PROJECT BACKGROUND

The Government of the Republic of Zambia has received a loan from the African Development Bank/African Development Fund/Nigeria Trust Fund to finance the Chiansi Smallholder Outgrower Support Project (COSP).

The Principal objectives of this project are to increase agricultural income and improve livelihoods of the smallholder farmers by increasing agricultural productivity, and market access.

The Project has three strategic components: Development of Climate Resilient infrastructure Social Services and Skills Development and institutional Support and Project Management. Each component has complementary actions defined under sub components for each implementing entity.

Appications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced candidates to fill the following positions under the COSP.

Position: Project Accountant

a) Duty Station. Chiansi Smallholder Outgrower Support Project (COSP)in Kafue

b) Reports to: Project Coordinator

Objectives of the Assignment

The Project Accountant will be responsible for the financial management of the Project. S/He will report to the Project Coordinator and work closely with the Department of Finance in the Ministry of Agriculture,

Duties and Accountability

• Facilitate development of the Project AWP&B
• Ensure that the Project Budget is executed according to Annual Work Plan
• Prepare and le disbursement applications in compliance with AfDs. disbursement procedures and processes consistent with AfDB Disbursement Manual
• Maintain updated accounting records for the Project including asset registers.
• Perform monthly bank account reconciliations, taking appropriate action to correct discrepancies between the Project and Bank records.
• Manage and control all cash and banking transactions including reports
• Ensure timely reporting and feedback on financial transactions related to COSP.
• Prepare quarterly financial reports for submission to AfDB and MOA to be annexed to the interim quarterly progress report (IQPR)
• Prepare financial statements for the Project that comply with AfDB requirements
• Cooperate with Internal and external auditors of the Project to ensure their work is carried out property and on timely basis.
• Ensure that Annual Audits of the Project accounts are undertaken by Auditors and foclitate the submission of the Audited Reports to the Bankin consultation with Project Coordinator
• Ensure that recommendations by Bank Missions internal and external Auditors are timely and propery implemented.
• Undertake any other duties related to the Project accounting that may be assigned by the Project Coordinator.

Contract Duration

This is a full time Position for a period of four (4) years (1) Year. (Renewable. Performance Based Contract)

Qualifications and experience:

• Must possess a Degree in Accounting or full professional qualification such as ACCA, CIMA or equivalent
• Must be a member of the Zambian Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA);
• Must have at least 6 years of work experience of which 3 years should be at Accounts Assistant level. This experience may have been in the public, private or NGO sectors, but specie private sectorand commercial sector experience would be a pre-requisite for selection
• The job holder must possess advanced working knowledge and skills of MS Office (MS Word, MS Excel and MS Access) and Knowledge of accounting packages (e.g. IFMIS, Pastel, SUN Systems);
• and Must be a Zambian

Competencies:

• Strong managerial skils and demonstrated capacity to manage people and interact with a wide range of private sector partners and government representatives
• Knowledge of work planning, budgeting and reporting: Strong written and oral communication skils in English;
• Strong analytical skills;
• Self-motivated and creative thinker,
• Integrity and honest: and
• Able to work independently, with limited supervision