1. Background

The Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA) is a sub-regional organization (SRO) created by the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) member states to coordinate cooperation in agricultural research and development. The SADC region is being adversely affected by climate change. This impact is also affecting the agricultural sector and it is posing a major threat to regional food and nutritional security. The impact is more severe on resource poor farmers who are the majority of rural dwellers. Nonetheless, opportunity exists for various stakeholders to work together to harness their skills and capacities to contribute towards the transformation of regional agriculture through adoption of innovative approaches.

A newly launched EU initiative on the Development of Smart Innovation through Research in Agriculture (DeSIRA) intends to boost the transformation of innovation in agriculture and food systems in partner countries make them to be more resilient to climate change and better responding to development demands. This specific Action will support the African continental and sub-regional organisations (SROs) for agricultural research and innovation (SAOARI), namely: FARA, AFAAS, ASARECA, CCARDESA, and CORAF. The direct beneficiaries of this action are the national agricultural knowledge and innovation systems (NAKIS) in African countries, while the ultimate beneficiaries of the transformation of these agricultural knowledge and innovation systems are the rural poor comprising smallholder farmers, women and youth agri-preneurs and pastoralists, as well as marginalized communities.

CCARDESA will implement this initiative in the SADC region as the “Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program ex Pilar IV” (CAADP-xP4) programme in collaboration with other SROs and other key stakeholders in the regional agricultural knowledge and innovation space.  This regional program that will be funded by the European Union through the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) will cover 7 countries (Botswana, Eswatini, Namibia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. These Member States require capacity strengthening on assorted areas, including: policy analysis, harmonization, advocacy, MEL, coordination, fiduciary processes, resource mobilization, and other internal protocols.

Project Goal: The project support will contribute to AU’s Agenda 2063 and in implementation of Agenda 2030. It contributes primarily to the progressive achievement of SDG Goal 2 (zero hunger), and combat climate change and its impacts (SDG13). It also promotes progress towards ending poverty (SDG1), gender equality (SDG5), decent work and economic growth (SDG8), and responsible consumption and production (SDG12).

Overall Objective (Impact): The programme will promote climate-relevant, productive, and sustainable transformation of agriculture and food systems in low and middle-income countries in Africa, thereby specifically contributing to the achievement of the SDG Targets.

Specific Objective (Outcome): The Action is anticipated to eventually contribute to improved capacities of CCARDESA to strengthen and support agricultural knowledge and innovation partners at all levels in Africa to transform agriculture and food systems and to influence policy formulation through effective linkages to and the use of climate relevant science, knowledge and innovation.

The CCARDESA Secretariat invites suitably qualified, experienced, innovative, result oriented and self-driven individuals who are citizens of Botswana to apply for the following position under the CAADP-XP 4 Programme. The selected candidate will be based at CCARDESA Secretariat in Gaborone, Botswana, and will be offered a 4 year fixed term renewable performance-based contract.

2. Job description

The objective of this function is to be responsible for day to day financial management processes in the CAADP–XP 4 Programme and support implementation of the project.  The Assistant Finance Officer will work under the direct supervision of the Finance Officer, who will provide overall guidance and support.

3. Duties and responsibilities

The main duties for the position are:

1. To timely post and process all accounting data with the objective of facilitating timely production of financial reports for the project;
2. To endorse purchase requisitions with the objective of facilitating budgetary control;
3. To conduct bank reconciliations the objective of ensuring safety of cash resources;
4. To assist the Finance Officer in compiling monthly cash flow forecasts and Annual Work Plans & Budgets;
5. To conduct creditors reconciliations for creditors and process payment documentation with the objective of ensuring compliance with terms and conditions of supply;
6. To compile balance sheet schedules and analysis for the project with the objective of facilitating financial control;
7. To maintain accounting records related to bookkeeping, expenses, funds, that are at all times accurate, substantiated, up to date, sufficiently detailed and prepared in accordance with financial regulations, guidelines and checklists for random spot checks;
8. To compile expenditure estimates for specific activities with the objective of facilitating activity implementation;
9. To up-date fixed asset registers of project assets with the objective of securing assets.

4. Minimum Qualifications and Requirements

1. 1. Qualifications and Work experience

1. First Degree in Degree in Accounting plus Advanced stage of a Professional Accounting qualification with an internationally recognized accounting body such as ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, ICAS, ACPA or equivalent.
2. At least three years relevant experience in Finance, experience in donor funded programmes will be an added advantage.

1. 2. Other Skills and Abilities
1. The successful candidate must be fluent in written and spoken English in all aspects of the work required. Knowledge of the other two SADC working languages (French and Portuguese) will be an added advantage.
2. Willingness to travel and meet tight deadlines.
3. Analytical thinking
4. Achievement focus

5. Eligibility

This position is open to citizens of Botswana only. CCARDESA is an equal opportunity employer and therefore women are strongly encouraged to apply.