The Ciheb Initiative is a local nonprofit established by Board of Directors to carry out programs to strengthen health systems and improve the human condition in Malawi. Ciheb Initiative activities are funded generally by U.S. government entities through cooperative agreements. The Ciheb Initiative has received PEPFAR funding from the US government /CDC for Accelerating Malawi’s PEPFAR Laboratory Logistics and Infrastructure for Quality (AMPLIFY 2.0). This cooperative agreement aims to achieve and maintain HIV epidemic control. AMPLIFY 2.0 will strengthen the laboratory efficiency, capacity, and quality through improving laboratory infrastructure, improving laboratory data utilization for decision making, training human resources, and adhering to quality management systems.

Applications are therefore welcome for the following vacant position to Malawian Nationals on fixed term basis.  

Finance Manager – 1

Position Description

The Finance Manager will have overall responsibility for coordination of the finance activities of the Ciheb Initiative programs. S/he will be responsible for administration and adherence to both Ciheb Initiative and local country rules and regulations. S/he will manage a team of finance staff and ensure quality, timeliness, and efficiency of all financial processes for the country office.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide oversight of in-country financial functions ensuring compliance with the award terms for all funding
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Finance and Administration (DFA) and the Project Director to support budget development, plan for expenses and to track expenditures against annual work plans and ensuring resources are effectively and efficiently budgeted and managed to achieve activity deliverables
• Oversee financial and administrative processes, including budgeting for new bids, preparing budget redirection/alignments, financial transactions, financial reporting, inventory management.
• Develop, in coordination with the DFA, financial administrative management systems and processes required to maintain project implementation, and guarantee that these processes comply with UMB and CDC policies and regulations and local laws.
• Work with the DFA and the Project Director to ensure transparent and efficient functioning of administrative and financial processes and systems and maintain adequate internal controls.
• Ensure that all donor financial management and reporting requirements are met, providing a clear, concise and timely overview of the financial status of the award.
• Liaise with other key technical personnel and local staff to ensure smooth financial processes are upheld.
• Effectively manage and supervise finance personnel, ensuring effective and efficient financial processes and outputs.
• Manage and supervise monitoring and tracking systems for the budget. Advise the DFA and Project Director on financial status and budgetary decisions
• Offer treasury management and maintain stewardship and fiduciary responsibility of financial resources ensuring sufficient cash resources are available in-country to meet project obligations
• Ensure the preparation of complete and accurate monthly and ad hoc financial reports and submission of financial information to MGIC within the stated deadlines
• Oversee other general accounting functions including accounts payables and payroll, banking, accounts receivables, payable, audit planning and submission of Tax and VAT returns

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities:

• Degree in Accounting and/or Finance is required.
• Fully qualified Accountant (ACCA, ICAEW, CIMA, etc.).
• A member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Malawi (ICAM)
• Masters’ Degree in Business Administration or Accounting/Finance, from a recognized university will be an added advantage.
• Excellent command of English language, verbal and written, is required.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in financial management of a large organization preferably in a U.S. assistance programs in Malawi
• Demonstrated experience in U.S. government cost principles, rules and regulations and applying these in program decision-making
• Demonstrated experience supporting and working with program technical staff to ensure resources are used efficiently and to accurately account for expenditure
• Excellent record of accurate and on-time reporting to donor agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with senior-level colleagues, particularly interacting productively, proactively, and comfortably with national and sub-national government officials and institutions and donor organizations.
• Exceptional computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel, and substantial experience using commercially available accounting software programs such as ERP platform.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and eager to work in a fast-paced multicultural organization.

Mode of Application
Suitable candidates should apply by sending a resume, motivational letter, copies of certificates and contact details of at least 3 current / former employers to the following email address: malawi_recruitment@mgic.umaryland.edu
The closing date for receiving applications for the positions is 19th September 2024.

Ciheb Initiative in Malawi is an Equal Opportunities Employer.