Technical Assistance for the Agricultural Development Project

The aim of the Agriculture-for-Development (A4D) project is using the value chain approach to help rejuvenate the private cash crop sector, targeting crops of highest socio-economic comparative advantage (cocoa; coffee; cashew) by:

  • Improving the quantity and quality of cash-crop production
  • Reducing transaction costs Maximizing efficiency and effectiveness, and
  • Increasing profitability at all levels

So that the sector regains its important position in the economy, as was originally the case long before the civil war. The proposed project has the potential to reduce the poverty levels of approximately 140,000 farming families amounting to a total of about one million people overall. The Procurement, Finance and Accounting Officer with joint duty stations of Freetown, Kenema and Kambia shall be required for at least two years.

Administrative and financial responsibilities With full funding from the 10th European Development Fund (EDF), all aspects of the Project are subject to the rules and procedures of the 10th EDF, which must be adhered to.

In this context, a Procurement, Finance and Accounting Officer is required for the correct application of these rules and procedures, during the first two years of the Project. The Procurement, Finance and Accounting Officer to be recruited under this contract shall be the Alternate and advisor to the Imprest Account Officer, as nominated by MAFFS who shall, in turn, have overall responsibility for the management of the EDF-funded annual Programme Estimates.

The major input of the Procurement, Finance and Accounting Officer will be in the administrative and financial management of the Project, the training of staff to take over after two rounds of Programme Estimates, and the installation and sustainable maintenance of a book-keeping and accounting system and processes.

The tasks associated with these activities will include effective management support to the Imprest Account Officer, MAFFS and shall include the following: Assure coherence with 10th EDF rules and procedures of all Project accounts, payments and invoices submitted; Supervise the procurement process; Undertake purchases, implement import procedures, and carrying out inventory control; Administer all TAT accounts and oversee the preparation of the annual Programme Estimates; Monitor budgets and expenditure; Work with the Team Leader and Project Manager in the timely preparation and submission of progress reports; Follow grant contracts, financially and contractually; Liaise regularly with the field (district) staff; Liaise regularly with the NAO and EU Delegation in Freetown.

Qualifications: 

The following criteria are considered to be essential prerequisites in the profile of the Procurement, Finance and Accounting Officer:

  • At least a degree from a recognised university in accounting, an economics/business related subject or equivalent qualification through professional experience
  • Minimum of 12 years’ relevant experience Proven ability to manage and supervise teams and coordinate field activities;
  • Proven ability to work in a multi-cultural team environment; A working knowledge and ability to communicate in English;
  • A working knowledge of standard computer software (Excel, Microsoft Word). Specific Professional Experience Proven ability in financial and administrative activities (including the elaboration and management of financial accounts), at a practical level;
  • Relevant experience on EDF-financed Projects, including thorough knowledge of EDF Procedures

If you are interested in a co-operation, please send your current CV to the following e-mail address, quoting the project title in the reference: Ms Barbara Braun

Barbara.Braun [at] afci.de

Thank you!

Only candidates under serious consideration and contacted will receive notification of the final outcome of the selection process.