The World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) is a non-profit global research organization that generates science-based knowledge about the diverse and important roles that trees play in agricultural landscapes and rural livelihoods. The Centre’s vision is rural transformation in the developing world, as family farmers use tree-based solutions based in agroforestry to improve food security, nutrition, income, soil, human and ecosystem health, and to help them adapt to and mitigate climate change. With their multidisciplinary research and the knowledge they generate, ICRAF and its partners advance policies and practices that benefit the poor and the environment.
The Centre’s headquarters are in Nairobi, Kenya, and it conducts research in more than 30 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. ICRAF is a member of the Consortium of 15 independent agricultural research centres of CGIAR.
The Centre’s headquarters are in Nairobi, Kenya, and it conducts research in more than 30 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. ICRAF is a member of the Consortium of 15 independent agricultural research centres of CGIAR.
To learn more, please visit our website: www.worldagroforestry.org
About the position
The Director of Corporate Services is responsible for the performance of the following functions across the Centre: Finance, Operations, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Travel & Conference Services, Security, Contracts & Grants, Procurement and also the Regional Corporate Services Units.
The Director will provide strategic guidance to the Heads of Units that fall under this portfolio in the design, adoption and implementation of systems that provide effective and efficient support to the Centre in achieving its strategic objectives.
The Director will develop business plans that map the way forward for these units to achieve high levels of service quality, efficiency and cost-effectiveness in providing services over the short, medium and longer term.
Duties and responsibilities:
- Proactively provide information and advice to the Centre’s Board of Trustees and members of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to ensure that the financial and physical resources of the Centre are managed optimally and sustainably.
- Serve as a member of the SLT and participate in strategic positioning and decision-making, and work towards far-sighted, efficient and effective leadership for the Centre, among other responsibilities.
- Provide leadership to all units under Corporate Services so that they can effectively contribute to the achievement of organizational objectives, including new key, complex initiatives and ensure that they reflect best practice. Ensure ongoing risk analysis and management, effective planning and sound overall management of these functions.
- Oversee the updating, development and implementation of appropriate policies, processes and information systems, including the One Corporate System (OCS), for all areas of responsibility.
- Ensure continuous improvement in the service delivery from these units and optimal management of the financial, material and information resources handled by these units. Set explicit performance indicators for these units/functions and their staff, and monitor and report on progress in achieving these standards and performance indicators.
- Lead, manage, coach, mentor and support managers under direct supervision in carrying out their duties by providing them with information, advice, general support and capacity-building as needed. Ensure that all units under Corporate Services are appropriately staffed, well led and well managed for outstanding performance.
- Represent Corporate Services units in Centre-wide strategic planning and decision-making.
- Work closely with key units of the Centre and with counterparts in other CGIAR Centres and the Systems Office.
- Responsible for treasury and accounting, budgeting functions and systems for ICRAF’s world-wide operations. Recommend to Board and SLT appropriate and low-risk investment practices to maximize return on the Centre’s investment.
- Establish, coordinate and administer the financial system used in controlling and monitoring the operations of the Centre, including overseeing the ICT-related elements. Manage the Centre’s financial assets through appropriate accounting policies and practices at all locations.
- Assist Director General (DG) in macro-financial planning, financial analysis, investments and budgetary control. Provide financial advice to the SLT, DG and Board of Trustees.
- Assist in fund-raising in cooperation with the DG, Science Domain (SD) Leaders, Consortium Research Programme (CRP) focal points and Regional Coordinators.
- Manage the Centre’s relationships with External and Internal Auditors.
- Develop appropriate procedures and maintain records to generate qualitative reports on ICRAF operations to meet the requirements of stakeholders, donors, Board Members, SLT and staff.
- Formulate and prepare the Centre’s annual finance/budget plans in close collaboration with the SLT, SD and CRP Leaders, Regional and Country Representatives and support unit heads.
- Provide necessary reports to donors and Systems Office on time and as required.
- Liaise with the Deputy Director General – Research and Assistant Director General – Partnerships and Impact in all aspects of linkages with the research programmes.
- Carry out any other tasks related to this portfolio as may be assigned by the DG.
Educational Qualifications and Other Skills Required:
- Internationally recognized professional accounting qualifications or MBA with specialization in finance
- Demonstrated senior financial management leadership in international organizations/public institutions
- Managerial capability to work in a multi-cultural and multidisciplinary environment
- Effective interpersonal skills
- High level of maturity, judgment, and people management skills, including team working/building skills
Experience Required:
- 15-20 years of post-qualification experience in financial management
- Experience at an international level in financial management
- Experience with computerized financial and accounting systems
Language Requirements:
- Proficiency in oral and written English is essential. Knowledge of French or Spanish is highly desirable.
Skills and competencies:
- Professionalism – Highest standards of professionalism in leadership, governance, communications, fiduciary management and operations
- Financial Management – Experience and competency to prepare, review and present financial and management reports and budgets
- Partnerships and Networking – Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the Centre
- Leadership and People Management – Ability to persuade, influence, supervise and give direction, as well as taking responsibility for self and others. Takes control of situations and mentors others
- Risk and Change Management – Understand the sources of risk and evaluate risks and methods for their control and mitigation. Anticipate and adapt to change
- Strategic Agility – Flexible and able to ‘think superbly on your feet’
- Communicate Effectively – Ability to speak, listen and write in a clear and thorough manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques
- Audit and Assurance – Experience and expertise to evaluate information systems and internal procedures and controls
- Accounting Skills – broad understanding of the technical issues and ability to keep up to date with new accounting rules and regulations
- ICT Skills – Ability to keep up to date with new concepts, techniques, tools and technologies
Terms of offer:
We offer a collegial, diverse and gender-sensitive working environment, and we strongly encourage applications from qualified women. This position is based at ICRAF headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, and remunerated on International terms. The appointment will be for an initial period of three (3) years, subject to a nine (9) months’ probation period.
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply for this post, please complete our online application form and submit the following information:http://oxfordhr.co.uk/job/26738/#page
An up-to-date curriculum vitae (of no more than 2-3 sides of A4)
A detailed statement (of no more than 2-sides of A4) explaining why you are interested in this post and how your skills and experience make you suitable. (Please look at “Advice for Candidates” on the Oxford HR website for hints on how to write a successful statement).
The documents should be saved in Word in the following format: Your First Name, Your Last Name, Document Name, and Date (yymm) e.g.:
Pat-Jones-CV-1404
Pat-Jones-Statement-1404
A detailed statement (of no more than 2-sides of A4) explaining why you are interested in this post and how your skills and experience make you suitable. (Please look at “Advice for Candidates” on the Oxford HR website for hints on how to write a successful statement).
The documents should be saved in Word in the following format: Your First Name, Your Last Name, Document Name, and Date (yymm) e.g.:
Pat-Jones-CV-1404
Pat-Jones-Statement-1404
