Finance and Human Resources Specialist at CAMRIS International

CAMRIS International is a growing international development and research firm with experience working in more than 80 countries. We combine our proven systems with today’s most effective, evidence-based best practices to improve the lives of people around the world. CAMRIS applies a customized, customer-centric, cost-effective business approach to offer greater value to our clients and challenge the way things have always been done in our field.

We are recruiting to fill the vacant position below:

Job Position: Finance and Human Resources Specialist
Job Location: Abuja
Job Type: Regular Full-Time

Overview

• Working under the direction of the Finance & Human Resources Manager (FHRM), the Finance & Human Resources Specialist (FHRS) will support all financial and human resources management aspects of the Nigeria & Lake Chad Basin (NLCB) Program in compliance with CAMRIS policies and procedures and USAID regulations.
• The scope of the position includes but is not limited to assisting with entering local transactions into CAMRIS’s cloud accounting system, running monthly reports, processing travel advances, processing payroll, reviewing expense reports, monitoring receivables and payables, ensuring compliance with Nigerian and international finance regulations, ensuring adequate cash balances to cover operations and project activities and processing electronic funds transfer/check requests. 
• The FHRS tasks will include tracking of budgets, supporting activity and operations budget projections for the Damaturu office, making timely payments to vendors and consultants, and daily input of transactions into CAMRIS’s accounting system. 
• The FHRS prepares payment/disbursement vouchers and other financial documentation, supports the FHRM to analyze and manage accounts, prepares supporting documentation, and works closely with the Abuja-based Finance Assistant (FA) and the Maiduguri-based Finance & HR Officer. 
• The FHRS will be responsible for following CAMRIS’s finance and Human Resource (HR) procedures and will provide finance and HR training and guidance to CAMRIS staff and partners in Yobe State. 
• The FHRM is responsible for the transparent and competitive recruitment, hiring, and retention of qualified personnel for the Damaturu office, in accordance with local labor law. 
• This position will be based in Damaturu. Periodic travel throughout northeastern Nigeria and to Abuja may be required.

Responsibilities
Essential Job Functions:

• Manage all accounting, financial, HR, and administrative management systems in the Damaturu office.
• Interpret and provide guidance and instruction on finance and HR processes, policies, and workflow.

Finance & Accounting:

• Follow CAMRIS’s written guidelines and systems designed to support efficient and effective accounting and payment processes.
• Prepare financial documents required for transactions, including payment/disbursement vouchers.
• Keep all financial records and files organized and up to date at all times, and send finance files to Abuja principal office at least monthly.
• Ensure all check payments, electronic funds transfers, advances, petty-cash and Mobile Money advances and transactions are entered accurately into CAMRIS’s accounting system.
• Manage Damaturu office petty cash and report daily on petty cash on hand balance.
• Ensure timely payment of all invoices, bills, and collections; analyze and reconcile accounts; and coordinate satellite office requests for funds with the principal office in Abuja.
• Track cash and petty cash advances.
• Review travel expense reports to ensure accuracy and compliance with CAMRIS’s policies and procedures before liquidation of travel advance and/or reimbursement of travel expenses.
• Coordinate with program and operations staff to ensure transactions are properly coded.
• Review and approve all disbursement/payment vouchers, including a thorough review of all supporting documents to ensure the goods and services being paid are adequately documented, approval thresholds are being followed, and procurement documentation, if required, is attached.
• Ensure all Cloud-based accounting systems, procedures, and record keeping are up and running in the Damaturu office.
• Establish and maintain accounting records for all goods and services paid for and ensure strong internal review and controls are in place and being followed by the CAMRIS team.
• Follow all financial management systems, guides and forms in use to ensure compliance with relevant CAMRIS policies and procedures and USAID regulations.
• Track expenditure and payments for the procurement of goods and services, subcontracts, accounts payable, and recurrent bills.
• Produce weekly satellite office expense report in compliance with relevant CAMRIS policies, procedures, and formats.
• Support the FHRM to prepare monthly bank reconciliations and follow-up and track all un-cleared checks.
• Ensure that there is adequate liquidity at all times to support timely payment of all program- and operations- expenses and prepare and submit funds requests in a timely manner to FHRM to prevent any disruptions in activities or operations.
• Process electronic funds transfers and checks for payments to vendors in compliance with CAMRIS policies and procedures and USAID regulations.
• Participate in ongoing analysis, forecasting, and review of operations and program expenses.
• Support the FHRM to prepare monthly reports on the financial status of NLCB program expenses, budget versus actual expenditure analysis, and monthly expenditure forecast for review and approval by CAMRIS home office.
• Provide training and guidance to grantees, local partners, and beneficiaries, as needed.
• Provide support to Activity Management Teams (AMTs) during activity close-out and with reconciliation of financial records.
• Support the FHRM to review and approve the financial close-out of program activities, and verify documentation and information is complete.
• Support the FHRM to provide advice and guidance to AMTs and senior management staff on the financial management aspects of the program and any financial implications of the implementation of existing or contemplated activities.
• Assure that invoicing and financial reporting procedures conform to CAMRIS home office systems and are understood by all CAMRIS employees and consultants, grantees, short-term technical assistance consultants, sub-contractors, service providers, and vendors.
• Participate with AMTs and senior management staff in the review and monitoring of activity implementation, to assess whether financial management of activities is efficient, effective, and supports the achievement of program and activity objectives.
• Assure confidentiality of information about the program and finances.
• Train staff and partners, as required, on USAID and CAMRIS policies, procedures, and forms.
• Supervise and oversee administrative staff, if any, based in the Damaturu satellite office.
• Support FHRM to prepare monthly VAT reports, if VAT is paid on goods and/or services procured from the Damaturu office.
• Support the FHRM, senior management team (SMT), and CAMRIS home office staff to prepare pipelines and budget modification requests, if required, for incremental funding obligations.
• Work closely day-to-day with the FHRM and Senior Operations Manager/Deputy Chief of Party (SOM/DCOP).

