Finance Officer (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 Officer (AfCDC)

Req Id: 2690
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Reports to: Project Coordinator
Directorate/Department: Directorate of Finance
Division: Financial Management
Job Grade: P2
Contract Type: Fixed Term

Purpose of Job

• The Finance Officer within the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) will be responsible for providing financial management support to the project ensuring financial procedures are adhered to, financial data is accurately recorded, and timely financial reports are produced. 
• The role will support the implementation of the organization's financial management policies and procedures and provide guidance to the project coordinator and PIU staff on financial matters. 
• This position will closely work with the Africa CDC Directorate of Finance. Under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator, the finance officer will be accountable for the implementation of financial management policies and practices of the project in accordance with the AU and the World Bank guidelines. 
• The incumbent will be responsible for preparing the project financial reports, leading project audits, reconciling and analyzing financial expenses and other related costs. They will perform analysis of operational activities including historical, current and projected costs and expenses, cash flows and variances.

Main Functions
The FO working under the guidance of the PIU Financial Management Specialist (FMS) shall:

• Develop financial recording and monitoring processes for the Programme that align to Africa CDC’s financial governing processes.
• Manage, update and monitor the project budget and project expenditure.
• Update and reconcile the project expenditure and accounting on a regular basis.
• Prepare project financial reports on a timely basis and present to the FMS.
• Establish the processes and flows for a fund flow model for implementing partners and ensure payment is made in due time.
• Ensure proper functioning of the project accounting and auditing system in accordance with African Union Commission’s Financial Rules and Regulations as well as the World Bank Financial procedures.
• Provide financial advice and ensure compliance with Financial Rules and Regulations.
• Assist the FMS in her work to ensure effective grant oversight, coordination and ensure the project funds are being used appropriately.
• Ensure that implementing partners have accurate and complete accounting, reporting and internal control systems and that all relevant records are maintained accurately.
• Follow- up audit and World Bank financial management supervision findings and work towards their rectification.
• Promote best practices, transparency, accountability in financial management systems.
• Perform any other duties as requested by the supervisor.

Specific Responsibilities

• Financial reports are prepared quarterly and also as on a need basis. The financial reports are prepared based on the IPSAS standard. 
• The FO is required to prepare quarterly Interim Financial Report (IFR) to be submitted to the World Bank within 45 days of the end of the reporting quarter. In addition, annual technical reports and financial reports are prepared and submitted to the external auditors within three months of the end of the fiscal year. 
• The audited financial statement will be submitted to the World Bank within 6 months of the end of the fiscal year. The FO shall prepare and deliver the following:  
  • Main deliverables will also include monthly, quarterly and semi-annual and annual financial reports.
  • Periodic updates to budget requirements of annual work plans and preparation of a six months’ expenditure forecast and cash requirement (by obtaining inputs from the project team) to request funds from the World Bank.
  • Statement of sources and use of funds, opening and closing balances for the quarter and cumulative.  
  • Statement of use of funds that shows actual expenditures. These are appropriately classified by main project activities (categories, components, and sub-components). They will also include an actual versus budget comparisons for the quarter and cumulative.  
  • Statement on the movement of project's designated account including opening and closing balances and the movements (inflows and outflows  
  • Notes and explanations on financial performance and other supporting schedules and documents as needed.
  • Status reports for actions taken on audit findings and World Bank FM Supervision findings.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance or any related field with five (5) years of progressive responsibility in treasury/banking including management of bank accounts, cash management within the public sector, multilateral institutions, and international non-governmental or similar organizations nationally, regionally, and/or internationally OR
• A master’s degree in accounting or finance or any related field with two (2) years of progressive responsibility in treasury/banking including management of bank accounts, cash management within the public sector, multilateral institutions, and international non-governmental or similar organizations nationally, regionally and/or internationally.
• Certification in  nationally or globally recognized accounting body such as CPA,

Required Skills:

• Proven track record on successful performance on World Bank project in Finance is required.
• Proven track records in timely preparation of budgets, Interim Financial Reports (IFRs) and bank reconciliation on World Bank project is required.
• Familiarity with the financial management practices and processes as well as successful performance on the use of Client Connection of the World Bank is required.
• Familiarity with use of electronic data processing systems and ERP such as SAP or other accounting software.
• Demonstrated ability with regard to computer skills, including excellent word-processing capabilities, proficiency with e-mail and internet applications and experience in using office software applications such as MS Excel, Power Point and Word, and familiarity with electronic data processing systems and ERP such as SAP.
• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages is required (English, French, Arabic, Kiswahili, Portuguese or Spanish). Fluency in English and knowledge of any additional language is an added advantage.

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic Insight
• Developing Others
• Change Management
• Managing Risk

Core Competencies:

• Foster Accountability Culture
• Learning Orientation
• Building Relationship
• Communicating with Influence.

Functional Competencies:

• Conceptual Thinking
• Job Knowledge and information sharing
• Drive for Results
• Continuous Improvement Orientation.

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:

• Africa CDC is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Languages:

• 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$ 85,212.07 (P2 Step 5) inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff, and US$ 66,751.81 inclusive of all allowances for locally recruited staff of the African Union Commission.

Application Closing Date
17th May, 2025, 11h59 p.m. EAT.