures that lead to efficient service delivery;
• Prepare Financial Reports / Statements for consideration of the AU Headquarters and Donors as well as the certification of general expenditures;
• Oversee and manage daily program-wide accounting and finance functions including timely recording of transactions, cash management, banking, payroll, inventory, receivables, and payables;
• Ensure proper recording and recognition of the Mission Assets Financial control, risk management and compliance;
• Ensure that an internal control framework is in place and that processes are in place to ensure compliance with AU established procedures;
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the SRCC.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• Master's Degree in Financial Management, Accounting, Business Administration or related field with twelve (12) years of progressive working experience in the areas of Accounting, Financial management and Budgeting for Operations out of which seven (7) should be at managerial level and four (4) at supervisory level.
• Experience in a peace operation and/or in a conflict or post-conflict context with knowledge of the work of Government, NGO and multilateral and regional institutions.
• Professional certifications or Membership of an internationally recognized professional accounting body e.g. CA, CPA, ACCA, CIMA would be an added advantage.

Required Skills:

• Ability to work closely with governments, NGOs and multi-lateral institutions in complex political affairs, peace and security undertakings.
• Computer literate and well versed in the use of the Internet, Power Point, Excel and Word.
• Excellent writing, negotiating, analytical and communication skills.
• Peacekeeping experience essential.
• Identify priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required.
• Ability to work in a multicultural setting.
• Must be prepared to work in a hardship context and highly pressurized and sometimes hazardous environment.

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic Perspective
• Developing Others
• Change Management
• Managing Risk.

Core Competencies:

• Building Relationship
• Foster Accountability Culture
• Learning Orientation
• Communicating with Influence
• Teamwork and Collaboration

Functional Competencies:

• Drive for Results
• Continuous Improvement Focus
• Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Job Knowledge and information sharing.

Tenure of Appointment

• The Appointment will be made on a fixed term contract for a period of one (1) year, of which the first three (3) months will be considered as a probationary period.
• Thereafter, the contract may be renewed for a similar period subject to funding availability, satisfactory performance and agreed deliverables.

Gender Mainstreaming:

• The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Remuneration
The salary attached to the position is an annual lump-sum of US$173,672.59  (P5 Step 5) inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff, and US$ 127,823.64 inclusive of all allowances for locally recruited staff of the African Union Commission.

Application Closing Date
19th July, 2023 at 11:59 EAT.