The Asia Foundation
The Asia Foundation is a non-profit, non-governmental organization committed to the development of a peaceful, prosperous, just, and open Asia-Pacific region. The Foundation supports programs in Asia that help improve governance, law, and civil society; women's empowerment; economic reform and development; and international relations. Drawing on more than 55 years of experience in Asia, the Foundation collaborates with private and public partners to support leadership and institutional development, exchanges, and policy research. With a network of 19 offices throughout Asia, an office in Washington, D.C., and its headquarters in San Francisco, the Foundation addresses these issues on both a country and regional level.
Closing date: 01 Dec 2009 -- (CLOSED)
Location: Afghanistan
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Change Management and Critical Institutional Strengthening Interventions
in Public Sector Development and Program Support
at the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock
GENERAL SUMMARY:
The Financial Advisor is responsible for overseeing the financial systems and operations within the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock office. S/He assists the Chief of Party (COP) and Deputy Chief of Party (DCoP) in planning and developing financial systems, policies, and procedures that are consistent with The Asia Foundation’s guidelines and policies. S/He provides technical assistance to the MAIL Financial Management Office.
The Financial Advisor will report to the DCoP and will carry out responsibilities described below.
Responsibilities and Duties:
The Financial Advisor is accountable for the following:
- Collaborate with the Director, Human Resources, the Minister, Deputy Minister, Financial Management Unit and project staff in the Ministry to oversee the financial systems and operations.
- Ensure the establishment and development of the MAIL financial policies and procedures.
- Monitor and control MAIL project expenditures to ensure the integrity of the budget.
- Provide technical assistance and mentor relevant staff in the MAIL Financial Management Unit.
- Assist the DCoP in reviewing the budget and spending projection.
- Work in close collaboration with both the MAIL and TAF Finance Management units.
Financial Management and Budget Control:
- Ensure that financial policies and procedures are refined and in accordance with TAF policies to strengthen effective financial controls.
- Benchmark, analyze and report on, and make recommendations for the improvement of the financial policies and procedures within the relevant MAIL offices.
- Prepare and manage MAIL operating and capital budgets for the project.
- Control accounting systems to monitor the budget and actual expenditures against all funding sources.
- Ensure that expenditures are within the budget and in compliance with commitments made in grants and work plans.
- Ensure that adequate systems are implemented to control funds and assets.
- Prepare information as needed to provide the DCoP with a financial overview to support effective decision making.
- Prepare reports and information required by TAF and the donor.
- Ensure proper allocation of expenses to MAIL projects.
- Supervise cash flow to ensure that an appropriate amount of cash is maintained in the bank and in the petty cash.
- Supervise and ensure proper documentation of all transactions and maintain files of all supporting documentation for accounting entries.
- Supervise reconciliation of all bank accounts.
- Supervise and mentor of Financial Section staff.
- Provide technical support to MAIL institutional staff and field office personnel as and when required.
Requirements:
- Master’s degree in finance and accounting or business administration.
- At least 5 to 10 years of practical experience in a senior financial management position with supervisory responsibilities.
- Experience in donor liaison with an international organization. Work experience with USAID, or other donor agencies, is preferred.
- Ability to work in a post-conflict and security-sensitive environment. Work experience in Afghanistan is preferred.
- Excellent computer and financial management software skills and competencies.
- Excellent human relations skills.
- Excellent problem solving and communication skills.
- Excellent diplomatic skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to deal with a variety of people and situations.
- Professional presence and appearance.
Reference Code: RW_7XYUJY-51
