Job Recruitment at Catholic Relief Services (CRS), 3rd October, 2019


Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is an International non-governmental organization supporting relief and development work in over 100 countries around the world. CRS programs assist persons on the basis of need, regardless of creed, ethnicity or nationality. CRS works through local church and non-church partners to implement its programs, therefore, strengthening and building the capacity of these partner organizations is fundamental to programs in every country in which CRS operates. CRS re-established presence in Nigeria in 2000 and currently focuses on vulnerable children, agriculture, health and HIV, extractives and governance, and peace building programming. We are recruiting to fill the vacant positions below:     Job Title: Finance Officer Job Ref Code: FCC21019 Location: Abuja Department: Operations/Programs Reports To: Grant Manager Slot: 2 Openings Context CRS has a long and rich history of collaboration with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund). Since 2003, CRS has been awarded over $290 million in Global Fund resources to implement programs in 27 countries. In Nigeria, CRS was a sub-recipient (SR) on the Global Fund HIV and Malaria grants. In addition, from 2017, CRS has remained a co-Principal Recipient (PR) for the Global Fund Malaria grant with the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP). For the 2018-2020 implementation period, CRS as a co-PR continues to partner with NMEP and provides oversight to 3 sub-recipients viz; Society for Family Health (SFH), Management Sciences for Health (MSH), and Malaria Consortium (MC)). Job Summary

  • You will help coordinate and support the Finance department’s management of accounting systems, policies and procedures in compliance with CRS’ established accounting standards, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Global Fund donors’ rules and regulations, and legal requirements to support high-quality programs serving the poor and vulnerable.
  • As part of an experienced finance team you will help coordinate daily financial activities through preparation and delivery of financial services.
Specific Job Responsibilities
  • Review and analyze supporting documentation of Global Fund financial transactions to ensure all required documents are accurate and complete.
  • Help ensure maintenance of all data required for processing Global Fund financial transactions for assigned accounts in SunSystems financial accounting package.
  • Tactically develop mechanisms to resolve issues emanating from the LLIN mass campaign payments. Issues such as unpaid beneficiaries, invalid account details.
  • With collaboration from the GF grant manager, manage LLIN campaign payment issues.
  • Record the Global Fund financial transactions following appropriate authorizations. Review various accounts to detect irregularities.
  • Help evaluate and monitor Global Fund subrecipient financial management processes in accordance with policy and help strengthen capacity of partner in financial accounting and transactions.
  • Prepare various, periodic and ad-hoc financial reports, as needed, and perform variance analyses to assist with decision-making and proper management of Global Fund financial resources.
  • Help share information with Global Fund subrecipients and staff on financial accounting policies and procedural compliance issues and support capacity strengthening.
  • Perform assigned treasury (cash payment/receipt, cash forecast, etc.) duties, as long as segregation of duties is ensured.
Qualifications and Skills Education and Experience:
  • B.A. degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration strongly preferred. Courses in accounting,
  • Qualification in accounting (ACA/ACCA/CPA).
  • Minimum of three years accounting experience, preferably with an international or local NGO, or a financial/banking institution.
  • At 1year experience in LLIN mass campaign payment processing is preferred.
  • Familiarity with the relevant public donors’ regulations especially the Global Fund.
  • Proficient in Excel and experience with Word and PowerPoint.
  • Knowledge of SunSystems financial accounting package or similar financial reporting software a plus.
Personal Skills:
  • Excellent analytical skills with ability to detect and report inconsistencies
  • Excellent organizational skills with great attention to detail
  • Ethical conduct in accordance with recognized professional and organizational codes of ethics
  • Proactive, resourceful, solutions oriented and results-oriented
  • Ability to work collaboratively
  • High speed and accuracy on the job
      Job Title: Risk and Compliance Officer Job Ref Code: RCO21019 Location: Abuja, Nigeria Department: Programs Reports To: Grant Director - Global Fund Malaria Band: 6 Job Summary
  • You will conduct risk related activities for the Global Fund Malaria project adhering to CRS policies, local laws, and Global Fund regulations to help ensure effective delivery of high-quality programming to the poor and vulnerable.
