Finance & Operation Officer - RCC South (AfCDC) 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: Finance & Operation Officer - RCC South (AfCDC)

Requisition ID: 2240
Location: Lusaka, Zambia
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Job Grade: P2
Reports to: Regional Directors
Directorate/Department/Organ: Africa CDC
Division: Regional Coordinating Centre (Lusaka)

Purpose of Job

• The Finance and Operations Officer is responsible for the day-to-day financial and operational activities of the RCCs. This includes managing budgets, accounts, procurement, and facilities management.
• The Finance and Operations Officer will also work to support the RCCs in achieving their objectives and have hierarchical supervision from the Regional Director as well as functional supervision from the Directors of Administration and Finance.

Main Functions

• Assist in the following up on the activities of the RCC, including monitoring and evaluating progress made in line with a predefined strategic plan.
• Manage and maintain updated organisation asset, and inventory in the region.
• Support the headquarters procurement team to set up a regional approved suppliers database.
• Support the headquarters procurement team to ventilate all calls for tenders and expression of interest in the region.
• Support in disseminating any job offers from headquarters human resource team in all member states of the region.
• Support AfCDC Administration and Finance Directorates at any time when need be.
• Suggest new and expand on existing policy areas for planned research.
• Contribute in conducting analysis and generate accurate reports in a timely manner for the respective RCC and Africa CDC’s internal use.
• Assist in setting the overall research direction of a relevant policy area.
• Responsible for the delegation and execution of defined research areas.
• Participate in the organisation of relevant meetings, congresses and conferences with stakeholders.
• Engage with relevant mid-level stakeholders and develop working relationships. Support the promotion of the activities of the RCC including preparing leaflets, guidelines and fact sheets.
• Assist in drafting functional reports and participate in the preparation of budget and work programmes related to the functioning of the RCC.
• Provide technical support to internal and external stakeholders.

Specific Responsibilities

• Manage budgets and ensure that they are in line with the RCCs' objectives.
• Design and implement financial and operational policies and procedures for the Regional Coordinating Centres (RCCs) of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)
• Coordinate and oversee the financial and operational activities of the RCCs, ensuring compliance with Africa CDC and African Union rules and regulations.
• Prepare and monitor the annual budgets and work plans of the RCCs, liaising with the Africa CDC headquarters and the regional partners.
• Provide timely and accurate financial and operational reports to the Africa CDC management and donors, highlighting achievements, challenges and recommendations.
• Manage the human resources, procurement, logistics, security and administrative functions of the RCCs, ensuring efficiency, effectiveness and accountability.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the RCC staff, regional stakeholders, donors and other partners, representing the Africa CDC in relevant meetings and forums.
• Identify and mitigate financial and operational risks, ensuring adherence to internal controls and audit recommendations.
• Support the RCCs in resource mobilization, proposal development and grant management.
• Provide technical guidance and capacity building to the RCC staff on financial and operational matters.
• Prepare financial reports and ensure that they are accurate and timely.
• Administer accounts and ensure that payments are made on time and in accordance with the RCCs' policies.
• Oversee procurement activities and ensure that goods and services are purchased in a cost-effective manner.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Africa CDC Director or his/her designate

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree OR a Master's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or a related field. coupled with at least five (5) and two (2) years relevant work experience for Bachelor  and Masters degree holders respectively, in financial and operational management of complex projects or programs, preferably in the public health or development sector.
• A professional certification (such as CPA, CMA, ACCA, etc.) is preferred.
• At least five years of relevant experience 
• Experience with financial software management. 
• Experience in financial management.
• Experience in contract management at the regional level.
• Experience in cash management and relations with banks.
• Experience with procurement procedures.
• Experience with facilities management.
• Knowledge of the public health sector. 
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in budgeting, accounting, reporting, auditing, procurement, human resources, and logistics management.
• Familiarity with Africa CDC policies and procedures, donor regulations (such as USAID, EU, etc.), and local laws applicable to the RCCs is an added advantage.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (especially Excel) and accounting software (such as QuickBooks, SAP, etc.).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and French. Knowledge of other African Union working languages is an asset.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to travel within the region and to other locations as required.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Leadership Competencies:

• Change Management
• Managing Risk

Core Competencies:

• Teamwork and Collaboration..
• Accountability awareness and Compliance..
• Learning Orientation..
• Communicating with Influence

Functional Competencies:

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

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.

Language:

• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (Arabic, English, French, Kiswahili, Portuguese, and Spanish) is mandatory and fluency in another AU language is an added advantage

Remuneration
The salary attached to the position is an annual lump-sum of US$ 77,377.01 (P2 Step 5) inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff, and US$  63,837.07  inclusive of all allowances for locally recruited staff of the African Union Commission.

Application Closing Date
3rd June, 2024; 11h59 p.m. EAT.