Research Grants Finance Officer at University of Nairobi

Ref: AD/4/18/23

Job Specifications

The duties and responsibilities at this level will entail:

• Providing support to project staff by ensuring cost effective utilization of resources;
• Monitoring expenditure of each research grant to ensure expenditure is in line with donors’ objectives, and requirements; and prepare donor financial reports;
• Monitoring projects expenditure against the budgets and provide frequent feedback to the project managers and project staff on budget matters;
• Review field imprest / travel per diems to ensure adherence to set procedures and regulations;
• Process payments and funds transfer to researchers and partners;
• Review partner institutions’ expenditure accounting and prepare funds disbursements;
• Participate in proposal development preparing budgets and other administrative sections;
• Prepare for project audits by continuously reviewing accounts for accuracy and provide support to auditors during project financial audits;
• Ensure proper financial records management and compliance with internal and external requirements;
• Maintain grant reporting requirements and schedules in the Project Management System (PMS) and follow-up on project reports to ensure submission by due dates;
• Help in monitoring project implementation including review of burn rates both for the Institute and project partners;
• Support the Office of the Director and the Institute in general under the guidance of the office administrator and respond to queries in their absence;
• Support researchers in developing/writing grant application budgets

Person Specification

For appointment to this grade, a candidate must have the following requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, or Business Administration or Finance, Accounting, or related undergraduate degree.
• At least three (3) years’ post qualification experience preferably in a research organization.
• Demonstrate knowledge on grant management and proposal writing.
• Research grants management experience.
• Excellent financial management skills.
• Must be computer literate; and have excellent skills in MS Excel and familiarity with any accounting software,
• Experience of working on donor funded projects.
• Proven experience in planning, budgeting and programme control. Strategic thinking, problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent compliance and local regulatory knowledge and management skills.
• Must be a member of a relevant professional body and in good standing;
• Progress towards obtaining Certified Public Accountant (CPA K) or Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) equivalent is an added advantage.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Planning and organizational skills;
• Ability to work with flexibility on several tasks simultaneously;
• Communication skills;
• Team player.

Terms of Employment

Employment will be on one-year renewable terms (with 3 months’ probation period) depending on availability of funds. Gross monthly salary attached to this post is Ksh. 63,640 - 71,500 depending on experience, and demonstrated competency.