Job Description and Specification

Position – Technical Director – AAAG-02

Station: Lusaka, Zambia

Contract Duration: 5 Year renewable based on performance.

Eligibility: All AAAG Member Countries.

Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer

Areas of Focus: Strategic Implementation, Stakeholder Management, Brand Positioning, Capacity Building, Monitoring and Evaluation and Research and Innovation.

Job Purpose

To lead the technical function in AAAG to facilitate the voice of African Accountants General in informing national development through thought leadership on policy reforms in the accounting and reporting systems of Governments across Africa. The ultimate aim is to improve the quality of financial and non-financial (value creation) reporting in the public sector to foster trust in accounting information. It is expected that such value created will help enhance efficiency and effectiveness in Africa. The role may also be called upon to oversee the administrative performance of the organization.

Key Performance Areas

a.    Lead AAAG’s involvement in development in international standards and good practices at the global, regional and continental levels.

b.    Contribute to the development of the AAAG strategy, implementation plan and budget in consultation with key stakeholders and ensure implementation thereof.

c.    Support the CEO in designing, developing, implementing, and reviewing the corporate governance framework for the AAAG.

d.    Contribute to the development and maintenance of the AAAG risk management strategy.

e.    Support the CEO in the implementation of the annual communications and outreach plan.

f.     Identify and take the actions necessary to implement the relevant activity plan(s) in a timely, economical, efficient, and effective manner; in doing so, be sensitive to the diverse needs of the Accountants General in English, French and Portuguese-speaking countries of Africa.

g.     Assist the CEO in the positioning of AAAG as a trusted advisor of Governments on policies relating to Financial Accountability, Risk Management, Governance and Internal Controls.

h.    Lead and implement research programs to ensure AAAG becomes and remains a Thought leadership organisation.

i.      Develop and implement strategies that will ensure greater transparency, accountability, and good governance in the public sector.

j.      Lead AAAG efforts to support the adoption and implementation of sound accounting and reporting systems, including accrual basis of accounting in Africa.

k.     Promote the services rendered by the AAAG in line with established strategic priorities to ensure they are utilised, and their intended outcomes / impacts are realised;

l.      Report on a quarterly basis on progress against plans, budgets, risk management, and KPIs.

m. Establish and maintain strong relations with Accountants General and other key stakeholders to advance the implementation of the relevant activity plan(s); manage relevant existing relevant Memoranda of Understanding and identify and pursue opportunities for new collaborations.

n.    Establish and oversee implementation of training and capacity building strategy for the AAAG.

o.    Establish and manage relations with development partners and donor organisations to secure funding for AAAG activities aimed at creating continental public goods to inform the AAAG strategic focus areas

p.    Assist CEO in developing and implementing stakeholder management program that assures stakeholder satisfaction in a manner to enhance the image of the Association.

q.    Assist the CEO to establish the internal policy framework of the AAAG for approval by the Executive Committee.

r.      Assist the CEO to oversee prudent management of financial resources and accountability through effective control measures.

s.     Provide executive mentorship, coaching, talent and succession management plans to supervised staff.

t.     Assist CEO in the development of speeches / presentations for the AAAG Leadership.

u.    Lead, guide, and grow staff of the AAAG to harness productivity across the Secretariat.

v.    Perform any other responsibilities allocated from time to time.

Qualifications and experience

a.    Served in a Financial, Accounting, Banking or Audit Function in a reputable organization for a cumulative period of twelve (12) years of which seven (7) years must be in leadership position with a track record of successfully implementing change.

b.    Master’s degree in any of the following disciplines: – Finance, Accounting, Auditing, Business Administration or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.

c.    A relevant Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualifications from a recognized institution in Africa.

d.    Holder of relevant professional certification such as CPA, CFA, ACA, ACCA, ACMA, CIA, CISA or equivalent qualifications from recognized institution.

e.     Experience in management in public sector environment would be an added advantage.

Desired attributes

a.    Fluency in spoken and written English, language skills in French or Portuguese would be an advantage.

b.    Working experience in a professional accountancy organization would be an added advantage.

c.    Willingness and ability to work in any location in Africa.

d.    Willingness and ability to travel extensively.

e.    Cultural diversity awareness.

f.     Leadership and management skills | Team builder

g.    Strategic and critical thinker | Future focused

h.    Ethical

i.      Neutral | Independent

j.      Diplomatic | Flexible

k.     Excellent project management skills

l.      Adaptable – able to respond effectively to a VUCA environment.

m.  Excellent communicator – ability to communicate effectively to a wide range of stakeholders at various levels of seniority.