Overview: Trees for the Future Inc (TREES) is a nonprofit organization providing technical training and supplies for farmers in East and West Africa to end hunger through the Forest Garden Approach. Our mission is to improve the livelihoods of impoverished farmers by revitalizing degraded lands. We do this by eliminating hunger and enhancing dietary diversity of the communities we serve through growing crops with the nutrients needed for healthy livelihoods; improving the environment, and adaptation to climate change. We are seeking to fill two positions which are Country Program Accountant based in Mbale field office and the Partnership Coordinator based in our Kampala office to join our fast-growing Climate Smart Agroforestry Program.
Country Program Accountant Job summary:
He/she will be responsible for the overall Financial and
Accounting of our transaction in all projects in the country; ensuring timely collection of good quality supporting financial and procurement documentation according to financial guidelines, ensuring compliance with local regulatory authorities including processing of tax and social security returns, examining and analyzing financial records and preparing monthly, quarterly and annual documents such as reports, budgets, request, tax returns, bank and cash reconciliation according to established guidelines. He/ she will ensure that all the receipts from all projects are timely and accurately scanned and posted in the OSCARS. He/ she will assist and co-ordinate the annual budgeting process and budget review for submission and approval. Ensure all company’s assets are adequately maintained, secured and safeguarded. He/she shall report to the Country Director.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the country director to develop and monitor budget versus expenditure for country programs.
- Take lead to review budgets for the project, budget modifications and submit the same to the Country Director;
- Carry out correct postings of project expenditures on time, with quality in the system in use (OSCARS);
- Review Project financial reports investigating project variances before submitting to the Country Director;
- Liaise with respective Lead technicians and the Regional Coordinator to assess the projects’ financial management system and project procurement needs.
- Support capacity building activities required of partners and ensuring that all projects financials are audit ready at all times
- To prepare accurate bank reconciliation statements.
- To establish, implement, continuously review and where necessary improve financial policies and procedures and ensure that they are being adhered to.
Required Technical expertise, skills and knowledge
- Bachelor’s Degree in accounting, finance, business or equivalent qualification
- Possession of at-least stage one of professional accounting courses will be an advantage
- Two years’ experience in a similar role working in a computerized accounting office in an NGO set up .
- High level of advisory and analytical skills
- Strong experience in working with donor funded projects.
- Ability to work well with others under deadline situations and respond to changes in priorities
- Ability to interpret and work in accordance with laid down procedures.
- Proficient in computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications, e.g. word processing, spreadsheet, database, internet.
Partnership Coordinator - Job Summary:
He/ she will be responsible for providing leadership in
developing, nurturing and managing partnerships with likeminded agencies in advancing the mission of TREES. He/ she will support the successful management and implementation of Partner Projects. He/ she will support management in prospecting and identifying partners, carry our organizational assessments, assist in project formulation and negotiation of partnership agreements. The Partner Coordinator will work closely with Partners (Organized farmer groups, NGOs, CBOS and Cooperatives). He/she will have a thorough understanding of theory of change framing and alignment of our growth strategy and hence recognizing that the Forest Garden has multiple applications in different contexts to implement agroforestry principles.
Key responsibilities
- Undertake scoping to map, identity and recommend likeminded agencies within the eco-system that offer great promise for partnerships.
- Undertake assessments of Value Chain Sustainability to help design recommended agroforestry principles and tree species.
- Liaising with Partner organizations to schedule and facilitate development of MOU and contract signing, Training of Trainers, implementation of project activities, financial and M&E reporting.
- Work with teams to procure and distribute project tools, planting materials, etc.; organizing and helping to conduct all training activities;
- Regularly visit Partner sites to provide technical support and to facilitate data collection and evaluation.
- Communicate agroforestry principles and their multiple benefits to diverse audiences
- Collect, analyze, and utilize data and feedback to identify opportunities to improve the relationship between TREES, peer agencies and the other Partners
Required education, Skills and Experience
- Associate’s degree in field of social forestry, agriculture, natural resources, environment or biological sciences
- 5+ years of related experience in similar role with national/international NGOs/UN bodies/Government
- Thorough understanding and capability to develop and review partner proposals.
- Understanding of small-holder agriculture and knowledge of climate change, agroforestry species and growing conditions and seasons
- A genuine concern for small holder farmers and desire to assist them in developing long-term sustainable solutions that can improve their livelihoods.
- Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to establish and nurture beneficial partner relationships and capability to negotiate with and influence others.
- Self-motivated with a willingness to take initiative and solve complex problems.
- Fluency in English and local languages.
Interested and qualified candidates should address their application to the Country Director and submit e-copies of their application by sending an email to ivan@trees.org enclosing a detailed CV and cover letter expressing their interest not later than 8th April 2020. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
1400 Spring Street, Suite 150, Silver Spring, MD 20910. www.trees.org | info@trees.org | 301-565-0630. Plant Trees Change Lives.