  • Your knowledge and skills will help reduce risk to staff, to the effectiveness of our programming and to the people we serve through the application of the principles of stewardship, integrity, transparency, and accountability.
Specific Job Responsibilities
  • Collaborate with the Grant Director for Global Fund Malaria, Chief of Party, and the programming team on strengthening internal control systems and processes as it affects the Project Community Based Organizations.
  • Coordinate and communicate with the Malaria Project Community Based Organizations on risk compliance management as it affects project implementation.
  • Will oversee the contracting, capacity building, funding, liquidation, monitoring and supervision of the CBO’s operating via the Performance Based Funding Mechanism.
  • Support the planning of the internal, external and GF Office of Inspector General (OIG) audits, control reviews and compliance assessments of Global Fund Malaria project.
  • With collaboration with the GF Grant manager, coordinate the closure of all compliance issues from the GF internal, external and OIG audit reports at the PR and SR level.
  • Support the design and facilitation of trainings and institutional capacity strengthening plans for the Project CBO on the Accountability Framework regarding GF matters.
  • Provide support on identification, analyzing finance and program risk as it affects the Global Fund Malaria CBOs and provide mitigation actions.
  • Monitor and ensure that the risk mitigation action plans of the Global Fund CBOs are implemented and operates optimally.
Qualifications, Experience and Skills
  • Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Business Administration or any other relevant bachelor’s strongly preferred. Accounting and other relevant certification(s) a plus.
  • Minimum of 4 years work experience, ideally with an international organization, with progressive responsibility in operations and/or programming. At least 3 of these years entailing audit, compliance or risk management experience. In addition, experience with Global fund projects and implementation is also preferred.
  • Knowledge of the Global Fund policies and guidelines is a must.
  • Must be knowledgeable with Performance Based Funding Mechanism.
  • Knowledge of audit standards and compliance regulations and familiarity with international standards for internal control and risk and compliance management.
  • Familiarity with accounting systems.
  • Proficient in MS Office package (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio) and information management systems.
Personal Skills:
  • Good relationship management skills.
  • Good analytical, organizational, and systems thinking skills.
  • Ability to make sound judgment.
  • Ethical conduct in accordance with recognized professional and organizational codes of ethics Proactive, resourceful and results-oriented.
Key Working Relationships:
  • Internal: Head of Finance and Grant, Chief of Party-GF, Grant Manager - GF, Program Manager(s) – GF.
  • External: External Auditor(s) - GF and Donor Representative(s)
Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff) These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results:
  • Trusting Relationships
  • Professional Growth
  • Partnership
  • Accountability
    Job Title: Global Fund Director of Finance and Grants Management Job Ref Code: DFG21019 Location: Abuja Department: Programs Band: 10 Reports To: Chief of Party (& Head of Operations - Finance) Context
  • CRS has a long and rich history of collaboration with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund). Since 2003, CRS has been awarded nearly $700 million in Global Fund resources to implement programs in 27 countries. In Nigeria, CRS is a sub-recipient (SR) on the Global Fund HIV and the principal recipient (PR) for the Global Fund Malaria grant since January 2017.
  • As PR, CRS will partner with the National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP), 3 SRs – Management Sciences for Health, Malaria Consortium, Society for Family Health and Malaria Consortium; various state governments, malaria partners and stakeholders to coordinate the 2018 - 2020 long lasting insecticide treated nets (LLIN) mass campaigns in 7 states. CRS will also oversee the 3 SRs and support a range of malaria treatment and prevention services at the state level.
Job Summary
  • The Director of Finance and Grants Management is responsible for overall budget monitoring and compliance oversight of the Global Fund malaria grant and all related sub-grants/sub-contracts. s/he oversees the design and implementation of strong internal controls and appropriate financial reporting procedures/policies to minimize/manage risks associated with grant implementation, safeguard Global Fund’s resources, achieve consistent compliance with Global Fund grant agreement, approved workplan/budget, Global Fund policies and guidelines, as well as CRS’ policies and procedures.