Recruitment, HR & Administration:

• Implement and follow CAMRIS policies regarding human resources activities, such as recruitment, compensation, benefits, training, employee relations, and performance management.
• Lead and manage recruitment of employees and short-term technical assistance (STTA) consultants in Damaturu and Yobe State.
• Post job and consultancy advertisements on the NLCB website, in local media, outlets on online and physical job notice boards,
• Organize and review CVs for advertised positions, and shortlist candidates in collaboration with SOM/DCOP, Program & Satellite Team & Office Coordinator--Damaturu (PSTOC), and COP.
• Administer exams to applicants and schedule interviews.
• Vet candidates by doing thorough reference and background checks and reviewing and verifying documents presented to substantiate both education and salary history.
• Support selected candidates to complete and/or correct their 1420 Employee Biographical Data form.
• Prepare hiring memorandums to document and ensure transparent and competitive recruitment process.
• Process, verify, and maintain documentation relating to personnel activities such as staffing, recruitment, training, grievances, performance evaluations, and position and job classifications.
• Publish employee and consultancy vacancies and oversee and lead recruitment, interviews, and selection of applicants.
• Provide employees with information about HR policies, employee benefits, job requirements, wages, and opportunities for promotion.
• Follow compensation, benefits (including staff care), and performance management systems.
• Advise supervisors and staff on organizational policy matters such as equal employment opportunity and sexual harassment.
• Plan and conduct new employee orientation, encouraging enthusiasm among staff about NLCB program and objectives.
• Make decisions on HR issues in consultation with the FHRM and SOM/DCOP.
• Monitor time and attendance of staff, manage accrued leave, and process leave request forms.
• Maintain files for all employees, Short Term Technical Assistance (STTA) consultants, and casual laborers.
• Process and track the dates of employment and consulting agreements to ensure these do not lapse.
• Ensure all staff record hours on their timesheets daily and submit these by deadline in accordance with CAMRIS policy.
• Develop and cultivate a strong relationship with Yobe state labor authorities.
• Review and discuss any issues related to employee or STTA agreements with the FHRM, SOM/DCOP, and COP.
• Induct and train new staff and STTA consultants on CAMRIS’s policies and procedures related to HR and administration.
• Ensure that booking for short- and long-term housing and hotel accommodation is done in advance of travel and arrivals.
• Any other duties and tasks as needed and assigned.

Qualifications
Required Skills & Experience:

• Four-year university degree in finance, accounting, business, or a related field required.
• Minimum of three (3) years general work history is required.
• Minimum of two (2) years professional experience in accounting and financial management for a USAID- or other international donor-funded program(s) or project(s) required.
• In-depth understanding of USAID’s ADS, AIDAR, and the FAR, and the regulations which apply to NLCB activities and awards.
• In-depth knowledge of USAID’s policies and procedures in regards to financial management, financial reporting, and procurement processes, systems, and grant management.
• Prior experience working on a program which included grants or small grants under contract, preferably in-kind grants, and focused on rural and insecure areas.
• Demonstrated ability to solve challenging and complicated financial management and HR issues.
• Ability to develop in-depth understanding of and willingness to comply with all CAMRIS and USAID/OTI procedures and manuals (e.g., Activity Management Guide, Activity Cycle Flowchart, Field Procurement Guide, and Operational Communications, Emergency, Information, and Physical Security Plans).
• Experience with budgeting and cost analysis.
• Experience with USAID project finances and budgeting or similar work for other donors/U.S. Government agencies.
• Detail oriented, meticulous, and methodical in the approach to financial management.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work cooperatively, tactfully and diplomatically with a culturally diverse group of people.
• Sensitivity in working with multiple cultures and beliefs, and commitment to gender equity.
• Strong ability to use and develop financial management and tracking systems.
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout northeastern Nigeria.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated experience in community participation/engagement-type projects and violence prevention.
• Knowledge of northeastern Nigeria and the NLCB program’s target states and communities.
• Ability to work under pressure, efficiently handle multiple tasks, quickly find creative solutions to problems and challenges that arise, and manage stress and time in a fast-paced work and fluid operating environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office software: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.
• Excellent record keeping and documentation skills.
• Prior experience working in northeastern Nigeria and/or a conflict environment.
• Written and spoken fluency in English.
• Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Prior experience with USAID- or US Government-funded projects.
• Prior experience using cloud-based accounting applications.
• Experience with a USAID program with a large and high volume small grants component preferred.
• Proficiency in one or more of the local languages used in northeastern Nigeria (Hausa, Kanuri, and Fulfulde, etc.).