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WWF CARPO, Regional Financial Director

Location: Central Africa Regional Programme Office, Yaoundé
Contract Type: 2 years - renewable
Remuneration: Competitive
Closing date: This position remains open until filled
Starting date: As soon as possible
Reference: WWF-FD-CARPO

I. Major Functions


Ensure that WWF CARPO applies the highest standards in financial management in order to support its Conservation Strategy in the region.

Supervise and co-ordinate the development and implementation of policies, procedures and systems for all financial support services throughout the Programme, including accounting, financial reporting, auditing, IT systems, budget management, and adherence to guidelines developed by the Home Office.

Support the Regional Representative in the development and implementation of the Programme's Strategic and Business Plans and in ensuring that the programme has enough financial resources to comply with its contractual obligations.

Provide effective leadership to ensure strong and professional financial management at WWF CARPO regional level and throughout region's presences

II. Major Duties and Responsibilities


Policies, procedures and systems

1. Ensures that all Programme locations apply the established WWF International Field Operations Policies & Procedures as set out in the appropriate manuals and the WWF Network standards issued by the Chief Operating Officer of WWF International;

2. Where appropriate, co-ordinates the preparation of local versions of these procedures in compliance with local law and WWF agreements with Countries;

3. Ensures that all Programme locations operate in strict application of the laws and regulations in force and ensures that the policies and procedures are adapted, where necessary, to reflect these laws and regulations in coordination with the Home office where local laws & regulations contradict WWF International policies & procedures;

4. Ensures that all Programme locations are properly equipped with the appropriate WWF International approved accounting and financial systems, and that these are updated in a co-ordinated and timely manner.

Financial Management and Reporting

1. Ensures that all Programme locations have appropriate financial structures with properly qualified and trained staff;

2. Supervises and performance manages the finance staff at WWF CARPO regional level directly, and has strong functional (dotted line) supervision over head of finance in all Programme locations, and as designated;

3. Ensures that all Programme locations provide timely and appropriate financial information to management;

4. Ensures the adequacy of financial reports, systems, procedures and internal controls in all Programme locations; oversees the financial consolidation of all programme offices reporting into the Regional Office;

5. Develops a timetable for data transfer from Country Offices and Projects within the region to ensure timely preparation of consolidated financial reports. Directs the preparation and distribution of all consolidated financial reports;

6. Supervises the development of and modifications to the Programme's Chart of Accounts, in co-ordination with the Country Offices and WWF International;

7. Ensures that all contracts are properly developed and that all Programme locations and sub-contractors properly monitor and fulfil their financial contractual obligations, including reporting to donors;

8. Co-ordinates and participates in the preparation of project and Programme budgets and forecasts;

9. Ensures that all project budgets, and particularly that of the Regional Programme Office, are fully funded;

10. Ensures that staff contracts are funded and appropriate systems are in place for payment;

11. Ensures that the financial reports for all Programme locations are regularly reviewed, analysed and followed-up jointly by senior finance staff and the project executants:


12. Co-ordinates transfers of funds from donors on a timely basis to Projects under the direct management of the Regional Office;

13. Ensures quality of service of the financial departments, monitors the financial key performance indicator (KPI) reporting

Strategic and Business Planning


1. Contributes to the Regional Strategic Plan development

2. Directs and improves WWF CARPO’s performance to meet WWF International's operations and management systems network standards and best practices as well as contractual requirements of WWF CARPO. This includes but is not limited to designing, implementing and ensuring the compliance of improved F&A and operational controls, processes and procedures throughout the Regional offices;

3. Based on the WWF CARPO Strategic Plan ensures an integrated programme and budgeting planning process and the development and monitoring of an Annual Action plan for WWF CARPO and related Country Offices;

4. Ensures that the Regional Management Team understands all necessary aspects and needs of operational development and Strategic Plan targets, ensures they are fully supported by as well as informed of operational objectives, purposes and achievements; ensures participation and engagement of Operations teams in all relevant meetings and planning of other departments of WWF CARPO and with partners, in particular in relation to the development of key programmes and projects

5. Co-ordinates the preparation of the annual operations and programme budgets for the Programme, in accordance with the annual planning cycle. Budget planning will require close collaboration with finance, accounting, administration and programme staff.

6. Assists in the preparation and review of all proposals for submission for funding relative to Projects to be managed by the Regional Office.

7. Assists in the revision of Country Agreements as required by local context and the development of the Programme.

Special Projects
Oversees any special projects, conducts analysis as required on any of the above activities.


IV. Profile


Required Qualifications
  • A university degree in Commerce, Business Administration or related field; possession of an MBA or equivalent post-graduate qualification would be an advantage
  • Full accounting qualification i.e. CPA, ACCA or equivalent
  • Over 10 years working experience in a senior Finance position preferably in a major international organisation/NGO
  • Management experience at international level and Demonstrable skills in the development of finance and accounting policies, procedures and systems in the context of an international NGO
  • Good knowledge of fund accounting including reporting requirements of major Government and Aid Agencies.
  • Hands-on knowledge of the ACCPAC, Oracle or any other ERP accounting software would be a distinct advantage
  • Candidates of African origin/nationality are warmly received

Required skills and behaviours
  • English/French fluent,
  • Mobility – able to travel regularly to offices and programmes
  • Cultural sensitivity with excellent interpersonal skills for an African and international context
  • Critical behavioural competencies include:
o ability to promote team synergy in a multi-cultural work environment
o integrity and reliability
o customer orientation/relations,
o analytical thinking and problem solving,
o organisational skills, highly effective work habits, strategic thinking and decision making,
o flexibility and team spirit,
o change management

Adheres to WWF’s values and mission:


1. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the planet's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.

2. Embodies WWF's values, which are: Passionate & Optimistic, Challenging & Inspiring, Credible & Accountable, Persevering & Delivering Results.


V. Working Relationships


Internal -. Works closely with SMT members, Country Management Team (MT) and staff on a daily basis. Works closely to support Country Offices’ staff in functional areas relevant to his/her responsibilities. As required coordinates and interacts with the NI teams, species teams, WWF International, and other WWF Network staff, especially those who have funding in the region.
External - Interacts with national governmental institutions, , specialists / consultants, and other stakeholders.

This job description covers the main tasks and conveys the spirit of the sort of tasks that are anticipated proactively from staff. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to organizational needs.


How to apply

WWF CARPO has exclusively tasked Mission Talent to undertake this search. All applications must be addressed to Tim Biscaye and submitted via applications@missiontalent.comwith cc totim.biscaye@missiontalent.com.

To apply for this leadership role, please adhere to the following guidelines:
  1. Kindly attach your CV (in English) and a covering letter (of 350 words or less) which summarizes how your profile aligns with the key job requirements and required skills and abilities of this role.
  2. Draft your CV and Covering Letter in a WORD formatted documents (not PDF or RTF).
  3. Please do not add any additional documentation in your initial application.
  4. Your subject line must state WWF-FD-CARPO Your Last Name, First Name in the subject line.

If you want priority attention to your submission, please follow the above specified four (4) steps.

Thank you in advance for your interest in this position. Please note that only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted by Mission Talent for follow up.