Project Financial Analysis and Support (PLANS) Assistant/s I  

Background

The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) deliver research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people’s lives. Alliance solutions address the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.

With novel partnerships, the Alliance generates evidence and mainstreams innovations to transform food systems and landscapes so that they sustain the planet, drive prosperity, and nourish people in a climate crisis.

The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future.

https://alliancebioversityciat.org/                     www.cgiar.org

About the position

Based in Rome, Italy and under the supervision of the PLANS Global Manager, the incumbent/s will provide

operational financial support to the projects that are being developed by the Alliance Research Areas and Programs. This involves the provision of assistance to budgetary analysis and financial support as project activities are being carried out (coordinating the opening of a BUS, coordinating uploading budgetary information and necessary adjustments). The appointed candidate/s will also support with delivery of information to prepare financial reports for projects and handle projects information requirements from donors. The incumbent/s will be responsible for executing and completing transactions consistent with established rules and procedures.

Responsibilities

More specifically, the PLANS Assistant/s I will:

·       Assist the PLANS Office with grant opening and data management in our Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system

o   Prepare the grant opening template for the ERP system and ensure the accurate entry of grant data

o   Ensure timely and accurate budget uploads in the ERP system to maintain up-to-date and precise financial records

o   Regularly review data entries to ensure consistency and accuracy across the ERP system

·       Assist the PLANS Office with financial management of grants

o   Assist with the setup and accurate tracking of Personnel Cost Allocation

o   Assist with budget uploads, adjustments, and ensure all updates are correctly reflected in the ERP system

o   Prepare cost transfer requests with detailed and accurate data for review and approval

o   Collect, verify, and reconcile data and documentation to support the preparation of financial reports for donors

o   Ensure that financial reports are aligned with accounting records and provide supporting documentation for both report submissions and audits

o   Execute activities related to the signature process of financial reports, ensuring all data and requirements are accurate and complete

·       Assist the PLANS Office with partner financial reporting and clearance processes

o   Review partner financial reports and verify the completion of the financial reporting checklist; identify discrepancies and take corrective actions

o   Review and reconcile the transaction list provided by the partner to ensure alignment with the financial report

o   Review supporting evidence provided by the partner, ensuring accuracy and completeness, and take necessary actions as needed

·       Provide additional support tasks as required by the PLANS unit, focusing on maintaining data accuracy and consistency in all financial processes

Requirements

• Secondary school education supplemented by office training or related courses in economics, accounting, finance and related fields.
• Previous work experience (minimum 1 year) in finance units performing process-oriented / transactional  activities.
• Proficiency in relevant software packages (Microsoft Office Suite).
• Knowledge of or experience with financial management software.
• Solid interpersonal, communications and teamwork skills; courtesy and tact, and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of different cultural and national backgrounds.
• Well-developed skills in personal organization, filing and priority setting, problem solving and accuracy.
• Strong client orientation and service approach.
• Sound judgment and initiative; ability to work independently within the assigned area.
• Full professional proficiency of the English language, both written and spoken.

Benefits

Terms of employment

This is/are a locally recruited position/s based in Rome, Italy. The salary is level 4, on a scale of 14 levels, with level 14 being the highest. All benefits are denominated and paid in Euro. The salary range starts from Euro 35,790 per annum. The Alliance offers an attractive remuneration package which includes a competitive salary, leave provisions, medical and life insurance, and non-contributory retirement plan. The contract will be for a period of 1 year, subject to a probationary period of 6 months, and is renewable based on performance and availability of funds.

Please note that eligible applicants must have the legal status to live and work in Italy:

·       Be Italian nationals holding a valid passport or identity card.

·       Or be EU citizens holding a valid passport or identity card and confirmation of registration from the Registrar’s Office (Anagrafe).

·       Or Non – EU citizens holding a valid Italian work permit (permesso di soggiorno per lavoro subordinato).

Applications

Please apply online through the Alliance Job Opportunities website (https://alliancebioversityciat.org/careers) no later than 24 October 2024, attaching a curriculum vitae, cover letter, both in English, and contact information (e.g. names, email address) of at least three references.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Closing date for applications: 24 October 2024

We invite you to learn more about us at:

http://alliancebioversityciat.org

Please visit our careers page at:

https://alliancebioversityciat.org/careers