  • S/he coordinates assessments and the identification of needs for support in compliance, budgeting and financial management and their implementation as well as actively works with the sub-recipient (SR) on their grant management capacity.
  • In coordination with the program team and CRS Nigeria and HQ finance and compliance teams, s/he develops and implements the strategy to prevent or reduce compliance-related liabilities and risks.
  • The scope of work covers all aspects of financial and grant management of the Global Fund Malaria grant implemented by CRS in Nigeria.
Specific Job Responsibilities Grants Management and Budgeting:
  • In coordination with the Chief of Party, ensure that all SR, partner and service provider agreements and amendments are well prepared, grant files are updated/maintained on Gateway, key grant documents are shared with the Nigeria and HQ finance teams, and that the GFSU reviews all relevant agreements and amendments
  • Ensure that donor required reports are prepared accurately and disseminated within the due dates; coordinate financial reporting with the CRS/Nigeria and HQ finance teams. This includes ensuring that reports (e.g. PU/DRs, AFRs, etc.) are discussed collectively with the different functions (program management, PSM, M&E, finance) to ensure quality analysis of the issues and identification of appropriate solutions, ensuring that this is captured in the report and carrying out accuracy and quality checks before submission to the Global Fund.
  • Review all management letters and ensure that all issues raised are resolved expeditiously in collaboration with the Global Fund Program Manager and Team (Global Fund).
  • Lead the identification of budget and compliance needs and oversee the implementation of trainings on budgeting and compliance with all relevant Global Fund malaria program staff and the SR(s) under the grant.
  • Proactively track budget spending against the budget and provide recommendations to the Chief of Party on needed actions
  • Develop effective budget monitoring tools and implement them for all Global Fund malaria program activities; review SR budgets against spending and provide comments / recommend approval by the Chief of Party
  • Actively engage in budget discussions and generate feedback for Global Fund malaria program PMU on adverse budget variances in monthly BCR meetings and results from SR monitoring
  • Take the lead on liaising with CRS Nigeria and HQ finance teams, prepare cash projections, ensure that proper accounts are used, review cash disbursement advance journals, review and approve liquidation journals, and review posted journals for errors, recommending correction when necessary
  • Actively attend Global Fund malaria program PMU Meetings and contribute to the overall team work spirit of Global Fund malaria program
  • Coordinate grant closure activities with the Chief of Party and respective CRS Nigeria staff and ensure that expired sub-grants are fully closed out within 90 days’ limit
Compliance:
  • Ensure that all program activities are compliant with both CRS and Global Fund policies, procedures and regulations
  • Serve as the principal point of contact on grant management and compliance issues with CRS Nigeria and HQ Finance and Compliance staff, the LFA and Global Fund program staff
  • Ensure project documents and financial records are maintained and readily available for internal/external audits and reviews
  • Coordinate the development and implementation of grant management trainings and capacity building activities in close collaboration with CRS Nigeria finance and compliance staff
  • Build the capacity of Global Fund malaria program staff in relevant and appropriate donor financial management policies, procedures, and standards
  • Ensure integrity and the effective control of financial, material and human resources and assets
SR Financial Assessments, Monitoring and Support:
  • Lead implementation of CRS’ sub-recipient financial management policy for the Global Fund malaria program; ensure that staff understand and are correctly implementing the policy
  • Ensure that the Global Fund malaria program has in place and adheres to a schedule of planned SR monitoring visits; the basis for the selection, timing and frequency of its monitoring visits should be properly documented
  • Ensure that assessments and monitoring visits are being carried out in accordance with CRS policies about timeliness, comprehensiveness, professionalism and documentation
  • If needed, ensure that corrective action plans are prepared within sixty calendar days of the assessment or monitoring visit, and that program staff are supporting the SR to address the identified issues within agreed timelines.
