The advent of the African Union (AU) can be described as an event of great magnitude in the institutional evolution of the continent. On 9.9.1999, the Heads of State and Government of the Organisation of African Unity issued a Declaration (the Sirte Declaration) calling for the establishment of an African Union, with a view, inter alia, to accelerating the process of integration in the continent to enable it play its rightful role in the global economy while addressing multifaceted social, economic and political problems compounded as they are by certain negative aspects of globalisation

Purpose of Job

The Finance and Operations Officer is responsible for the day-to-day financial and operational activities of the RCCs. This includes managing budgets, accounts, procurement, and facilities management. The Finance and Operations Officer will also work to support the RCCs in achieving their objectives and have hierarchical supervision from the Regional Director as well as functional supervision from the Directors of Administration and Finance.

Main Functions

• Assist in the following up on the activities of the RCC, including monitoring and evaluating progress made in line with a predefined strategic plan.
• Manage and maintain updated organisation asset, and inventory in the region.
• Support the headquarters procurement team to set up a regional approved suppliers database.
• Support the headquarters procurement team to ventilate all calls for tenders and expression of interest in the region.
• Support in disseminating any job offers from headquarters human resource team in all member states of the region.
• Support AfCDC Administration and Finance Directorates at any time when need be.
• Suggest new and expand on existing policy areas for planned research.
• Contribute in conducting analysis and generate accurate reports in a timely manner for the respective RCC and Africa CDC’s internal use.
• Assist in setting the overall research direction of a relevant policy area.
• Responsible for the delegation and execution of defined research areas.
• Participate in the organisation of relevant meetings, congresses and conferences with stakeholders.
• Engage with relevant mid-level stakeholders and develop working relationships. Support the promotion of the activities of the RCC including preparing leaflets, guidelines and fact sheets.
• Assist in drafting functional reports and participate in the preparation of budget and work programmes related to the functioning of the RCC.
• Provide technical support to internal and external stakeholders.

Specific Responsibilities

• Manage budgets and ensure that they are in line with the RCCs’ objectives.
• Design and implement financial and operational policies and procedures for the Regional Coordinating Centres (RCCs) of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)
• Coordinate and oversee the financial and operational activities of the RCCs, ensuring compliance with Africa CDC and African Union rules and regulations.
• Prepare and monitor the annual budgets and work plans of the RCCs, liaising with the Africa CDC headquarters and the regional partners.
• Provide timely and accurate financial and operational reports to the Africa CDC management and donors, highlighting achievements, challenges and recommendations.
• Manage the human resources, procurement, logistics, security and administrative functions of the RCCs, ensuring efficiency, effectiveness and accountability.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the RCC staff, regional stakeholders, donors and other partners, representing the Africa CDC in relevant meetings and forums.
• Identify and mitigate financial and operational risks, ensuring adherence to internal controls and audit recommendations.
• Support the RCCs in resource mobilization, proposal development and grant management.
• Provide technical guidance and capacity building to the RCC staff on financial and operational matters.
• Prepare financial reports and ensure that they are accurate and timely.
• Administer accounts and ensure that payments are made on time and in accordance with the RCCs’ policies.
• Oversee procurement activities and ensure that goods and services are purchased in a cost-effective manner.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the Africa CDC Director or his/her designate

Requirements

Academic Requirements And Relevant Experience

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree OR a Masters Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or a related field. coupled with at least five (5) and two (2) years relevant work experience for Bachelor and Masters degree holders respectively, in financial and operational management of complex projects or programs, preferably in the public health or development sector.
• A professional certification (such as CPA, CMA, ACCA, etc.) is preferred.
• At least five years of relevant experience
• Experience with financial software management.
• Experience in financial management.
• Experience in contract management at the regional level.
• Experience in cash management and relations with banks.
• Experience with procurement procedures.
• Experience with facilities management.
• Knowledge of the public health sector.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in budgeting, accounting, reporting, auditing, procurement, human resources, and logistics management.
• Familiarity with Africa CDC policies and procedures, donor regulations (such as USAID, EU, etc.), and local laws applicable to the RCCs is an added advantage.

Required Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (especially Excel) and accounting software (such as QuickBooks, SAP, etc.).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and French. Knowledge of other African Union working languages is an asset.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to travel within the region and to other locations as required.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Leadership Competencies

• Change Management
• Managing Risk

Core Competencies

• Teamwork and Collaboration..
• Accountability awareness and Compliance
• Learning Orientation
• Communicating with Influence

Functional Competencies

• Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Job Knowledge and information sharing
• Drive for result..
• Continuous Improvement Focus