Gola Rainforest Conservation-LG (GRCLG)

info@golarainforest.org/golarainforest@yahoo.com

164 Dama Road, Kenema

Tel: +23274-910855, +23231910855

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Gola Rainforest Conservation-LG

110 Dama Road

Kenema      

Sierra Leone

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Job title:                     Business Finance Supervisor Conservation Enterprise

No. of Positions:    01

Employer:                 Gola Rainforest Conservation-LG

Reports to:                Finance Project Superintendent

Gola Rainforest Conservation (GRC-LG) is a non-profit company based in Kenema and is responsible for managing the Gola Rainforest National Park (GRNP) and implementing the REDD+ programme, which supports livelihood projects and the benefit sharing agreement with the local communities. GRC-LG supports the Farmers Cooperatives to ensure a profitable forest-friendly cocoa business through export and marketing, in collaboration with the RSPB. This partnership has so far seen farmers from four Chiefdoms around the Gola Rainforest National Park establish three cooperatives – GACFCO, TUNKOCFO and MACOFCO and export cocoa to the USA and Europe.

Purpose of the Job

• This position is to provide financial management support to GRC to ensure proper and efficient financial management of the funds to support the cocoa business, both in terms of the inflow and outflow of costs related to the cocoa business (also referred to as the GRC Cocoa Account).
• The role is responsible for all accounting routines and systems within the cocoa business and other enterprises in the department.
• The Finance Officer will need to ensure that the business always has adequate funds available and will need to maintain accurate official records of all financial transactions.
• The Finance Officer is expected to present a monthly break-down and balance sheet and to prepare annual cashflow projections, updated on a monthly basis to the Transition Team Manager.

Major functions

• Work with Conservation Enterprise Department and line Manager to estimate and prepare monthly budgets and annual cashflow projections
• Manage the finances of the GRC Cocoa Account for the development of the cocoa business
• Support the management of the cooperatives’ accounts
• Account for business finances to ensure transparency of payments
• Together with the Conservation enterprise team prepare annual budgets and monitor and update budget utilization
• Prepare monthly financial statements and annual financial accounts in accordance with international accounting standards
• Prepare quarterly and annual statements of profit and loss
• Ensure payments of invoices, bills, receipts, etc. according to approved procedures
• Ensure that all accounting records are filed, kept safely and ready for review at any time
• Ensure regular backup of computerized accounts
• Collaborate with assigned staff to ensure that fixed assets are in good condition and insured
• Ensure that financial assets, documents and cash are kept safely and securely
• Implement auditors (internal and external) recommendations and handle annual and replenishment audits 
• Coach and mentor colleagues and farmer members on proper financial record keeping
• Notify the Finance Project Superintendent and Transition Team Manager immediately upon the discovery of any discrepancies in any transactions or financial recording 
• Promote and support the interests of Farmers and GRC-LG in all decisions
• Monitor the proper use of business resources
• Provide routine advice to the management on action plans and challenges within your portfolio
• Ensure project procurement is carried out in accordance with procurement policies
• Support responsible staff on updated store inventories i.e. cocoa, stationary, field materials etc.
• Ensure that marginalized groups are given the same opportunities and are encouraged to participate in activities on equal terms as non-marginalized people
• Ensure adherence to the operating procedures
• Ensure that activities comply with the relevant government laws
• Work closely with GRC-LG Finance Superintendent on financial reporting of funds and services channelled through GRC-LG headquarters
• Carry out any other duties assigned by the Finance Project Superintendent

Special Conditions:     

Will at times be on call outside of regular working hours

Essential Requirements:

1. A Sierra Leonean national with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting
2. At least 2 years of professional experience in financial management with Donor funded projects
3. Experience in finance – including processing of expenditure (invoices and receipts – including thorough proof and accounting validation), cash flow control, book-keeping, payments etc
4. Experience in project budget monitoring, reporting and forecasting
5. Proficiency in MS Excel and MS Office tools
6.  Demonstrated ability to collaborate with both internal team members and external stakeholders
7.  Excellent communication and relationship management skills
8. Fluent in English Language

Desirable Requirements:

1. Able to tackle challenges and manage conflict
2. Highly organized and able to prioritize and multi-task effectively
3. Able to work both independently and as part of a team
4. Results-oriented, respects deadlines and gives attention to details
5. Experience of working in a multi-cultural environment

We are seeking a dynamic and committed individual with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. GRC-LG is an equal opportunity employer and particularly encourages women to apply. Candidates will be shortlisted according to their ability to meet the requirements of the position.

How to apply?

All applications must be sent to the Superintendent Human Resources, Gola Rainforest Conservation-LG Office, 164 Dama Road, Kenema.

Please send a Cover letter and Resume/CV by mail and include “application” in the subject line to the Superintendent Human Resources musumacarthy@yahoo.com and Technical Advisor Conservation Enterprises bjorn.horvath@rspb.org.uk

Deadline for submission of applications is on 30 March 2022.