  • Ensure financial and programming staff participate in the financial monitoring of the SR (including site visits); trip reports must indicate the monitoring steps performed, the processes reviewed, and the result of the testing and reviews
  • Review and analyze assessment, monitoring, trip reports and monthly updates on a timely manner and to inform follow-up actions
  • Ensure that the SR receives support from CRS to correct weaknesses detected by internal and external auditors, Global Fund malaria program staff, LFAs, and others; directly address issues that are escalated
  • Ensure SR internal control systems are reviewed and monitored to verify that financial duties are adequately segregated; Global Fund malaria program finance and compliance staff should regularly monitor and assess SR ability to accurately record and post all financial transactions and provide feedback to the Program Director.
  • Ensure that the project SR evaluates and effectively monitors any SSRs and/or partners to achieve efficient use of Global Fund resources.
  • Ensure that the Global Fund malaria program finance and compliance staff provide direct technical support in all aspects of finance, compliance and internal controls for SRs
  • Advise and ensure on GAAP and basic accounting records to be maintained at the SR level
Contractual Oversight of ACOMIN:
  • Ensure that the Finance and compliance officer provides direct support in building the capacity of ACOMIN Finance and Program team on Global Fund policies and procedures required for the CSO intervention activities on the grant
  • Ensure that there is real time on-site monitoring of ACOMIN during implementation of key activities.
  • Ensure that there is periodic assessment of ACOMIN financial system and processes to identify gaps/weaknesses and recommend steps to mitigate risk
  • Proactively track spending against the budget for the ACOMIN budget line.
  • Approve all liquidations and ensure there is adequate support documentation for the implemented milestones.
Human Resources:
  • Lead, direct, mentor and coach a team of finance and grants compliance staff to meet GF program objectives
  • Take the lead in setting annual Global Fund malaria program finance and compliance targets and ensure that specific tasks are built in staff performance plans
  • Conduct periodic reviews of staff performance in keeping with CRS’ performance management system and mentor staff to ensure high levels of motivation, commitment, capacity, and teamwork
  • Lead the identification of performance gaps and needs of program, SR and partner staff and ensure the design and delivery of high-quality support and technical assistance to program staff, SRs and states
Qualifications and Skills
  • ICAN or equivalent professional qualification (CA, CPA, ACCA) strongly recommended
  • Master’s Degree in Administration, Accounting or Finance, Organizational Development, Management or other relevant field
  • Minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in non-profit Accounting and grant management, preferably with an International Organization, with at least 6 years’ experience at the management level.
  • Must be a, self-motivated, problem solving individual with high levels of initiative
  • Good understanding of Global Fund policies and guidelines is required
  • Thorough knowledge of best practices in capacity strengthening with prior experience of integrating this with programming; experience in curriculum design and development.
  • Excellent experience in budgeting and budget management
  • Demonstrated ability to transfer knowledge to diverse audiences through participatory adult learning, mentoring, distance education, and other formal and non-formal methods; experience in the design of and delivery of training workshops
  • Must demonstrate a good understanding of contemporary management best practices
  • Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, demonstrating diplomacy and tact
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Excellent knowledge of computer software – MS Office (PowerPoint and Excel especially), experience with SunSystems, Adaptive Planning, Salesforce and JD Edwards software a plus
  • Must be flexible and can work independently and as part of a team
  • Willingness and ability to travel in-country (sometimes on short notice) up to 50%
      Job Title: Security Officer Job Ref Code: SRR21019 Location: Damaturu, Yobe Band: 6 Department: Operations Reports To: Head of Office - Yobe Job Summary
  • The Security Officer assists in maintaining a safe and secure environment for CRS employees and visitors, premises, and assets as well as maintaining regular communication with staff during field movement.
  • The Security Officer is responsible for ensuring that appropriate systems and procedures are in place to maximize safety and security and that they are adhered to at all times.
  • The Security Officer is responsible for supporting the Northeast Nigeria Security Coordinator and Head of Office, Yobe State to ensure that safety and security is mainstreamed into all field operations across Northeast Nigeria and that the high-quality information is available for decision making.
Specific Job Responsibilities Policies and Procedures:
  • Be familiar with CRS’s Safety and Security procedures and policies and Safe and Sound Manual, and support the NE Security Coordinator and Head of Office, Yobe in ensuring they are adhered to at all times.
