EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER (EDC)

EDC is one of the world’s leading nonprofit research and development firms.  Established in 1958, EDC designs, delivers and evaluates innovative programs to address some of the world’s most urgent challenges in education, health, and economic opportunity.  Our services include research, training, educational materials, and strategy, with activities ranging from seed projects to large-scale national and international initiatives.  

EDC is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Project Description

The USAID Let’s Read Zambia project is a 5-year project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by the Education Development Center (EDC).  USAID Let’s Read Zambia works to improve reading outcomes for children attending pre-primary (kindergarten) through to Grades 3 and provide professional development for teachers to support reading interventions in Zambian public and community schools.

The USAID Lets Read Zambia Project is hiring an Administration and Finance Officer (AFO) for a short term period who will be based in Chinsali, Muchinga Province and will manage day-to-day finance and administrative operations, including implementing EDC and USAID policies, procedures and systems, reviewing accounts payable documents for proper accuracy and completeness, and liaising with bank on all banking issues.  In addition, the AFO will supports the Finance and Compliance Director in the preparation of field office financial reports and tracking of spending.  The AFO will report to the Finance & Compliance Director and will be supervised by the Provincial Office Manager, administratively.

Essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

·    Manages day to day finance operations, including implementing EDC and USAID policies, procedures and systems, reviewing accounts payable documents for proper accuracy and completeness, and liaising with bank on all banking issues; 

·    Supports the Finance and Compliance Director in the preparation of field office financial reports and tracking of spending; 

·    Provides updated, timely and accurate financial reports to Finance and Administration Director, as necessary, and monthly ad hoc reports on financial status of project expenses and budget information;

·    Manages the process of clearing bills, payments, and vouchers from provincial field offices;

·    Request the necessary project funds for the provincial expenditure to be transferred from the central account to field accounts; 

·    Act as the contact person for provincial level reconciliation of monthly expense reports, and support with Finance and Administration Director to respond to any inquiries from the EDC home office in Washington, DC;

·    Assists in the preparation of monthly financial spreadsheets, cash flow forecasts in accordance with appropriate procedures;

·    Perform data entry into the accounting software;

·    Maintain accurate record keeping;

·    Follow up to ensure timesheets for provincial staff are submitted in a timely manner;

·    Tracks and monitors fuel consumption at the provincial level;

·    Conducts checks on compliance with USAID’s Anti-Terrorist Certification (“ATC”) regulations; and

·    Other duties as required.

The candidate for the position of Temporary Administration and Finance Officer shall have at a minimum the following qualifications:

Secondary School Leaving Certificate

Associates or Bachelor’s degree in a related field

Skills and Experience:  

·        A minimum of 3 years of accounting experience;

·        Experience supporting USAID or other donor-funded projects;  

·        Experience working with QuickBooks accounting system or similar product; 

·        Experience working with computers, especially MS Word and MS Excel; 

·        Detail-oriented and organized; 

·        Must be able to work within a cross cultural setting, negotiate diplomatically, and function well under pressure; 

·        Ability to work hands-on, independently, and within team in difficult work environment; 

·        Willingness to travel to provinces covered by the project; and

·        Willingness to travel to Lusaka to support the main project office.

• Fully paid up member of the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA).

 Language:  

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of (and proficiency in) Chinyanja, Chitonga, Silozi, Lunda, Luvale, Kiikaonde and Icibemba languages highly preferred.

Job closing date: January 21, 2022

To apply, Applicants are encouraged to send their application and CV to  SmartRecruiters Careers Page.

Applications submitted without a resume or CV will not be reviewed.

EDC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to enhancing the diversity of its workforce and ensuring an equitable and highly inclusive work environment. EDC is a smoke-free workplace, and offers a supportive work environment, competitive salary, and excellent benefits. Women, minorities, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.