Current Vacancies at African Agricultural Technology Foundation

• The Corporate Services Team is a centralized team that aims to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and quality control across the management of AATF grants and business operations. The primary goal of this team is to align capacity and capabilities while driving efficiencies by establishing consistent, high-quality standards and best practices for improved budgeting, grants and contracts management, business development, and data collection and analytics. The Corporate Services Team strives to build a diverse and inclusive team at all levels that, as individuals and as a group, creates a working environment characterized by critical reflection, responsibility and accountability sharing, conversation, and objectivity in order to achieve our collective objectives and provide the best possible service to our clients.
• The Business Services Support Manager is in charge of keeping track of the operations and performance of the Social Enterprises (AHYRA, AGRIDRIVE, ECOBASIC & QUALIIBASIC).   Successful candidates must have a thorough understanding of business models, market dynamics, and the KPIs of the Social Enterprise personnel.  They will be responsible for development and monitoring of the key performance indicators, and advising the shareholders (AATF) on progress, monthly, quarterly, and annually.  They will advise the shareholder on the commercial viability of the social enterprises and maintain a risk profile of each of them.
• This position reports to the Director, Corporate Services.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic leadership and work planning:

• Develop a coherent Business strategy in close collaboration with the Social Enterprises management, board, AATF management and other stakeholders.
• Formulate and deploy long-term strategic plans for acquiring and enabling innovative, efficient, and cost-effective information processing, communications and reporting.
• Manage operational and strategic long-term and short term planning, including business requirements, project planning and organizing the allocation of resources.

Coordination of Operations and Reporting:

• Review performance of business systems to determine operating costs, productivity levels and potential areas of intervention.
• Benchmark, analyze, report on and make recommendations for optimising the business processes and productivity.
• Participate in the development of business case justifications and cost/benefit analyses for ICT initiatives.
• Develop and follow up on the implementation of policies and procedures.
• Oversee workforce planning from strategic planning to day-to-day operations.
• Ensuring the Social Enterprises operations and business processes are aligned with the shareholder’s (AATF) priorities.
• Ensuring the accountabilities of all the personnel within the social enterprise are aligned with the desires of the shareholder (AATF)
• Working with internal stakeholders and enterprise collaborators to produce strategic options analysis, and business challenges.
• Developing Strategies for promoting growth, and discuss the same with the leadership and management of the Social Enterprises.
• Providing the shareholder (AATF) with Monthly performance reports (Financial and Technical) for consolidation and upload in the system.
• Providing the shareholder (AATF) with the management reports – Budget vs actual for analysis and review.
• Approval of the monthly/Quarterly/Annual cash disbursement request
• Preparation of the progress on the KPIs for the Social Enterprises.
• Preparation of the performance DASHBOARD for the Social Enterprises for presentation to the Executive Management Team.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE.

• Undergraduate degree from a recognized University in Social Sciences, Business, Economics, or related fields.  A postgraduate degree, including an MBA, would be an added advantage.
• Proven working experience in managing operations of commercial entities.
• At least 7 years of work experience in commercial enterprises is an added advantage.
• At least 10 years of relevant management experience managing large teams in a comparable organization.
• Extensive experience working within a multicultural environment is desirable.
• Proven experience in developing policies at a strategic corporate level.

OTHER SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to understand and use data to drive decision-making and strategy
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously amid ambiguity and without
• A proven track record of effective team coordination, first-rate interpersonal abilities, and demonstrated success in building, inspiring, and managing diverse teams of skilled professionals.
• The capacity to handle confidential and private information in a discreet manner.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple deadlines effectively
• A high level of self-discipline, capacity to multitask, and function well under pressure.
• Cross-cultural competency

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• The Program Technology and Infrastructure Lead/ Manager will establish strategy and manage the organisation’s IT infrastructure, with a focus on system administration, maintenance, and networking.  Furthermore, the incumbent will manage databases and security, as well as develop software to support internal and external customers.  
• He or she will be responsible for installing, maintaining, and supporting the organisation’s computer systems, Software development initiatives, wide area networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), intranets, individual computers, mobile devices, and other technology.  In terms of business analytics (BA) and business intelligence, s/he will transform data into insights that support the organisation’s strategic objectives.  The Program Technology and Infrastructure Lead/ Manager will be in charge of securing networks, computers, and mobile devices to protect the organisation’s data from internal and external threats.

