The Federal Government of Nigeria has secured a loan from the African Development Bank (AFDB) for the implementation of Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Programme Phase-I (ATASP-I), The ATASP-I will contribute to the objectives of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) of the Federal Government by addressing the constraints of Rice, Sorghum and Cassava value ehai:ris in four staple crop processing zones of Adani-Omor, Bida-Badeggi, Kano-Jigawa and Kebbi-Sokoto. The Programme comprises three complementary and mutually reinforcing components viz: Infrastructure Development; Commodity Value Chain Development; and Programme Management, The specific objective of the programme is to contri1ute to food and nutrition security, employment generation, and wealth creation along the priority commodity value chains.
For effective programme take-off, the FMARD is constituting a National Programme Coordination Team (NPCT) at the Programme Headquarters in Abuja. Consequently, part of the proceeds of the ATASP-I loan will be applied to engage the services of the following officers at the Programme Headquarters, Abuja.
Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) is recruiting to fill the position of:
Job Title: Project Accountant
Location: Abuja
Main Responsibilities
Reporting to the National Programme Coordinator, the Project Accountant will be responsible for oversee in the management and administration of Programme finances.
Specific Duties
- Ensure the programme’s financial procedures, as detailed in the Programme Implementation and Financial Manuals are strictly adhered to by all programme staff and implementing partners at the national and state levels.
- Facilitate the timely disbursement ofprogranune funds to various accounting units. Prepare Statement of Expenditures (SUES) fortintely preparation ofwithdrawal applications, Maintenance of up to date accounting and financial records in accordance with the projects accounting system, indludingjournals, ledgers, fixed asset registers, etc.
- Responsible for the safe custody of petty cash and documents and inspection of daily petty cash disbursement documents.
- Reconcile accounts and prepare financial statements. Ensure timely closure of accounts at the.end pf the month andprepare a reconciliation statement and submit that updatedaccountto the management. Responsible for verifying the eligibility and accuracy of all payments. Ensure compliance with donor requirements in the processing of funds for project activities (including advances and payments for service provider as well as timely processing and payment to intended beneficiaries, Coordinate with various department/units of the AfDB to prepare the periodic financial report on the standard format made by donor(s) and submits to the PCT Coordinator, who will forward to the AfDB, Federal Ministry of Finance and counter part institutions.
- Produce monthly, quarterlyand annual financial reports.
- Prepare for and coordinate and supervise all financial and administrative audits in similar manner. Ensure that all supporting documents used. inrequest for funds replenishment from the AfDB as well as prepayment project activities, goods, works and services areproperly kept
- Prepare and follow-up timely approval of disbursement request to. donor. Inspect and oversee subprpject disbursements, Perform other tasks as may be assigned from time to time by the National Programme Coordinator,
Qualification and Experience
- A Bachelors degree in accounting a well as a professtoinal certificate in accounting (eg CPA, CA, ACCA, ACMA etc)
- At least 10 years of relevant work experience, preferably in a donor assist d project/programme. A working knowledge of AfDB
- financial regulation will be added advantage
- Comprehensive computer skills with practical knowledge of icrosoft Office (especially Word & Excel) and Accounting Software.
- Should be able to show tolerance and patience while working in a highly challenging environment
- He/She must be team player and open to learn new techniques.
Performance Criteria
Key performance includes the following:
- Maintain up to date duty interlinked journals and ledgers inuluding but not necessarily limited to the following; (I) Cashbook and Cash Advances ledger (ii) Creditors ledger, (iii) Local and Foreign speed account ledgers, (iv). Currency ledger, (v) A General Ledger and (vi) Fixed Assets Register All records uipdatedon adailybasis.
- Maintain project Category Component Activity budget and expenditure register/listing updated on a daily basis and provide Category Component and expendituie information to AfDB’s supervision mns
- Ensure that cash advances are retired within a maximum 7 days on the scheduled completion of the respective activity.
- Ensure unaccounted for advances are recovered in accordance with agreed accounting procedures.
- Reconeillation of books of accounts every ten (10) days.
- Prepare monthly reconciliation statement by Friday of the following account of the basis of a transaction.
- Ensure that payment requests etc processed within a maximum of three (3) days oCreceipt of a duly uthoredrequest.
- Prepare special account treplenishment requetta complete with supporting documentation within 3 days of attaining a 50% level of expenditure of the previous replenished balance of the revealing fund. Prepare financial statements required for all financial and administrative audits by 4” Friday of January every year or within a Maximum of 4 weeks of receiving such a request
- Maintain an accurate and complete replenishment record, including all necessary supporting documentation.
- Agree with the NPC, clear and measurable quarterly performance gets/milestones at the beginning of every year.
- Management/or bank queries on crop production, productivity and marketing improvement activities responded to within a maximum of two (2) days of notification.
- Clear and measurable quarterly performance targets/milestones agreed with the National Project Coordinator at the beginning of each quarter. Performance appraisal form completed and submitted to Project Coordinator by 5th of June and 5th of January every year.
Failure to comply with the above listed time-based criteria in any one year anti/or nonconformity to the prescribed plans, titles and standards, without documentary/ evidence of reasons thereof, shall disqualify the Project Accountant from the post and lead to the cessation of the contract.
Terms of Appointment
Maximum of five years, renewable every year subject to satisfactory performance. The performance criteria will be the indicators for assessing every officer.
Application Closing Date
29th September, 2014
Method of Application
Applications are invited from suitable qualified candidates. Each candidate should submit ten (16) copies of his/her application.
Qualified Women candidates are highly encouraged to apply. All application should be addressed to;
The Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development
Attention:
The Director,
Department of Rural Development
No. 1 Capital Drive, FCDA Secretariat,
Area 11, Gerki, Abuja
Note: All applications must be addressed and delivered to the above address.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted, Applicants should ensure that the positions applied for are clearly written on the top right hand side of the envelopes.