Finance Manager

The International Center for Tropical Agriculture (www.ciat.cgiar.org) works to reduce hunger and poverty, and improve human health in the tropics through research aimed at increasing the eco-efficiency of agriculture. CIAT is a member of the CGIAR Consortium (www.cgiar.org), a global research partnership working with many partners for a food secure future. The Center’s research focuses on improving key crops (cassava, common bean, rice, and tropical forages); reversing soil and land degradation; and using information to foster better decisions about issues such as climate change and environmental management. Headquartered near Cali, Colombia, CIAT has regional offices in Nairobi, Kenya, and Hanoi, Vietnam, with staff posted in other developing countries as well.

The Finance Manager, a Senior Staff position, is a member of CIAT’s Corporate Services team. He or she will be responsible for leading all financial matters of the Institution and is responsible for financial planning, treasury operations, grants management, institutional accounting and reporting, taxes and its recoveries. The Finance Manager will also give lead to the financial teams in the regional offices. The incumbent will interact closely with research area directors, program leaders, researchers and the donor relations office to
assures an efficient operation to achieve CIAT’s mission.

Responsibilities:
The Finance Manager is responsible for:
 Providing leadership to ensure financial health and liquidity of the Center to achieve research objectives
 Leading financial activities related to research programs and projects from the proposal to the reporting stage
 Leading financial analysis and multi-year planning efforts across corportare services and CIAT
 Assuring, together with the Treasurer, adequate fund allocation, appropriate liquidity and funds flow at headquarters and the regional offices
 Safeguarding and strengthening of CIAT’s reserves
 Managing the institutional budget, control and reporting, including accounts receivable, accounts payable and fixed assets
 Reporting regularly on research area, program and project budget execution and working with the respective research leaders to meet financial targets
 Preparing monthly financial reports at the institutional level, quarterly financial reports for the Board of Trustees and the Center’s Annual Financial Statements
 Leading the Finance and Investment Committee and the Capital Allocation Committee
 Assuring that CIAT is closely adheres to the Consortium Financial Guidelines
 Leading cost analysis activities and formulating and implementing appropriate charge back policies. Identifying and implementing cost saving and operational efficiency improvement opportunities
 Supervising the transition from the Oracle to the Agresso, One Common System ERP platform as regards to project and institutional financial information, tracking and reporting
 Supporting and advising the Deputy Director General, Corporate Services and the Management Team on overall financial matters
 Scanning the operating environment for potential financial risks and suggesting mitigating actions
 Coordinating all activities related to internal and external financial audits and reports to the Audit and Risk Management Committee of the Board of Trustees on findings and progress on recommendations resulting from audit reports

Requirements:
The candidate shall have the following competencies, skills and experience:
 A Master degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Accounting or in any related fields
 Work experience in the finance and administrative area of non for profit programs or institutions
 Relevant experience in financial management of research projects and programs preferably with international organizations
 Experience in general financial management at institutional or corporate level.
 Solid accounting and reporting experience and has knowledge of or experience with International Accounting Standards
 Demonstrated ability to work in an interdisciplinary and multicultural team-oriented environment which includes interactions and management of complex partner and other stakeholder relationships
 Talent in forming and leading cross functional teams
 Goal-oriented and creative team player
 Experience at similar international organization and/or in the private sector is desirable
 Fluency in English and Spanish both verbal and written is essential
 Strong skills in leadership, strategic thinking, conceptualization of ideas, attention to details and understanding of the financial needs of research organizations
 Knowledge of and experience with the CGIAR is considered an advantage

Terms of Employment:
The Finance Manager will report to the Deputy Director General, Corporate Services and will be based at CIAT Headquarters in Cali, Colombia. The contract will be for an initial two (2) years period, subject to a probation period of six (6) months, renewable depending on performance and funding. CIAT offers a nationally and internationally competitive salary and benefits package including an attractive expat package for international candidates.

The Center is an equal opportunity employer and strives for staff diversity in gender and nationality.

Applications:
To apply for this position, please send a cover letter with your qualifications together with your detailed curriculum vitae, including the names and addresses of three persons who are familiar with your professional qualifications and work experience. Direct your correspondence to Ms. Isabela Botero (i.botero@cgiar.org) in the CIAT Human Resources Office, indicating clearly “CIAT Finance Manager – Cali, Colombia’’ in your application letter and email message. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Closing Date: October 11th, 2013 or until vacancy is filled