JOB ANNOUNCEMENT Director of Finance

Ref: IRS/03/2017/18 The Africa Rice Centre (AfricaRice) is seeking a highly qualified Director of Finance (DOF) to be based at Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. About AfricaRice AfricaRice is a leading Pan – African rice research organization committed to improving the livelihoods in Africa though strong science and effective partnerships. AfricaRice is one of the 15 international agricultural research centres that are members of the CGIAR System Organization (CSO). It is also an Intergovernmental association of African member countries. Its membership comprises of 26 countries, covering West, Central, East and North African regions. Responsibilities Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Director General (DG), and as a member of the Executive Management Committee (EMC), the Director of Finance will be responsible for the following main functions: Strategic 1. Develop and implement financial strategies aligned to the Centre’s strategy and business goals; 2. Provide direction and advice on all matters related to financial policies and management to optimize financial performance and the strategic position of the Institution; 3. Establish and manage the finance team and work with the ICT team to effectively priorities and focus of team implement all key functions ‐ establishing the members; 4. Lead the annual business planning process for Finance Division and provide advice on aspects of business planning to other Divisions and Units of the Institution. 5. Provide direction on the Centres’ financial viability and sustainability; 6. Carry out creative and critical analysis that will lead to improvement in the areas of project management, value‐for‐money, cost‐effectiveness, income generation/resource development, and that will also minimize wastage of resources; 7. Contribute to the strategic direction and business growth of the Centre. Operational 8. Formulate, recommend, and implement financial, treasury and budgetary control policies to safeguard the Centre’s assets and improve operational efficiency; 1

9. Liaise with external and internal auditors on statutory auditing requirements to improve institutional financial management and governance; 10. Develop initiatives to improve financial and budgetary management, control and reporting; 11. Ensure that the finance and financial administration functions are implemented efficiently and cost‐effectively, and provide adequate support to Centre programs and units in these areas; 12. Establish the priorities and focus of Finance team members as the programs and operations of the Centre evolves; 13. Manage the Centre liquid assets and bank accounts; maximize interest earnings and balance these against exposure to currency exchange risks; 14. Provide high quality management information that is both succinct and comprehensive, provide leadership to management in interpreting this information, and highlight key issues for consideration and follow‐up; 15. Work with the Senior (EMC) and middle management team (Program Leaders and Heads of Units), to enhance staff competencies in finance, project administration, and donor reporting and compliance; 16. Identify, document, share best practices and play a key role in training both finance and non‐finance staff. 17. Lead special projects as and when these are assigned by the EMC or the DG. 18. Develop management information reporting systems and provide timely reports to senior managers, Board, donors and other stakeholders; 19. Ensure that our Centre’s finance policies and practices comply with requirements of the CGIAR and IFRS Guidelines; 20. Provide employee relations support and advice that would ensure effective communication between management and employees. 21. Ensure effective and efficient coordination of the Finance and ICT functions as they relate to the day‐to‐day decentralized operations of the Centre.

Qualifications/Selection Criteria Education: Master degree in International Finance Management, Accounting, Finance or related field and CPA or similar accreditation. Work Experience: Minimum of ten years of progressive experience in financial management or related fields. Experience in managing project and program‐based accounting systems. Experience in the formulation and implementation of major financial reforms, e.g. new approaches to internal costing, ERP systems and overall preparation of financial reports. Experience in the formulation and implementation of the strategy of the Finance Division. Experience living and/or working in a developing country. Experience in leading a technical team specialized in ICT applications and ERP systems. Ability to work in a multicultural team. Key Competencies Required: Ability to work in a multicultural team. Ability to work in a stressful environment and under pressure. Ability to motivate and manage staff. High integrity and openness, combined with a commitment to good governance. Excellent communication skills, orally and written, including the ability to make persuasive presentations Desirable Strong knowledge of ERP systems, especially AGRESSO will be a major advantage. 2

Language The candidate should communicate fluently (orally and in writing) in English or French with a good working knowledge of the other language.

Terms and Conditions o This is an internationally recruited position. o AfricaRice provides an attractive international salary and benefits package and a collegial and gender‐sensitive working environment. o The initial appointment is for three years with the possibility for renewal. o The normal retirement age for internationally recruited staff at AfricaRice is 65. Application procedure Expressions of interest (a full CV + supporting statement) including the names and addresses (telephone / fax / email) of three referees should be submitted. To apply for this position, please send your applications to [email protected] with the following mention in subject: “Recruitment process – Director of Finance”. Applications will be considered until Tuesday, August 15, 2017. AfricaRice is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that staff diversity promotes excellence in our operations and particularly welcome qualified applications from women, people living with disabilities and developing countries. AfricaRice thanks all applicants but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. To learn more about us, please visit our website at www.AfricaRice.org

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