Assistant Accountant (2 Positions) at Agricultural Commercialisation (AGCOM) Project

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
RECRUITMENT OF PROJECT STAFF
COUNTRY: MALAWI
NAME OF PROJECT: FOOD SECURITY AND RESILIENCE PROGRAM (FSRP)
GRANT NUMBER: IDA-E1840
DATE OF ISSUE: 18TH APRIL, 2024

BACKGROUND
The Government of the Republic of Malawi has received financing in the amount of US$250 Million equivalent from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank toward the cost of the Food Systems and Resilience Program (FSRP) and it intends to apply part of the proceeds for recruitment of Project Implementation Unit (PIU) staff.

The objective of the Project is to Increase commercialization of agriculture value chain products selected under the Project, and consists of six main components namely: (i) (Re-) Building Resilient Agricultural
Production Capacity; (11 Sustainable Development of Natural Resources for Resilient Agricultural Landscapes; (iii) Getting to Market; (iv) Promoting a Greater Focus on Food Security Resilience in National and Regional Policymaking and Response (v) Contingency Emergency Component (CERC) and; (vi) Project Management and Coordination.

It is, therefore, regarding the constituting of the MFSRP Project Implementation Unit that Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) as a lead implementing agency, would like to engage the services of Monitoring and Evaluation Institutional Officers, Agribusiness Officers, Development Officers, Assistant Accountants, and Assistant Project Engineer as set out below:

Assistant Accountant (2 Positions):
Reference No. MW-MOA-375537-CS-INDV

The Assistant Accountant will assist in maintaining appropriate financial and accounting systems and internal control procedures for documentation, recording and reporting of the project financial transactions in line with the requirements of the Government of Malawi financial rules and regulations as well as in line with the financial management requirements for World Bank-financed projects. The Assistant Accountant will also assist in maintaining the computerized accounting system and ensuring timely posting of financial transactions.

The Assistant Accountant will work with the Accountant, Assistant Financial Management Specialist and Financial Management Specialist in handling all payments, cash management procedures and maintenance of various financial records, ensuring appropriate filing and security of all accounting documents

Specific Duties and Responsibilities 

1. Checking completeness of payment vouchers including reviewing/checking of payment supporting documents for accuracy of any computations and calculations and correct coding. Strictly ensuring all payments have relevant supporting documents: approved request for payment by National Project Coordinator, requisition, quotation, LPO, Delivery Note, original invoice, participants list, acceptance of goods/service, VAT and WHT certificates etc. before a Cheque is processed;
2. Act as a cashier in making payments for field teams during field activities and subsequent preparation of Liquidation Reconciliation Analysis Reports within 10 days following the field activities;
3. Ensuring that filed Daily Subsistence Allowances (DSAs) and fuel vouchers have the following attached/attachments; DSA signing sheets and Fuel Signing Sheets, their respective Attendance Registers for meetings/ workshops and back-to-office reports;
4. Maintenance, update and retrieval of the financial information from the computerized accounting system;
5. Filing all finance documents including completed payment vouchers and their supporting documents daily.
6. Maintain and updated financial records including cashbooks, Cheque dispatch register, inventory, advances register, account receivable/payable registers, fixed assets register, petty cash register, General Ledger etc. and ensuring filing of payment vouchers and other financial records are done daily, accurately and in an organized manner;
7. Provision of inputs required for the Preparation of monthly bank reconciliation statements for operating and holding bank accounts by the 10th day of each month.
8. Provision of inputs required for the preparation of annual work plans and budgets;
9. Provision of inputs required for the preparation of the Project’s monthly management accounts and quarterly IFRs;
10. Preparation of withholding tax certificates and monthly withholding tax summary, consolidating VAT tax refund claims and ensuring that W/Tax certificates are attached to their respective payment vouchers;
11. Undertaking the preparatory work for the interim and annual audit of the accounts and assisting in the implementation of audit recommendations;
12. Undertaking any ad hoc financial duties assigned by the Accountant, AFMS and FMS which are consistent with the Project requirements.

Qualifications and Experience

1. Must possess a bachelor’s degree in Commerce, accounting or Finance from a reputable University recognized by NCHE or completion of ACCA level two/completion of ICAM professional level.
2. Experience in donor-funded programs will be an added advantage
3. Practical experience and skills in Government of Malawi financial regulations
4. Computer literate, good knowledge of Microsoft Office application, project computerized accounting and International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS)
5. Excellent communication and analytical skills
6. High attention to detail
7. Demonstrable ability to work under minimal supervision and meet strict reporting timelines
8. Demonstrable high level of integrity, honesty and trustworthiness and proven good track record in accounting
9. Ability to work on repetitive tasks with speed and accuracy
10. Flexible, positive attitude, ability to work as a team

Location of Employment
The Assistant Accountants will be based at MFSRP/ AGCOM 2 PIU in Lilongwe but will be required to travel regularly and extensively to the project sites.

Duration of Employment
The assignment is for six years subject to annual renewal based on satisfactory performance.

Submission of Applications
Interested Candidates should submit applications including detailed CVs in English with a minimum of three traceable referees NOT later than 3rd May, 2024.

Address for submission of applications by email is [email protected] and be addressed to the following:

The Chairperson
Internal Procurement and Disposal Committee
Agricultural Commercialisation (AGCOM) Project,
Off Paul Kagame Road – Opposite MRA
Domestic Taxes Offices,
P.O. Box 727, Lilongwe