This position reports to the Director, Corporate Services.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic leadership and work planning:

• Develop a coherent ICT strategy in close collaboration with external and internal stakeholders.
• Develop, manage, and maintain the IT service fabric or Enterprise architecture encompassing infrastructure, applications, communication, and mobility.
• Formulate and deploy long-term strategic plans for acquiring and enabling innovative, efficient, and cost-effective information processing and communication technologies.
• Maintain change and configuration policy to enhance controls and security.
• Develop and implement ICT policies and procedures, including those for architecture, security, disaster recovery, standards, purchasing, equipment replacement and service provision; and
• Lead the Organisation in its implementation and use of ICT, including testing, trailing, and implementing new technologies, applications, services and facilitating necessary training.
• Support Business process re-engineering to suit organisation goals and product development
• Develop and manage ERP resources optimising them and integrating for use
• Develop a data security policy as per Data Protection Act and other universal guidelines such as GDPR guidelines.

Management of the ICT Operations:

• Manage operational and strategic ICT planning, including business requirements, project planning and organising the allocation of resources.
• Review performance of ICT systems to determine operating costs, productivity levels and potential upgrade requirements.
• Provide infrastructure cost management plans with growth and estimates.
• Implement and maintain cyber security protocols safeguarding organisation assets, integrity and value.
• Benchmark, analyse, report on and make recommendations for the optimisation of the ICT infrastructure and systems.
• Lead and direct the deployment, monitoring, maintenance, development and support of all hardware and software based on business needs.
• Lead in the development of business case justifications and cost/benefit analyses for ICT initiatives.

Management of resources of the unit

• Develop, test, and manage the IT Business Continuity plan.
• Lead the Information Systems Unit in the most cost-efficient way, ensuring that ICT services meet the expectations and needs of internal and external stakeholders.
• Negotiate and manage vendors, outsourcers and consultant contracts, as well as service agreements; and;
• Manage procurement needs, related contracts, Internal/external suppliers, and contract continuity.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE.

• University degree in Electrical/Electronic /Software Engineering Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Mathematics, or related field.  Master’s degree in software engineering would be advantageous.
• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) Certificate or Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) or Certified Network Security Certificate is required.
• Certification in Enterprise IT Architect or Business Processes Reengineering is required.
• Experience in ICT system integration and administration or design of ERPs is required for this role
• Proven working experience (over 7 years) in similar roles is required.
• At least 10 years of work experience in an ICT service environment
• 5 to 10 years of relevant management experience in a comparable organisation.
• Extensive experience working within a multicultural environment is desirable.
• Minimum 5 years’ knowledge and experience in ICT industry with Project/Product Management, Software development and process workflow mapping.
• Proven experience in developing policies at strategic corporate level.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in relevant regulatory frameworks and IT standards such as Data Protection.
• Experience in data engineering for analysis and forecasting is advantageous.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to understand and use data to drive decision-making and strategy
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously amid ambiguity and without direction and to forge partnerships and drive for results
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with excellent fluency in English (spoken and written).
• An excellent strategic leader and team manager/supervisor. 
• A strong service orientation to colleagues.  S/he can work effectively and excel in a team setting.

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The Procurement Manager will manage AATF’s supply chain for goods and services. The Procurement Manager’s duty is to discover the best ways to manage cost effectiveness, so that the foundation can invest in growth and people. This position will have primary responsibility in the oversight of the subsidiaries and partners’ procurement function across AATF’s countries of operation in the African Continent.

This will include providing direction to the subsidiaries and partners procurement teams and liaising with the leadership to coordinate the procurement activities across the continent. Unique challenges in the different operational geographies will require creative problem-solving skills. The position will be in charge of ensuring that procurement policies, processes/procedures, and systems are aligned, coordinated, and followed.

The position holder will be responsible for ensuring that the lifetime cost of a product is minimized, and that procurement sourcing approaches/systems are well-designed and cost-effective. He/she will collaborate closely with the Director, Corporate Services to identify gaps and make suggestions for improvement in the procurement function.

This position reports to the Director, Corporate Services.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• The procurement manager, working under the direction and supervision of the director of corporate services, will implement procurement and contracting of commodities, materials, equipment, and services for AATF and its subsidiaries. In doing so, the manager will provide management support in a variety of processes and transactions, ensuring the work is of the highest quality and accuracy.
• He/she will use his/her own judgment to deal with unforeseen situations, seeking advice from and/or reporting to the supervisor as necessary.
• The procurement manager will collaborate with department/program heads to provide the best support to the unit’s internal clients. The procurement manager will promote a client-centered, quality-driven, and results-oriented approach in his or her work.