  • Work with the Security Coordinator to develop, consolidate, implement, and regularly review operating procedures and security plans across Northeast Nigeria.
  • Assist the Security Coordinator to provide training(s) that may include Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Contingency Plans (CPs), Security Management, Incident Reporting, Prevention and Response Mechanisms, Communications (including satellite phones), and risk/threat analysis.
Communication:
  • Provide thorough security briefings to CRS staff and visitors upon arrival in Yobe State.
  • Initiate, review, and collate security incident reports for each field site.
  • Implement, maintain, and regularly update the CRS Yobe State staff and visitors list, Security Communications Tree and SOPs as needed
  • Ensure the communication equipment functions at all times (HF radio, sat phone, internet, phone lines). Follow-up on any calls made by satellite phone and radio
Staff and Vehicle Movement:
  • In collaboration with the Travel Team, monitor movement and provide security guidance to international and national staff on the current situation in operational areas.
  • Daily track and record all CRS field movement within Yobe State. Maintain strong communication to report and record observations, information, and occurrences during staff movement
  • Serve as focal point with drivers during interstate movement by tracking the location of all vehicles and staff and communicate with CRS Security Officers in other states.
Monitoring and Analysis:
  • Collect information regarding politics and security in Yobe State as well as on safety and security issues concerning CRS.
  • Respond to security relevant incidents with information gathering and inform the CRS NE Operations Security Coordinator and the Head of Office, Yobe.
  • Undertake continual assessments of equipment (including vehicles) and organizational assets to ensure that minimal conditions for security are met. Prevent loss and damage by reporting irregularities; informing violators of policy and procedures.
  • Ensure that perimeter security staff (guards) have the capacities to perform their duties as per the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Coordination:
  • Maintain a wide professional and personal network of influential actors and clearly communicate CRS’s status and mission in Yobe State and across NE Nigeria.
  • Build acceptance to facilitate continuity of current CRS programs and any future humanitarian or development programming by liaising with local communities, local authorities and other humanitarian actors and stakeholders within the state.
  • Coordinate regularly with the NE Security Coordinator on safety and security issues and fulfill all reporting requirements to the Country Office in Abuja.
Qualifications and Skills
  • Minimum of 1 year experience in the field of community engagement, risk management, safety and security management or other related fields
  • Degree in Criminal Justice, Peace and Security Studies, Political Science or a related-field
  • Knowledge of the geography and culture of Northeast Nigeria
  • Stable, moral, reliable character and a good team player
  • Excellent communication skills, calm, with a good sense of humor
  • Proven commitment to accountability practices
  • Excellent Microsoft Office skills (Excel, Word, email, Skype, internet searches)
  • Fluency in oral and written English. Fluency in Hausa or Kanuri or any other local language is a distinct advantage.
  • Minimum of two years working in a security-sensitive environment.
  • Previous experience in security management with NGOs
  • Completed formal security management trainings
  • Ability to plan and organize work and write clear and concise reports and communicate effectively (both written and verbal)
  • Proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
  • Proven ability to read maps
  • Demonstrated ability to transfer knowledge through formal and informal training
  • Must be familiar with and committed to gender equity in programming and management practices
      How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should download the "CRS Application Form" below, fill and send with a detailed Resume as one document in PDF to: [email protected] indicating position being applied for and the Job Ref Code as the subject of the application e.g. Finance Officer, FCC21019). Click here to download Application Form - (Dropbox Doc.) Click Here for Job Details (Dropbox Doc.)   Deadline: 15th October, 2019 (Time - 5:00PM) Additional Information Equal Employer Opportunity:
  • “CRS is an equal –opportunity employer, does not discriminate based on race, color, religion and we are committed to gender sensitive programming and management’. etc.
  • Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply”
Safeguarding:
  • By applying to this job, I understand and acknowledge that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking.
  • Further, I understand that if I am a successful candidate, I will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and my personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate my behaviors related to the above safeguarding-related topics.
Statement of Commitment to Protection:
  • ‘’CRS’ recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation’’