Since 1944, Heifer International has empowered over 46 million smallholder farmer families globally to overcome hunger and poverty while caring for the earth. Our new goal is to close the Sustainable Living Income gap for 10 million more households by 2030. In 2021, Heifer launched its Nigeria Country Program and the “Naija Unlock” Signature Program. This initiative aims to enhance Nigeria’s agricultural sector, focusing on rice, tomatoes, and poultry, with plans to include cattle and small ruminants. Naija Unlock seeks to boost productivity, access to innovative finance, market opportunities, mechanization, and climate-smart practices for smallholder farmers, ultimately assisting at least two million households by 2030 through strategic partnerships.

FUNCTION
The Program Finance Intern will collaborate with the Program Finance Officer to assist with VBHCD/farmer payment processing, invoice verification, and finance operations. This internship aims to give the intern practical experience in finance operations while enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of our financial processes. The intern will apply critical thinking to manage VBHCD activities for the Naija Unlock program in a dynamic environment and will be responsible for adhering to general accounting standards and Heifer’s policies and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in financial data entry, recording transactions, and maintaining financial records in accounting software or spreadsheets.
• Verify farmers’ and beneficiaries’ payment and account information to ensure all details are accurate and complete.
• Prepare detailed schedules for uploading farmers’ payments through the Internet banking GAPS system.
• Collaborate with the program team to collect and analyze farmers’ financial information.
• Assist in reconciling beneficiaries’ payments with the payment schedules, ensuring alignment in Excel.
• Coordinate with the Admin and Procurement teams to verify the documentation for vendor payments.
• Work closely with the Program Finance Officer to review and confirm the accuracy and validity of invoices.
• Participate in audits and compliance reviews by providing documentation, conducting research, and assisting with audit preparations.
• Maintain confidentiality and integrity of financial information, adhering to company policies, procedures, and compliance standards.
• Other duties as assigned by the Supervisor and Finance Director.

ESSENTIAL CHARACTER TRAITS:
Financial Acumen; Tech-Savvy; Action-oriented; Plans and aligns; Optimizes work processes; Ensures accountability; Drives results; Collaborates; Communicates effectively; Courageous; Instills trust.

Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Economics, Finance or Accounting or a related field, plus a minimum of two (2) years of professional experience.

Most Critical Proficiencies:
a) Ability to navigate financial and non-financial data gathering and analytics; technically adept with the ability to quickly learn and maximize usage of technology and software; effective use of Microsoft Office Suite with strong analytical skills in MS Excel, and meticulous attention to detail.
b) Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret financial data, analyze trends, and draw meaningful insights.
c) Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work cooperatively, tactfully, and diplomatically with a culturally diverse group of people.
d) Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
e) Enthusiasm for learning and willingness to take on new challenges and responsibilities.
f) Demonstrate a high degree of integrity.
g) Commitment to professionalism, integrity, and ethical behaviour in all work-related activities.
h) Sensitivity in working with multiple cultures and beliefs, and to gender equity.

Required Skills and Physical Demands:
a) Financial analysis.
b) Data entry and Microsoft Excel.
c) Attention to detail.
d) Time management.
e) Adaptability and Learning orientation.
f) Ability to prepare documents and other materials in a well-designed and attractive format, with attention to detail.
g) Ability and willingness to travel both domestically and internationally.
h) Adequate physical condition necessary to travel to project sites in rural areas