KEY FUNCTIONS

Support the management/coordination of procurement support services by:

• Taking lead in the coordination of the procurement support activities, ensuring compliance with the Donor and AATF’s regulations, policies and strategies relating to Procurement, by incorporating the necessary steps to ensure sustainability in the procurement processes within the organization.
• Supporting the program/project teams in the compliance of submissions to the Procurement and Tender Committees.
• Coordinating the program/project teams for routine market research to determine sources of supplies, using available resources.
• Reviewing and signing off to the supplier database and ensuring regular update of the data is done.
• Take the lead in ensuring that all procurement files and records are updated and maintained by teams.
• Reviewing monthly or periodic procurement status reports from program/project teams as required.
• Be the point person for all procurement audit queries in all programs and business units during the statutory and project audits.

Procurement planning, requisitions, and sourcing

Take lead in management of the organization’s annual procurement planning by:

• Collaborating with program leads and departmental leads in the preparation of their procurement plan, awarding, administering, and monitoring of all matters related to procurement for the given geographical area / project activity.
• Coordinating the maintenance and updating of procurement monitoring processes for projects and provision of feedback to program leads.
• Management of proper and complete specification for equipment and materials, Job Profiles and Statement of Works for the preparation of RFP, RFQ and ITB, ensuring clearance/approval by respective units of the requests.
• Coordinate the monitoring of progress and liaison with vendors during the entire procurement cycle, investigation, and resolution of post-order problems and of progress reports on procurement matters.
• Track and report key functional metrics to reduce expenses and improve effectiveness.
• Collaborate with key persons to ensure clarity of the specifications and expectations of the foundation.
• Negotiate with external vendors to secure advantageous terms.

Management of resources of the unit

Support program teams in the bidding and tendering processes, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Preparation of shortlists of suitable contractors/suppliers for purchases.
• Preparation and issuance of EOI, RFQ, ITB, RFP or other tender documents as required.
• Together with the requesting department support review and evaluation of bids or proposals received and preparation of analysis for submission to the Procurement or Tender Committees.
• Coordinate the setup of Procurement and Tender Committee meetings as may be required.
• Take the lead in all strategic procurements.
• Devise and use fruitful sourcing strategies.

Bidding and tendering processes

Support program teams in ensuring efficient contract administration, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Review, test, and examination of all the existing contracts.
• Follow-up signing of contracts by vendors.
• Dissemination of contract advertisement and awards.
• Maintenance of contracts and filing system.
• Perform risk management for supply contracts and agreements.

Imports and Exports

• Manage the entire international procurement cycle, including but not limited to sourcing for bids, analysis, issue of Purchase orders, expediting orders, receipt of orders, inspection, verification of invoices and processing of payments.

Team Management

• Facilitates the engagement and provision of high-quality results and services of the program teams by offering technical support in work planning, performance management, coaching, and promotion of learning and development. Provides oversight, ensuring compliance by program team members with existing policies and best practices. Control spend and build a culture of long-term saving on procurement costs. Working closely with the program Leads to ensure high performance of the relevant teams in the within the organization and subsidiaries.

Supply Chain Support

• Working closely with the program leads and the supply chain lead, ensure all program supplies are ready for distribution as per the agreed delivery dates. Approve the ordering of necessary goods. Finalize purchase details of orders and deliveries.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE.

• Undergraduate degree in Business Administration or Commerce, Science, supply chain management, logistics or related field. A post graduate degree will be an added advantage.
• Membership of Professional Associations in procurement related fields is desirable.
• Professional qualifications in procurement, and or master’s degree will be advantageous.
• Proven working experience (over 7 years) in Procurement or Supply Chain Management managing annual procurement budgets of over $3m.
• Knowledge of sourcing and procurement techniques as well as a dexterity in “reading” the market
• Talent in negotiations and networking
• Good knowledge of supplier or third-party management software
• Aptitude in decision-making and working with numbers.
• Experience in collecting and analyzing data.
• Strong leadership capabilities with supervisory skills
• Knowledge of CFR 200.26 regulations will be advantageous.
• Demonstrated experience with Gates, USAID, DFID, CIDA and donor agencies and their grants management, report and audit requirements is a plus;
• Supervision experience.
• Fluency in English is required, Proficiency in French is a plus.
• Proven experience in developing policies at strategic corporate level

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Talent in negotiations and networking.
• Strong leadership capabilities with supervisory skills.
• A strong service orientation to colleagues.
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills (oral and written)
• A high level of self-discipline, capacity to multitask, and function well under pressure.
• Cross-cultural competency.

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• Reporting directly to the Director, Corporate Services, the Financial Controller, is a hands-on financial manager responsible for payroll, budget and planning, financial and management accounting, and reporting as well as tax matters. 
• The Financial Controller has a senior role within the foundation and is responsible for designing and implementing adequate internal controls and procedures to support effective program implementation and the conduct of efficient audits and reviews. He or She will provide the support and analysis required for both internal and external reporting.
• The Financial Controller will work closely with program and administration staff to explore how the finance function can more effectively support operations. He or She will also assist with the development and implementation of a strategic finance delivery service.

