The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.

Overview

The position is to ensure that CIFOR ICRAF adheres to all the organizational, local and donor policies and procedures in the implementation of the Restore Africa project in the six countries (Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia). The incumbent will support risk and compliance related activities for the Restore Africa Program including sub-recipient compliance adhering to CIFOR ICRAF policies, local laws, and donor regulations to help ensure effective high-quality program delivery. Provide administrative and operational support to the Restore Africa Project including partner liaison, event organizing and coordination, and development and monitoring of budgets and tracking project expenses. Provide administrative support to all project staff and assist Principal Investigator in coordination activities.

Duties and responsibilities

1. Compliance monitoring and management. · Collaborate with the Restore Africa leadership and Finance and Cooperate services Units (PMU, Legal, Operations, FSU) and Internal Audit Unit on strengthening internal control systems and processes for the Restore Africa program across the six countries. · Work in close collaboration with the Finance and Cooperate services Units (PMU, Legal, Operations, FSU) and Internal Audit Unit conduct regular internal control reviews to assess the effectiveness of controls in operations and program management systems and processes for the Restore Africa program in accordance with CIFOR ICRAF Policies and Procedures. · Support the planning and performance of internal audits, control reviews and compliance assessments, · Support external and internal audits and the coordination of plans to close out audit findings and recommendations related to the Restore Africa program. · Support internal investigation of reported potential and alleged incidents of incompliance to donor, and CIFOR ICRAF policies and procedures including collusion and financial wrongdoing. · Support the design and facilitation of trainings and institutional capacity strengthening due diligence plans for Restore Africa staff and partners in consideration of donors’ requirements and partners’ systems and procedures. 2. Risk assessment and management. · Updating the project risk register, and lessons learnt log. · Support systems verification and identification of risk issues, weaknesses/ inefficiencies, anomalies, challenges, and propose solutions to address them and improve system integrity. 3. Technical and Financial Reporting. · Support preparation of budgets, monitoring expenditure and provide regular updates to the Restore Africa project leadership and Finance Officer. · Support and facilitate the tracking of project action plans arising from reports and monitoring events. · Keeping track of country implementation work plans and reporting timelines. · Support and facilitate the production and submission of the environmental, social and governance and impact (ESG-I) quarterly reports and other donor due diligence documents. 4. Planning and coordinating project events. · Coordinating major project missions and including National Steering Committee Meeting preparations. · Providing note-taking support during project meetings, site visits and events. · Organizing and coordinating workshops, making travel arrangements and other related logistical arrangements. · Providing administrative support to the project and guidance on contracting, purchasing and operational procedures and policies. Requirements Master’s in business administration, Project management or the equivalent with first degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, or other relevant disciplines. At least four years of work experience, ideally with an international organization, with progressive responsibility in project management, operations and/or programming. Experience in audit, compliance, or risk management desirable Knowledge of audit standards and compliance regulations and familiarity with international standards for internal control and risk and compliance management (e.g., COSO, ISO).

Education, knowledge and experience

• • Master’s in business administration, Project management or the equivalent with first degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, or other relevant disciplines. • At least four years of work experience, ideally with an international organization, with progressive responsibility in project management, operations and/or programming. • Experience in audit, compliance, or risk management desirable • Knowledge of audit standards and compliance regulations and familiarity with international standards for internal control and risk and compliance management (e.g., COSO, ISO)

Terms and conditions

• • This is a Locally Recruited position. CIFOR-ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in local currency commensurate with skills and experience. • The duty station will be in Nairobi, Kenya CIFOR-ICRAF Offices.

Application process

The application deadline is 23 Jul-2023
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.