Header

Senior Project Leader (Pakistan)

Job Category:Corporate Services Program
Position Title:Outreach Finance Manager
Type of Contract:Internationally Recruited Staff
Location:Mexico
Desired Skills:
Description:
We are seeking a dynamic, innovative, and service-orientated professional for the position of Outreach Finance Manager. The position reports to Director of International Finance, in the Corporate Services Program, and will participate actively in the development and support of finance and administrative procedures for CIMMYT’s Regional Offices and Experimental Stations.

CIMMYT is a not-for-profit research and training organization headquartered in Mexico, with over 1000 employees, offices in 14 countries, and an annual budget in excess of US$140 million. Over almost fifty years, CIMMYT and its partners worldwide have made a strong contribution to reducing hunger and increasing food security. Please refer to our website for more information: www.cimmyt.org

The position will be based at CIMMYT Main Campus (located 45 km northeast of Mexico City, Mexico). The selected candidate will be expected to travel regularly to CIMMYT regional offices throughout Asia, Africa, and Latin America, as well as to conferences and other events.

The selected candidate will engage in the following activities:

  • Provide oversight and support to Finance & Administrative function in Regional Offices and stations on all matters related to Finance, Grants management and administration
  • Direct queries from Regional Offices and Stations to the right department in HQ and facilitate follow-up.
  • Ensure timely recording of Regional Offices and experimental stations accounting records in Central Finance system in accordance with Month end table.
  • Work together with the Accounting Department to ensure completeness/accuracy of Regional Office fixed assets in central finance system.
  • Review and approve cash transfer request from Regional Offices.
  • Further develop and strengthen monthly review of Regional Offices accounting records including balance sheet items in close cooperation with Program Finance managers.
  • In close coordination with ICT coordinate the rollout of Dynamics AX to Experimental stations and Regional Offices.
  • Ensure the design of an organizational structure adequate for to support CIMMYT research activities in the South Asia Region.
  • Supervise, develop and motivate a strong Finance and Administration team in the South Asia Region.
  • Liaise with CIMMYT headquarters and Regional Office and Experimental staff on issues related to the Finance Department.
  • In consultation and coordination with CIMMYT HQ: improve, develop and implement financial and administrative policies and procedures in Regional Offices and Experimental stations and ensure adherence.
  • Ensure appropriate internal controls are in place in Regional Offices and experimental stations.
  • Ensure follow-up on agreed upon audit actions in the South Asia Region.
  • Monitor financial performance of regional grants being implemented in the region and provide support on financial matters to Project leaders regional grants (CSISA).
  • Work together with Finance and Administration staff in the region to ensure compliance with local regulatory and tax legislation; coordinate with Government bodies as required.
  • In close cooperation with CLO’s and station managers manage performance and appraisal of staff.
  • Participate in recruitment and selection of key finance and admin staff in the regional offices and experimental stations.
  • In close cooperation with HQ, coordinate finance training for both finance staff and for research staff with project management responsibilities based in regional offices and experimental stations.
  • Together with local Finance and Admin staff, manage internal and external audits and reviews.

We are seeking candidates with the following qualifications, skills, characteristics and interests:

  • Master degree or MBA in Finance.
  • Between 7-10 years’ experience in a related area with increasing levels of responsibility in a medium sized to large development organization. Experience requires a minimum of 3 years of experience in supervision of staff. International work experience at regional and field level is required.
  • Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office application Word, Powerpoint and Outlook. Advanced knowledge of MS Excel is required.
  • Knowledge and experience with ERP systems, preferably Microsoft AX Dynamics. Experience with Quickbooks accounting software is a plus.
  • The position requires a high level of prioritization, a high level of customer service, and to be able to maintain overview while maintaining attention to detail.
  • Ability to work in a multicultural team.
  • Ability to work in a stressful environment and under pressure.
  • Excellent communication skills, orally and written, including the ability to make persuasive presentations.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills. The position requires frequent contact with a wide variety of actors at different levels within the institution and occasional interactions with external actors such as local governments, banks and lawyers.
  • Proficiency in English. Fluency in Spanish will be an advantage.

We will offer an initial contract for 3 years, which is renewable subject to continued need and funding for the position and performance of the staff member. Our internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, automobile or transportation allowance, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.

To apply for this position, please email cover letter and CV no later than Monday, 25 November, 2013 to Human Resources, CIMMYT (Email: adriana.robles@sri-executive.com / Please indicate Position Reference number: 12331 in the header of your email).

For further information on the selection process, please contact Guillermo Flores, Staffing Specialist, at g.flores@cgiar.org

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.