KEY FUNCTIONS

Treasury and Risk Management

• Engaging with the Internal Auditors and External Auditors and ensuring an effective follow through on audit and risk matters including the Risk Register
• Reviewing all draft audit reports and taking necessary action, following up on completion, issues raised and implementation of recommendations.
• Tracking currency risks and instituting an effective process for managing currency risks.  
• Leading key analysis and preparation of the Treasurer’s report and reports of the Foundation Risk Management Committee, taking minutes and follows up on matters arising.
• Approving transfer of funds, reimbursements, and related matters requiring authorization per the delegation of authority matrix.
• Overseeing the administration of the Foundation’s insurance policies and ensuring that there is in place an effective insurance program to provide adequate protection of the Foundation’s assets against insurable risks at a minimum practical cost.
• Provides expert perspectives and analysis for use by the Director, Corporate Services in assessing financial implications of risks, opportunities and decisions.
• Anticipating and identifying financial and administrative risks and takes appropriate action in terms of reviewing and/or developing new policies and procedures and recommending audits.

Financial Management

• Reviewing within delegated authority the book entries covering year-end adjustments for reserves, contingencies and other major or unusual items
• Reviewing the proposals to donors to ensure that financial matters are adequately addressed.
• Reviewing financial reports, expenditure, variances, and donor reports.
• Approval of procurement services, specific procurement contracts, payments, and adjustments journals within the delegation of authority matrix
• Accurate and timely financial processing and posting of transactions.
• Provide hands on direction and support to budget, grants, accounting, and payroll staff. 
• Directly supervise the budget and forecast development process.
• Responsible for the Cost Recovery across the programs within the foundation
• Monitors project and organization wide expenditure against budgets
• Ensure programs are spending down funds appropriately and in a timely manner to maintain projected income.

Reporting Internal Control Environment – Processes and Procedures

• Establish and implement rigorous internal control systems.
• Lead the Unit in the most cost-efficient way, ensuring that financial services meet the expectations and needs of internal and external stakeholders.
• Review and manage procurement needs, related contracts costs, Internal/external suppliers, to ensure optimal benefit to the foundation.
• Ensuring that the Foundation’s financial operations are conducted in accordance with Foundation policies and procedures and that both financial controls and value for money regimes are in place.
• Analysis and development of any new system needs for the foundation.
• Development and maintenance of the Delegation of Authority Matrix
• Ensures that financial records and reports are in compliance with all applicable accounting standards, donor requirements and other regulations.
• Coordinate and lead NICRA proposal development and submissions.
• Responsible for accurate cost allocation of expenditure.
• Continuously assess the design and implementation of financial policies, procedures, and systems in order to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the finance department.
• Work with the IT and other departments to identify new solutions to accounting and reporting challenges.
• Review and approval of payment and other processing documents to ensure adequacy and accuracy.
• Provide mentorship, training and support to staff as needed.

Reporting

• Design and maintenance of the Finance Reports DASHBOARD for the Foundation and social enterprises.
• Preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting for funding agencies, senior management, and Board of Trustees.
• Responsible for the analysis of all General Ledger accounts at the end of each month
• Preparation and maintenance the Foundation’s reporting calendar
• Any other tasks as directed by the supervisor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE.

• Must be a seasoned professional with CPA or Chartered Accountancy certification with a Bachelor’s degree in any financial field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of non-profit accounting, business, and management principles.
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in grants financial management in a non-profit setting is a must;
• Minimum of 10 years’ Experience in International Development is preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years’ management experience, coordination of people and resources.
• Excellent working knowledge of accounting in Microsoft office applications.
• Effective problem solving, critical thinking and systems evaluation skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills (oral and written);
• A strong service orientation to colleagues.
• Ability to both delegate and take responsibility.
• Experience with filing Form 990, and CFR 200 regulations and UK SORP reporting will be advantageous.
• Demonstrated experience with Gates, USAID, DFID, CIDA and donor agencies and their grants management, report and audit requirements is a plus;
• Supervision experience.
• Fluency in English is required, Proficiency in French is a plus.
• Proven experience in developing policies at strategic corporate level.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Effective problem solving, critical thinking and systems evaluation skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills (oral and written)
• A high level of self-discipline, capacity to multitask, and function well under pressure.
• A strong service orientation to colleagues.
• Ability to both delegate and take responsibility.
• Cross-cultural competency