Vacancies: Value Chain Advisors, Project Accountant, Accounts Assistant
Chemonics International Inc., a leading international development firm based in Washington, D.C (www.chemonics.com , seeks qualified candidates for a five-year agricultural value-chain development project funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Any successful candidates will possess the following:
Position: Value Chain Advisors
The Value Chain Advisors shall assist Senior Program Managers in coordinating all activities including facilitation of farmers mobilization; awareness creation at all levels, training of farmers in best agronomic practices, post harvest handling and the agricultural enterprise curriculum. S/He shall assist in managing the farmer-investor relationship and activities of ADP staff seconded to the program. S/He shall assist in initiating and overseeing on-farm demonstrations on improved technologies and new practices required by specific buyer(s) to improve competitiveness at the farm level, assist with development of training materials and training in collaboration with private service providers hired by the project. In addition to technical tasks, the Value Chain Advisors will assist with M&E activities, drafting scopes of work and providing inputs for weekly, monthly and quarterly reports.
As directed by the Senior Program Managers the immediate supervisor, the Value Chain Advisors are charged with the supervision of activities, directly or via delegation, as is appropriate.
These include but are not limited to the following tasks:
Assist Senior Program Managers with the development and implementation of commodity specific plans of action in collaboration with partners and client firms; and, design of training programs as needed for successful implementation of rice and sorgum production in the targeted areas of the region.Assist Senior Program Managers with the planning, implementation and monitoring of commodity specific activities including but not limited to: drafting scopes of work for short-term service providers, selecting suitable service providers, supervise their activities and ensure timely and effective delivery of quality products consistent with expected milestones and results.Assist Senior Program Managers in providing technical assistance and disseminate the package of practices for the production of high quality commodities that meets end-users quality and quantity requirements through demonstrations, training of trainers, and on-the-spot visits to farms and farmers. He shall give priority to environmentally sound production technologies and practices that increase profitability, while addressing targeted market demands and hindrances to easy access to service markets (input dealers, banks, extension agencies, etc.). H/she shall also give attention to mechanization and ensure adoption of appropriate and affordable machineries that will improve efficiency of smallholder farming.Assist Senior Program Managers with development of training materials and training of producers, ADP staff, agro-dealers etc., on improved production techniques and post-harvest handling including cleaning, sorting, grading, and storage. Also provide constant supervision on varietal trials and pilot initiatives (such as contract farming) that will improve efficiency and effectiveness of raw material supply to processors.Establish close and effective working relations with key organizations and government agencies and facilitate the integration, coordination and harmonization of value chain development activities with relevant key actors like state governments, private sector firms and donor projects.Provide inputs to Markets II weekly, monthly and quarterly reports and work planning exercises.Perform other tasks as required by the Senior Program Managers.Location: Abuja and Kano
Experience/Qualifications:
First degree in agronomy, agricultural economics or related discipline with over 3 years of professional experience in extension work, training and institutional linkages. Master’s degree in the field of agriculture is an advantage.Demonstrated experience in rice production and market-led agricultural development is a must. Knowledge of USAID project or commodity value chain development is a strong advantage. Also experience in training extension workers or other agricultural trainers in Nigeria will be beneficial.Demonstrated ability to design training and provide technical and marketing assistance to farmers is desirable. Also experience in developing and promoting environmentally sustainable agricultural production and processing techniques.Ability to work collaboratively, and build alliances with relevant groups, organizations, agencies, businesses, private or public sectors is highly important. High level of initiative and creativity. He/she must be a team player, able to work effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.Position: Project Accountant
The Project Accountant is responsible providing effective financial support to the project ensuring compliance with Chemonics and USAID policies and procedures. The scope of the position includes but is not limited to assisting with entering of local transactions in accounting software, running monthly reports, processing travel advances, processing payroll, reviewing expense reports, monitoring receivables and payables, ensuring compliance within satellite offices, remitting taxes as well as processing wire transfer requests.
Specific Duties of the Project Accountant
Review local expense reports for compliance with USAID and Federal Travel regulations before reimbursement.Coordinate with program and administrative staff to ensure transactions are properly coded.Prepare wire transfer requests.Prepare and issue payroll checks for local staff.Ensure remittances are made to appropriate authoritiesMonitor cash balances, prepare advance account reconciliations, bank reconciliations and maintain a good system of records.Coordination with the bank for information regarding balance account, bank statements, exchange rates, etc.Work with the Finance Manager and Finance Assistant to ensure compliance with Chemonics and USAID policies and procedures.Prepare other ad-hoc financial reports as may be required.Assist/deputize for the Finance Manager on daily accounting work of the project as needed.Produce work products in conformity with the project and clients’ standards.Communicate information in a way that demonstrates a basic understanding of development assistance work, project culture, values, and practices, and the specific scope and nature of the project.Demonstrate maturity, dependability, integrity, and initiative to learn competencies and skills required for the job assignment.Contribute to a work environment that emphasizes teamwork, respect for differences, and accepting and giving constructive feedback.Other duties as assigned by the Finance ManagerLocation: Abuja
Experience/ Qualification:
Degree in Accounting or Financial Management.At least 3-5 years experience in an accounting position.Excellent working capabilities with MS Excel, Word and other accounting software packages.Knowledge of payroll and tax issues.Good interpersonal skills, honesty, and commitment to excellence.Ability to establish and maintain effective, sustainable relationships with project staff, bank and tax officials, USAID Mission personnel and the general development and business community.Experience with donors and USAID is preferred.Position: Accounts Assistant
The Accounts Assistant’s primary responsibilities are filing, photocopying and making cash/check deposits to the bank. The individual will assist the Finance Manager and Accountant with a variety of administrative and accounting tasks as directed. The Accounts Assistant will report to the Finance Manager or his/her designee.
Specific Duties of the Accounts Assistant
Deposit vendor, subcontractor, consultant and other checks to the bank.Receive cash and make payments to the project bank account.File accounts documents.Photocopy accounts documents.Prepare check requests originated from the Finance and Accounts Department.Review medical expenses submitted for reimbursement.Assist the technical team and any other staff with financial requests upon approval from the Finance Manager or his designee.Travel to assist with field activities when required.Produce work products in conformity with the project and clients’ standards.Communicate information in a way that demonstrates a basic understanding of development assistance work, project culture, values, and practices, and the specific scope and nature of the project.Demonstrate maturity, dependability, integrity, and initiative to learn competencies and skills required for the job assignment.Contribute positively to a work environment that emphasizes teamwork, respect for differences, accepting and giving constructive feedback.Any other duties as directed by supervisor.Location: Abuja
Experience/Qualification:
Degree or certificate is preferred.At least 3-5 years experience working in an administrative role. Experience operating under a USAID contract preferred.Excellent working capabilities with MS Excel and Word.Good interpersonal skills, honesty, and commitment to excellence.Ability to establish and maintain effective, sustainable relationships with project staff, bank and tax officials, USAID Mission personnel, and the general development and business community.Strong organizational and work prioritization skills, attention to detail.Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity.How to Apply:
Note:
Only candidates who meet the above minimum qualification and work experience should apply by sending, a cover letter and full CV detailing all relevant professional experience, achievements, including three professional references not later than 15th May, 2014 to recruitment@nigeriamarkets.org . Please specify “the position” in the subject line. Chemonics is an Equal Opportunity Employer.