Job Description

Manager, Finance

About MCA

The Government of Malawi signed a five-year agreement (“Compact”) with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (“MCC”) to fund specific programs targeted at reducing poverty and stimulating economic growth. MCC is a U.S. government agency focused on assisting countries dedicated to good governance, economic freedom, and investing in people. An Accountable Entity called the Millennium Challenge Account-Malawi II (“MCA-Malawi II”) has been created and designated by the Government of Malawi to implement the Compact.

Malawi compact

The Compact consists of three projects, namely;

1. The Accelerated Growth Corridors Project (AGC) will focus on reducing transport costs in targeted rural areas. Under the AGC Project, the Road Corridor Improvement (RCI) Activity will target investment in physical upgrades and improvements across different classes of roads within four selected Accelerated Growth Corridors (AGCs) to improve rural access by addressing road conditions and reducing transport costs. The Policy and Institutional Reform and Capacity Building (PIR) Activity will focus on assisting the Government to address policy, legislative, institutional, and funding issues to ensure that road transport in AGC areas is well-maintained and managed.
2. The Increased Land Productivity Project will focus on improving land services, strengthening conditions for increased investment in land and better-functioning land markets through two main activities: the Land Administration Resourcing and Institutions Activity – which will support development, adoption, and implementation of reforms to expand national land-based revenues and address institutional change – and the City Council Land-Based Revenue Modernization Activity, which will expand coverage and collection of land-based revenues, to increase resources for key services and increase investment in land and finally.
3. The American Catalyst Facility for Development Project will focus on facilitating U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) investment in Malawi to catalyze increased private investment consistent with Compact objectives and increase the scale and impact of the Compact.

Manager, Finance

Position Objective

Reporting to the Director of Administration and Finance (DAF), the Finance Manager assists the DAF in the monitoring of MCA-Malawi II’s annual Program budget for the entire Compact period. Support the DAF in developing and managing all program accounting reports, including special reports required by the MCA-Malawi II or the Board of Directors. Develop quarterly reports, detailed financial plans and quarterly disbursement requests for funding from MCC (all part of the quarterly reporting process), in coordination with the Fiscal Agent.

Primary Responsibilities

• Administer the financial management of MCA-Malawi II’s funds to implement the Program efficiently and effectively.
• Adapt policies and frameworks to the Compact’s statutory and operational requirements and develop systems, allocate budgets and resources that are aligned to these requirements and consistent with the MCA-Malawi II's needs.
• Evaluate Compact requirements and develop policies and plans for managing MCA-Malawi II’s fiscal resources, in accordance with MCC fiscal accountability and transparency policies, and internal and external audit standards and requirements.vw
• Assist in the processing of payments for staff salaries and any other expenses from accounts of MCA-Malawi II for payments.
• Oversee the production of periodic reports, including annual fiscal reports, for the reference of MCA-Malawi II management, MCC, and MCA Board.
• Assist the DAF in the monitoring of MCA-Malawi II’s Annual Arogram Budget for the entire Compact period.
• Develop quarterly reports, detailed financial plans and quarterly disbursement requests for funding from MCC (all part of the quarterly reporting process), in coordination with the Fiscal Agent.
• Provide quarterly information to M&E and Economics Director on contracts and financial disbursements to enable ME&E track Compact process milestones and timeline/completion risks.
• Assist the DAF, in coordination with Project Managers, in estimating future commitment and cash flow requirements for each Project for each period and ensure that all accompanying reports are delivered according to the required schedule.
• Implement and supervise transactional procedures and systems to ensure transparent accounting practices and full traceability (invoices, receipts, statements, etc.)
• Monitor expenses against budgets to ensure adequate resources and control of funds.
• Oversee the development of operating budget for MCA-Malawi II.
• Help prepare a plan to meet regular audit requirements under the Compact and cooperate fully with Auditors to ensure that the auditing requirements of the program are satisfied as required by the Compact.
• Assist the DAF in developing and managing all program accounting reports, including special reports required by MCA-Malawi II, MCC and Board of Directors.
• Work with the Resettlement Manager to develop and implement methods of payment for persons being compensated as a result of economic and physical displacement and land acquisition (resettlement).
• Develop, in coordination with the Fiscal Agent, a Financial Management Operation Manual, known as the Fiscal Accountability Plan (FAP), which outlines all procedures necessary for financial management operations, sound internal control, and designates the officials who have the authority to approve obligations, verify receipt of goods and services, and execute payments.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with all aspects of the FAP.
• Ensure that MCC funds are exempt from all taxes as detailed in the Compact Agreement, Program Implementation Plan, and/or any other agreement associated with the Compact.
• Represent the Program on all financial aspects to the public, Government, Donor Community, Civil Society, Private Sector, and others as needed.
• Develop and manage all financial reports, including special reports required by MCA-Malawi II or Board of Directors.
• Assist the DAF in the processing and analysis of project-related expenses and ensure that they are in accordance with approved budget, MCC policies, and Government procedures.
• Assist the DAF in the administration and accounting for contract payments that the Fiscal Agent will process through MCC’s paying agent.

Required Competencies

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance is required and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or equivalent is preferred.
• Advanced Degree in Accounting, Management, Finance, or other related functions is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 8 years of specialized or varied experience in service management related to establishing policies in the areas of accounting, finance, management, etc.
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in the use of Financial Management Information Systems (SAP); as well as familiarity with common Microsoft Office applications (eg MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Proven skills and experience, especially in Financial Management related activities.
• Ability to develop complex budgets and manage all related financial transactions.
• Previous working experience with International Donors or Development Agencies
• Experience in Financial Management Systems and processes.
• High level of balance, judgment, discretion, and responsibility; the ability to handle confidential information, the ability to anticipate problems and the confidence to follow through.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

How to apply

To access positions’ profile requirements and submit applications, please visit https://malawi-jobs.tenderwell.app/. Applications should be accompanied by the following documents:

1. Curriculum vitae containing detailed work experience;
2. Cover letter confirming interest and availability; 
3. Soft copies of higher education and professional certificates (if available).

If you meet challenges in applying online, please contact 098 923 5904 for assistance. The closing date for receiving applications is 2 October 2023. Please note that only applications received through the online (Tenderwell) portal will be considered. Any applications received through other channels will not be considered. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews.