Consultancy Service: Project Finance Expert

Introduction

The African Union InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) will be leading the implementation of the regional Project “Strengthening Integrated One Health Capacities for Enhanced Pandemic Preparedness and Response in the Lake Chad Basin” funded by the Pandemic fund. The SCOPE project will be implemented across five Lake Chad Basin (LCB) member states namely Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, Central Africa Republic (CAR) and Chad.  The afore-mentioned project overall goal is to strengthen cross-border capacities for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response through an integrated and inclusive One Health approach in the Lake Chad Basin. The SCOPE Project will be implemented through three result areas; Result Area 1: By 2029, Enhance capacity for cross-border One Health prevention, detection, notification and response for pandemics in the Lake Chad Basin; Result Area 2: By 2029, strengthen the cross-border governance and coordination mechanisms for inclusive and equitable One Health Systems; Result Area 3: By 2029, foster sustainable innovative financial flows, strategic partnerships and stewardship for PPR in the Lake Chad Basin. AU-IBAR will be working in close partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC). 
To support the day-to-day implementation of programme activities, AU-IBAR seeks to recruit a Finance Officer to assist the day to day financial and operations of the Scope Pandemic.

Purpose of Job

The Finance Officer Consultant will be responsible for the day-to-day financial and operational activities of the Scope Pandemic project. This includes managing budgets, accounts, procurement, and assets management. The Finance Officer Consultant will also work to support the IBAR in achieving its objectives. She/he will have the following specific duties and responsibilities.

Main Functions

1. Collecting, verifying and processing all financial documents related to service contract, technical check of invoices to verify that VAT exemption procedure is respected, administration of resources, and arranging payment orders.
2. Maintenance of financial data records (costs incurred, forecast budget, funds remaining)
3. Preparation of requests for payment, requests for contract amendments
4. Preparation of requests for use of incidentals
5. Archiving all relevant documentation both, electronically and/or manually
6. Participation in the  procurement and subcontracting procedures including preparation of related technical documentation
7. Assisting Operating structures of Scope Project and IBAR during audit missions, reviewing expenditure verification reports drafted by the auditor of the service contract and making comments on financial and contractual matters
8. Management of RECs, Member states and partners  budget, i.e.: monitoring available funds, reviewing the status of MSs accounts, controlling expenditure eligibility
9. Prepare TA budget and Budget plans, take care of all the liabilities, controlling expenditures, eligibility, and office budget
10. Contribute to the definition of internal rules for the review of financial progress reports;  Implement and update the  PPR  project database
11. Assisting the Head of the Animal Health Unit  as the Team Leader in preparation and delivering of financial and procurement arrangements, sub delegation and funds transfer and management.  

Specific Responsibilities

1. Manage budgets and ensure that they are in line with the project’s objectives.
2. Implement financial and operational policies, rules and regulations of AU and donors namely AfDB.
3. Coordinate and oversee the financial and operational activities of the project, ensuring compliance with African Union and AfDB rules and regulations.
4. Prepare and monitor the annual budgets and work plans of the project, liaising with RECs, MSs and partners.
5. Provide timely and accurate financial and operational reports to the Project management and donors, highlighting achievements, challenges and recommendations.
6. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the project staffs, regional stakeholders, donors and other partners, representing IBAR relevant meetings and forums.
7. Identify and mitigate financial and operational risks, ensuring adherence to internal controls and audit recommendations.
8. Support IBAR in resource mobilization, proposal development and grant management.
9. Provide technical guidance and capacity building to the IBAR staff on financial and operational matters.
10. Prepare financial reports and ensure that they are accurate and timely.
11. Administer accounts and ensure that payments are made on time and in accordance with AU policies, rules and regulations.
12. Oversee procurement activities and ensure that goods and services are purchased in a cost-effective manner.
13. Perform any other duties as assigned by the AU-IBAR Director or his/her designate.

Duty Station

AU-IBAR office based in Nairobi, Kenya with regular travel to participating countries within the Lake Chad Basin region.

Scoring Criteria

Gender Mainstreaming

The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Academic Requireents

Qualifications

1. The successful applicant should have a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or a related field.
2.  A master’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration or any other related field will be an added advantage. 
3. A professional certification (such as CPA, CMA, ACCA, etc.) is desirable.
4. Bilingual proficiency in English and French (verbal and written) is an added advantage

General Experience

1. At least five (5) and relevant work experience in financial and operational management of complex projects or programs, preferably in the animal health or development sector.

Specific Experience

1. Experience with financial management software.
2. Experience with procurement procedures.
3. Experience with facilities management.
4. Knowledge of the animal health sector. 
5. Demonstrated knowledge and skills in budgeting, accounting, reporting, auditing, procurement, human resources, and logistics management.
6. Familiarity with AU policies and procedures, donor regulations (such as EU, AfDB, ADB, World Bank, etc).

Competencies

1. Excellent organizational and administrative skills.
2. Strong planning, scheduling, and time management abilities.
3. Excellent minute writing and report preparation skills.
4. Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
5. Ability to coordinate multiple activities simultaneously.
6. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and virtual meeting platforms.
7. Strong attention to detail and ability to work under pressure.
8. Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion.

Required Skills 

1. Excellent oral and written communication skills in both English and French.
2. Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
3. Willingness to travel within the region and to other locations as required.
4. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
5. Excellent organizational and time management skills.
6. Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Other Essential Skills and Experience

1. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (especially Excel) and accounting software (such as QuickBooks, SAP, etc.).

Duration

The project life-span is for three (3) years but the duration of this consultancy is 6 months, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. The selected candidate should be available to undertake this assignment as soon as the contract is signed.

Remuneration

The monthly remuneration for this Consultancy is P1 step 10. Expenses for missions will be covered separately in accordance with the applicable African Union Commission rules and regulations.  

Supervision and reporting

The consultant will be under the Direct Supervision of the Project Co-ordinator – SCOPE project with overall supervision of the Director of AU-IBAR.

HOW TO APPLY 

Please submit Applications should include the following:

i.    Detailed curriculum vitae;
ii.    Copies of academic and professional qualifications;
iii.    Completed declaration on exclusion criteria in the format attached; and
iv.    Copies of identification documents.

to the email procurement@au-ibar.org and a copy to albert.obiero@au-ibar.org clearly indicating in the subject line “ Project Finance Expert” The deadline for applications will be 06th November 2026 at 23:45hrs Nairobi Local Time.