Position Description

USAID SCALING UP NUTRITION TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE (SUN TA)

FINANCE ACCOUNTS REVIEW OFFICER– TEMPORARRY

DAI works at the cutting edge of international development, combining technical excellence, professional project management, and exceptional customer service to solve our clients’ most complex problems. Since 1970, DAI has worked in 150 developing and transition countries, providing comprehensive development solutions in areas including crisis mitigation and stability operations, democratic governance and public sector management, agriculture and agribusiness, private sector development and financial services, economics and trade, HIV/AIDS, avian influenza control, water and natural resources management, and energy and climate change. Clients include international development agencies, international lending institutions, private corporations and philanthropies, and host-country governments.

1. Project Background:

The Scaling Up Nutrition Program is a cross-ministry and multi-donor program to reduce stunting in Zambia through implementation of the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) 1,000 Most Critical Days Program.

SUN TA will provide support and direct technical assistance to sub-national local government departments in target districts to plan, implement, coordinate, and monitor integrated nutrition-sensitive and nutrition-specific activities to reduce the rate of stunting among Zambian children under two and improve the nutritional status of pregnant and lactating mothers. USAID has identified two main objectives that address stunting, including (1) Adequate Quantity and Quality of Dietary Intake among Target Groups; and (2) Adequate Health Conditions for Biological Utilization of Nutrients. SUN TA interventions will increase access and availability of safe, diverse, nutritious food; adoption of better child feeding and household hygiene practices; and access to improved health, water and sanitation services. The project will prioritize sustainability by improving intra-household joint decision making and building the capacity of local government and their stakeholders to ensure coordination, accountability, and learning, following the Scaling Up Nutrition model.

2. Location: Lusaka, Zambia

3. Duration : Four (4 Months)

4. Objective:

The Finance Accounts Review Officer will help the SUN TA Finance Team ensure that district and regional financial transaction documentations are complete, accurate and that advances, payments and advance retirements are made on a timely basis.

5. Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Receives and reviews (for completeness and accuracy) all incoming advance requests, , expense reports, and invoices from the districts.
• Ensure accurate and timely payment and reconciliation of travel advances, reimbursements for staff and partner travel.
• Ensures the integrity of all documentation including requests, receipts, invoices, signatory sheets, payment summary sheets, expense reports and vouchers.
• Reviews the Petty cash replenishments, reconciliations and other documents coming from the Districts and the Regional offices
• Prepares required documentation for submission to Finance Manager and Director of Finance for review and approval by the authorized person according to the Project Schedule of Authorities (PSoA) before entry into DAI’s Financial Accounting System.
• Ensure the timely deposit of cash receipts
• Follow up approved accounting corrections and reversals in FAS, if necessary.
• Performs routine scanning, filing and uploading of financial vouchers for submission to DAI’s headquarter, if necessary
• Works with the Procurement and Grants Team to review any offline requests for payment or any request for payment in TAMIS as well.
• Performs other financial tasks assigned by the Finance Team which are consistent with his/her qualifications, this Scope of Work and the general requirements of the project.
• Maintains a good knowledge and understanding of all policies and procedures as set forth in the SUN TA Field Operations Policy Manual.
• Escalate any issues to the Finance Manager and/or the Director of Finance immediately
• Other duties as assigned

6. Reporting and Supervision:

Finance Accounts Review Officer will be based in Lusaka and will report to the SUN TA Finance Manager.

7. Qualifications:

• ACCA, ZICA, CIMA, CPA or equivalent is required
• Graduate member of ZICA required
• At least two years previous experience in accounting or financial management.
• Experience working with international NGOs or donors, such as USAID-funded projects (preferred).
• No prior legal convictions for fraud or theft and no prior terminations for cause from a prior employer.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel (required)
• Past experience managing petty cash accounts
• An extremely well organized and self-directed individual with sound technical skills, analytical ability
• Able to maintain good working relationships with team members (in Lusaka and in the Districts)
• Demonstrated honesty, trustworthiness initiative and self-motivation in handling all assigned tasks.
• Fluency in English is required.