On July 28, 2014, the United States Government launched four Regional Leadership Centers (RLCs) as part of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). These Centers are located in Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, and South Africa. Since 2015, the YALI RLCs have been improving leadership training and professional development opportunities for young African leaders. They engage young leaders from various backgrounds and experiences.
The Role of YALI RLC East Africa
Based in Nairobi, the YALI RLC East Africa focuses on 14 countries: Burundi, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. The Center aims to:
- Provide Quality Leadership Training: Courses on leadership and issues across multiple sectors.
- Support Entrepreneurship: Mentoring, technology, and access to capital for young entrepreneurs.
- Enhance Professional Networking: Opportunities to connect with experienced professionals and experts from the region.
Job Opportunity: Finance & Administration Manager
Main Purpose of the Job
Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Party (CoP), the Finance and Administration Manager supports the administration of the program, overseeing financial management, budgets, transformation fund grants, and financial planning. The Manager ensures compliance with University and USAID policies, effectively managing YALI RLC EA resources to achieve the project mission.
Key Responsibilities
Budgeting:
- Lead the annual budgeting and periodic forecasting process.
- Assist in work plan budget development, technical budget estimates, and scenario-based forecasts.
- Identify priorities and target funding sources for cost share.
Reporting:
- Provide timely financial reporting with detailed budget vs. actuals to the CoP and Program management team.
- Prepare required quarterly, annual, and ad hoc financial reports.
- Prepare quarterly expenditure reports and burn rate projections by component.
Financial Management:
- Monitor expenses and revenues to ensure accurate projections and compliance with donor requirements.
- Maintain and update the overall program budget, including work plan budgets and component budgets.
- Oversee financial management and operations, ensuring financial procedures align with USAID and KU requirements.
- Lead financial activities, including reviewing and submitting approved milestones for payment.
Coordination with Key Departments:
- Be the primary contact for all financial matters relating to program implementation.
- Coordinate with the University to ensure all financial activities meet program needs.
- Work closely with the finance analyst on tracking VAT.
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a relevant field.
- Relevant professional certifications, specifically CPA-K or ACCA.
- Eight years of relevant experience in finance, accounting, and administration, including four years in a supervisory role managing donor-funded activities.
- Experience administering and managing complex grant funding.
- Proficiency in MS Office applications and various accounting software packages.
- Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
Key Performance Areas
- Delivery Excellence: Ensuring high-quality outputs.
- Analytical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Addressing financial and administrative challenges effectively.
- Business Technology Acumen: Utilizing technology for efficient financial management.
- Technical Competencies: Demonstrating leadership, strategic planning, and excellent communication skills.
- Team Leadership: Developing high-performing teams through meaningful opportunities.
Your Role as a Leader
At Kenyatta University, leadership is valued at all levels. Employees are expected to embrace and live the university’s purpose by identifying important issues and making an impact that matters.
Leadership/Behavioral Capabilities:
- Living Our Purpose: Acting as a role model and recognizing others for their impact.
- Influence: Positively influencing clients, teams, and individuals.
- Performance Drive: Delivering exceptional service and driving high performance.
- Strategic Direction: Aligning the team with broader strategy and setting priorities.
- Talent Development: Developing high-performing people and teams.
Application Process
Email your application package, including an application letter, detailed CV, copies of academic/professional certificates, and details of referees, to: recruitment@yalieastafrica.org. Responses should be sent no later than Monday, July 29, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern African Time (EAT).
Join YALI RLC East Africa and be part of a dynamic team making a significant impact on leadership development in the region. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the growth of young African leaders and support the administration of a transformative program. If you have the qualifications and passion for this role, we encourage you to apply and make a difference in the lives of young leaders across East and Central Africa.