The Ministry of Forestry Range and Soil Conservation is implementing the “Regeneration of Landscapes and Livelihoods Project” (ROLL) funded by the Government of Lesotho (GoL) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The objective of the project is to is to ensure that rural communities adopt transformational practices for regenerated landscapes and sustainable livelihoods leading to improved nutrition and adaptation to climate change. This objective is underpinned by four outcomes; 1) Change in resource use practices; 2) Reduction of environmental degradation; 3) Improved livelihoods; and 4) the establishment of a facility and a fund.
The project comprises of two components: Regeneration coalition facility and Regeneration Opportunities Fund. The ROLL hereby invites applications from eligible candidates for the following positions:
Overall Scope of Work
Reporting directly to the Project Coordinator with technical responsibility to Head of Finance MFRSC, the Finance Manager is a key personnel of ROLL responsible for the overall financial management aspects, implementing financial policies, strategies in line with IFAD and Government of Lesotho requirements and international standards.
Main tasks and Responsibilities
• Implementation and maintenance of the off-the shelf accounting system ensuring that the chart of accounts and reporting system thereof provides information to link between project activities by category, component and funding source.
• Timely input of budget data into the accounting system and production of monthly and quarterly reports regarding aspects of Project financial monitoring bringing out variances and advising technical specialist as to the limits of expenditure.
• Prepare half-yearly consolidated statements of project accounts as an integral part of the Management Information System to be submitted to the Project Steering Committee, and subsequently to IFAD.
• Prepare financial statements in accordance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) – Cash basis with the prerequisite disclosures for non-cash items and liaise with external auditors to audit the ROLL accounts to meet the required submission dates by IFAD.
• Oversee tax matters of the Project, ensuring that tax exemptions and tax refunds for the procurement of goods and services for the Project are secured at the appropriate time.
• Provide training and guidance to project beneficiaries and implementing partners for AWPB activity preparation and submissions and participate in the development and implementation of plans, and procedures for budget request submission activities to ensure that project objectives are achieved in accordance with prevailing government practices which are acceptable to IFAD.
• Calculate the cost of services and associated analyses and propose actions to be taken to improve cost-efficiency of services, without affecting quality.
• Process documentation and follow up on disbursements from the government and IFAD to ensure that releases are not delayed. Ensure that funds for Project implementation are disbursed in a timely manner to enable project interventions to be carried out on time.
• Prepare and submit regular withdrawal applications to IFAD and follow up to ensure that the project does not run short of liquidity.
• Follow up on all project funds released to implementing entities and technical partners for timely retirement and proper utilization.
• Ensure that statements of expenditure (SOEs) are carefully checked for eligibility with relevant financial agreements.
• Maintain effective internal control environment for the project by ensuring that:
a) All ROLL funds are used in accordance with the conditions of the financing agreements, with due attention to economy and efficiency, and only for the purposes for which the funds were provided;
b) Counterpart funds have been provided and used in accordance with the conditions of the financing agreements, with due attention to economy and efficiency, and only for the purposes for which they were provided;
c) Goods and services financed have been procured in accordance with the financing agreement and in accordance with government and IFAD’s rules and procedures;
d) All necessary supporting documents, records and accounts are kept in respect of all project activities, with clear linkages between the books of account and the financial statements presented to the financiers;
e) Designated accounts are maintained in accordance with the provisions of the financing agreement and in accordance with the financier’s rules and procedures;
f) Provide any support to the Procurement Unit to assist in procurement for the ROLL in accordance with procedures laid down by Financing Agreements of IFAD and OPEC Fund.
• Ensure that fixed assets are well accounted for and annual verification is undertaken of the condition of assets and their location.
• Ensure the effective and efficient operation of administrative aspects of the ROLL.
• Carry out any other activities that are assigned by the Project Coordinator
Competencies
• Strong managerial skills and demonstrated capacity to manage people and interact with a wide range of private sector partners and government representatives.
• Strong organizational skills. Versatility, ability to multi task and meet deadlines.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
• Excellent computer skills and well-versed in the use of Excel, Word and accounting software.
Qualifications and Experience
Minimum Educational Requirements
• Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, bachelor’s degree in Business Management/Administration, Accounting, Finance, General Accountancy
For a detailed set of ToRs please visit the Ministry of Forestry Range and soil Conservation website (http://www.forestry.gov.ls/The%20Miistery_page). All Interested candidates must hand deliver applications, CVs including certified Certificates to Ministry of Forestry Range and Soil Conservation Offices addressed to Director Human Resources, MFRSC, P.O Box 92, Industrial Area, Maseru. The deadline for submission of applications is Monday, 7th February 2022 at 16:30 noon. Please visit Human Resources Office for further enquiries.