Job Description

Country: Malawi

Name of Programme: Sustainable Agriculture Production Programme (SAPP)

Loan/Grant No.: 854 MW/DSF8092 A MW

Assignment Title: Consultancy Services as Justification Assistant

Recruitment Ref. No. : 019/SAPP/JA/2020

Date of issue: 8th May, 2020

1.0 Background

The Government of Malawi (GoM) with financial assistance from International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is implementing the Sustainable Agricultural Production Programme (SAPP) through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. The overall goal of SAPP is to assist in the reduction of poverty and improvement of food security among the rural population. The specific development objective of the programme is to achieve a viable and sustainable Smallholder Agricultural sector by employing Good Agricultural Practices (GAPS). In order to improve capacity of the implementing agencies for absorption of resources, the Ministry has planned recruitment of Justification Assistants.

The Ministry, therefore, intends to use part of the proceeds from the financial assistance to make eligible payments for the services of seven (7) Justification Assistants to assist in all the SAPP implementing districts by properly managing and accounting for the resources provided through the Programme.

2.0 Tasks and Responsibilities

The Justification Assistant will be the principal actor in routine financial management of programme activities, responsible for smooth flow and proper accounting of funds, equipment, supplies and external services. The Justification Assistant will support the Director of Finance (DOF) at the district assembly through the District Agricultural Development Office on all aspects related to financial management of the Programme.

The Justification Assistant (JA) will also be expected to report directly to the SAPP Programme Accountant. He/she will be supported by Accounts Assistants at the District Assembly. The successful Justification Assistant will among other duties specifically perform the following duties:

• Consolidation of all financial data from all departments implementing SAPP Activities at district level;
• Preparations of monthly bank reconciliations for operation and holding accounts;
• Preparation and submission of monthly expenditure returns to Treasury;
• Coordinating/hosting year end audits;
• Submission of monthly activity reports to Programme Accountant;
• Ensure that funds allocated for workshop activities are properly used and accounted for;
• Ensure that all financial records are properly filed and maintained;
• Hosting supervisory visits from Secretariat and/or lead departments; and
• Conduct any other duties that may be assigned by the Programme Secretariat or the implementing district to smoothly run the programme.

3.0 Qualifications and Experience

The applicant shall have:

• Diploma in Finance or Accounting or its equivalent obtained from a recognized Institution or Professional Body.
• At least a minimum of three years (3) experience in accounting field in a reputable organization.
• Experience in managing donor-funded projects will be an added advantage.
• The applicant should also have a clear demonstration of practical experience and skills in all aspects of Donor Funded Projects.
• He/she must be computer literate, and must have excellent communication, writing and reporting skills.

4.0 Location of Employment

The Justification Assistant will be expected to work in any SAPP implementing districts namely Blantyre, Chiradzulu, Balaka, Nkhotakota, Chitipa and Lilongwe.

5.0 Duration of Employment

The contract will be for a total of 12 months (1 year), starting from the contract signing date with possibility of extension dependent on performance and business needs.

6.0 Method of Application

Interested candidates should submit their letter of application and Curriculum Vitae and copies of certificates NOT LATER THAN 22nd May, 2020. Applicants will be evaluated and employed under Individual Consultants method. The evaluation shall follow rules and regulations by Public Procurement
Procedures.

Applications can be submitted to the following mail or email address:

The National Programme Coordinator

Sustainable Agricultural Production Programme (SAPP)

P.O. Box 30217

LILONGWE 3

Off- Chilambula Road, Behind Roads Authority Building in Local Government Service Commission Building, First Floor, Room 212

Email: [email protected]  or [email protected]