Oxfam in Rwanda was physically established in the 1980s, although prior to that in the 1960s, Oxfam was engaged in delivering humanitarian response, water and sanitation, conflict management and sustainable livelihoods by funding project work of partner organizations in the country. Oxfam overall vision is a just Rwanda without poverty.

Oxfam in Rwanda developed a Five-Year Strategic Plan (2015-2020) based on comprehensive analysis of the Rwandan context and the power constellations that identify some of the critical barriers to inclusive development in the country and opportunities for change. Therefore, the strategy is centered on interventions that are in line with its mission – to ensure that poor women, men and youth enjoy equal rights and benefit from fair and inclusive development. Oxfam invest where it can add value as the country implements the National Strategy for Transformation and now moving from Vision 2020 to Vision 2050. Oxfam Country Strategy is implemented under four key program pillars, namely: – Sustainable Livelihood, Participatory Governance, Gender Justice and Humanitarian Preparedness and Resilience Strengthening.

We are currently recruiting for experienced Rwandans national for the following position

Project Accountant

Location          : Based in Kigali – but required from time to time to support Implementing Partners in Oxfam’s operating areas

Salary              :  Competitive

Duration          : One year (renewable)

Availability      : Immediately

Level               : National D1

The post holder will be responsible of implementation and monitoring of the financial aspects of the assigned specific project, the management of the financial risks and opportunities, and to provide for the appraisal and analysis of the necessary financial aspects of the proposals and reports for donors. The job holder will be reporting to Project Manager to Business support lead as Matrix Manager.

key Responsibilities

• Prepares the financial management reports based on donor and Oxfam standards, including detailed analysis and submits them to line managers for approval.
• Monitors periodically the approvals, spending and performance of projects and revises the financial planning where necessary.
• Checks and appraises the financial reports and audits of partner organisations, communicates on the findings with relevant decision makers within the program as well as partners themselves, and where necessary makes proposals for follow-up.
• Responsible for preparation of all projects’ books of accounts, monthly transactions, bank payments, reconciliations and receipts.
• Processes supplier and other payments related to the project’s implementation within the agreed terms and follows up with the logistics team to ensure payment is done according to the rules and procedures of EU and Oxfam GB.
• Analyses financial data related to the project to support decision making and cost effectiveness reviews in the Rwanda programme.
• Prepares project monthly BVAs for programme monitoring and action.
• Informs the Business Support Manager of any major discrepancies or problems and assists in resolving relevant issues/problems.
• Monitors and manages expenditure and budgets for the EU funded projects; provides support to budget holders in using OPAL and CRIMSON systems effectively.
• Ensures proper use and maintenance of computerised financial systems (including the accounts package designed for Oxfam GB purposes, (Peoplesoft),
• Occasionally liaises with external and internal auditors, including follow up of auditors’ queries and recommendations.
• Participates in general management processes including project activity planning, budgeting, fundraising for scaling up the project and reviews.
• Provides adequate partner management support through linking with project team in assessments and monitoring of partner grants utilization.
• Builds capacity of implementing partners especially in areas of finance and compliance with donor requirements

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and professional Finance/ accounting qualifications such as ACCA, CPA,
• Minimum of 3- 5 years working experience in the field of Finance/Accounts, preferably with EU and other institutional donors.
• Experience of working with multiple partners, financed by external donors.
• Proven experience of operating computerized accounting systems and coding systems. Excellent knowledge of spreadsheet design and use,
• Good understanding of audit methodologies,
• Experience in accounting systems, strong working knowledge of Rwandese and International financial and accounting principles and relevant regulations on tax, VAT etc,
• Manages resources and deadlines with minimum supervision.
• Proven, extensive experience in financial statement preparation and reporting.
• High level of numeracy, accuracy and analytical skills
• Planning, initiative and attention to detail,
• Coaches junior and peer staff.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Responsible, flexible and adaptable.
• Significant experience working in the Rwandan context with existing contacts/networks and relationships with key stakeholders to draw upon
• Strong organizational network experience, with experience working in a learning environment, and an ability to identify clear lessons and important issues that can be shared with others to constantly improve performance,
• An ability to identify opportunities and to develop innovative strategy designs.
• Strong project management skills and ability to deliver results,
• Ability to work effectively in a culturally diverse organisation,
• Ability to travel frequently and at short notice, including to remote locations.
• Excellent spoken and written English and French; Working knowledge of Kinyarwanda.

Our values and commitment to safeguarding

Oxfam is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults and beneficiaries with whom Oxfam GB engages. Oxfam expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. Oxfam GB also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.  In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.

We are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organisation and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

How to apply 

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications including recent curriculum vitae (CV) with contact details (phone and email address) of their most recent line manager as part of their referees and motivation letter

About us

Oxfam is a global community who believe poverty isn’t inevitable. It’s an injustice that can be overcome. We are shop volunteers, women’s right activists, marathon runners, aid workers, coffee farmers, street fundraisers, goat herders, policy experts, campaigners, water engineers and more. And we won’t stop until everyone can live life without poverty for good.

Oxfam GB is a member of international confederation of 19 organisations working together with partners and local communities in the areas of humanitarian, development and campaigning, in more than 90 countries.