Financial Analyst & Admin Officer at Syngenta Foundation

Syngenta is a leading science-based Agtech company; dedicated to bringing plant potential to life. Each of our 28,000 employees in more than 90 countries work together to solve one of humanity’s most pressing challenges: growing more food with fewer resources. A diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace environment are enablers of our ambition to be the most collaborative and trusted team in agriculture.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Financial Analyst & Admin Officer

Job ID: 18027289
Location: Victoria Island, Lagos
Job: Administrative Services Generic

Background
The Syngenta Foundation's mission is to create value for resource-poor small holder farmers in developing countries through innovation in sustainable agriculture and the activation of value chains. The Foundation works with partners in developing countries and emerging markets. Our aim is to help small holder farmers become more professional growers.

We do this by extending science-based know-how, facilitating access to quality inputs, and linking smallholders to markets in profitable ways. This adds value for rural communities, and sustainably improves food security.

The Syngenta Foundation operates across product streams following a pipeline approach (Proof of Concept, Scale-Up, Handover).

Our current streams are:

• Agriservices
• Risk Management and Financial Inclusion for smallholder farmers, implementing and scaling up affordable agricultural insurance products and risk transfer mechanism to access credit.
• Access to Seeds (Seeds2B) which includes investments in plant breeding and technology transfer of new varieties to smallholders.

In pursuit of SFSA’s mission to create value for resource-poor smallholders in developing countries through innovations in sustainable agriculture and the activation of value chains, SFSA is seeking to recruit a Financial Analyst & Admin. Officer.

Reporting to the Country Program Manager in Nigeria (and functionally to the Regional Finance Manager), the Financial Analyst & Admin Officer will support the effective execution of key financial processes and controls. In particular, the   role has the following core responsibilities, which are to:

• Manage the Nigeria invoicing process
• Ensure the smooth functioning of the Financial Controlling Tool in Nigeria, including responsibility for Timesheets and maintaining the Employee Database and providing support to Nigeria users
• Support the execution of Nigeria Budgets and perform ad-hoc numerical and financial analyses
• Prepare the Financial Statements and support a successful completion of external audits
• Drive Financial Compliance, including keeping an updated Delegation of Authority
• Execute all admin responsibilities.

Accountabilities

• Manage the Nigeria invoicing process:
  • Ensure timely documentation of all invoices in line with SFSA financial procedures, including matching invoices to budgets and timely flagging inconsistencies to the Regional Finance Manager
  • Maintain and regularly update the database with current and accurate information on vendors, contractors, and partners
  • Manage the payment process  
  • Support the Country Program Manager with the due diligence process for new vendors
  • Maintain periodic updates of financial transactions captured in the Financial system, and communicate these to the Regional Finance Manager
  • Supporting the Country Program Manager with in the procurement process for new purchases, by ensuring that there are multiple quotations from vendors
• Manage Timesheet and Financial Controlling Tool for Nigeria:
  • Ensure employee Timesheets Database is up to date and that Timesheets in Nigeria are filled out in a timely manner
  • Conduct regular uploads of data to SFSA online financial tool, including Employee Timesheets, key Databases (Employee File, Vendors, Invoice, Internal Orders), actual data, Budgets and Latest Outlooks
• Support the Budgeting and Financial Controlling Process:
  • Support the actual cost and preparation of monthly reports on actual figures to be uploaded in the Controlling tool
  • Support the Country Program Manager on preparation of the 3-Year Plan, Yearly Budget, Forecast / Latest Estimate in cooperation with Project Officers. In addition, support on identification and analysis of deviations of Actual from Budget/LEs and identification of remedial actions
  • Support the process of documentation and reporting of financial and administrative tools / processes
  • Perform ad hoc finance / controlling / reporting / analytical tasks
• Prepare the Financial Statements and support a successful completion of external audits
• Drive Financial Compliance, including keeping an updated Delegation of Authority
• Execute all admin responsibilities:
  • Booking venue for meeting
  • Responsible for Scheduling meeting, checking product quality, and deadlines of his/her subordinate
  • Writing report during field days and stakeholders meeting
  • Assisting in field data collection and monitor trials
  • Assisting in tracking e-hub model
  • Procurement and maintenance of office equipment/furniture
  • Maintain proper record of company assets
  • Monitor office repairs
  • And any other duties as assigned by Management.

Job Requirements
Qualifications and Skills:

• At least a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Accounting and/or Finance
• Very strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong English proficiency; German and French desirable
• The ability to work through “virtual teams” and in a multi-cultural environment
• Willingness to thrive in a demanding and rapidly changing environment
• Knowledge of working with SAP preferred
• The ability to work independently and proactively, as well as within a team.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office (particularly Excel and Power point)
• Razor-sharp problem-solving and analytical skills
• Strong numeracy and competence in using excel with high data accuracy

Essential Knowledge & Experience:

• At least two years relevant work experience in the context of private sector development, agriculture and/or international development
• Strong knowledge in Budgeting, forecasting and planning processes
• Very good project management experience and skills
• Previous experience working for a non-profit sector and/or in a developing country context may be considered an asset.

Key Attribute:

• This role is an excellent opportunity for a young and motivated professional to grow in a unique and catalytic agricultural foundation. Key attributes we are looking for are a strong and proactive work ethic, a passion to work for an expanding non-profit, and an unwavering commitment to learn.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply