International Potato Center (CIP) Careers

The Accounting Analyst will provide support to the Finance Unit for CIP-Kenya to ensure efficient and timely deliverable of their objectives.

Key responsibilities:

• Receive and record invoices in the invoice register & check them for consistency and accuracy according to CIP guidelines and policies.
• Prepare payments and ensure the safety of financial resources.
• Ensure appropriate supporting documents for transactions including receipts, invoices, contracts are attached.
• Ensure that payment requests are properly approved and that payments are effected within CIP-SSA turn-around time;
• Record financial transactions following proper classification of accounts and cost centre in the documents.
• Posting of the financial transactions to systems UNIT 4 Agresso
• Maintaining an updated Fixed assets register by ensuring all the acquisitions, transfers and disposal are recorded.
• Reconciliation of balance sheets accounts
• Reconciling and management of VAT accounts to ensure invoices with VAT are ready for processing the Exemption certificate.
• Preparation of monthly bank reconciliation.
• Ensure all bills are posted according to the period of the service provided (Utility Bills, Rentals, IT, Facilities) monthly.
• Management of overdue supplier’s accounts to ensure all outstanding bills are reconciled and paid in time.
• Ensure all payments are filed sequentially and stamped PAID in readiness for Audit.
• Ensure financial transactions are carried out in accordance with the Center’s financial and administrative policies and procedures and maintain detailed and accurate records for all financial transactions.
• Ensure and support in the maintenance of a good filing system.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements
What are we looking for?

• A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance or related field.
• CPA II or ACCA level 2.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in accounting, preferably in a non-profit environment.
• Proficient in MS Office, especially in Excel.
• Accounting software packages (Preferably UNIT 4 Agresso).
• Aptitude for understanding complex regulations and monitoring financial transactions and documentation for compliance.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to be a team player in a busy environment, often with tight deadlines.
• Advanced written and oral communication skills in English.

Key Responsibilities

• Optimize protoplast isolation and regeneration protocols for efficient production of genome edited potato plants.
• Gene construct development and validation.
• Transient expression vectors producing CAS9 and gRNA, ribonucleoprotein (RNP) transfection, and virus-induced genome editing (VIGE) to achieve foreign-DNA-free edited events.
• Molecular characterization of transgenic and genome edited events by PCR, RTq-PCR, Southern blot, sequencing and bioinformatics.
• Phenotyping by artificial infection of plants using local pathogen strains in the biosafety glasshouse.
• Able to cope with heavy intermittent workloads that might extend beyond office hours and during weekends.
• Any other duties assigned.

Key responsibilities:

Data Analysis and Intelligence on Funders and Partners:

• Closely monitor the engagement landscape as it relates to CIP to ensure key information on funder and partner priorities is kept up-to-date and relevant.
• Closely monitor changes in global development agendas, and opportunities and risks with regards to CIP mandate and scope of operations.
• Providing input to development of funder engagement strategies, as appropriate.
• Develop forecast models and scenario planning for country, region or HQ institutional funding income to inform operational and strategic decision making.
• Production of market insight and trend analysis. This will include analysis on any key shocks to the ODA market, competitor analysis and strategic advice for decision making.

Design and Manage ICT-Based Processes, Systems, and Tools for DAI:

• Contribute to design improvement of processes, systems and tools required to collect, analyses and interpret data and present it in a clear way useful for tactical decision-making and planning.
• Collect and analyze internal data to ensure that information in all relevant RM databases and reporting matrices is updated and correct.
• Collaborate in the preparation of reports and analysis for high level internal reporting requirements, including Board documentation.
• Contribute to maintenance of CIP RM proposal data for One CGIAR monthly pipeline reporting.
• Oversee internal audit compliance with CIP RMU processes and procedures.
• Production of financial reporting and pipeline analysis, tracking Institutional Funding performance against Key Performance Indicators, contributing to the RM Dashboard.

Funding Opportunity Identification and Development:

• Identify new funding opportunities and new funders.
• Conduct opportunity eligibility reviews.
• Serve as Proposal Manager for selected opportunities.
• Support the PNM process, collecting documentation, monitoring OCS system for PNM, quality check of PNM submissions, drafting PNM minutes and following up as required with PIs and other colleagues/units concerned.

Funder Outreach and Engagement:

• Based on data analysis and intelligence gathered, assist in preparation of talking points, meeting bios and other information required to support in funder and partner engagement.
• Manage and track internal communications with internal and external stakeholders as required.

Support RM team

• Provide backstopping support to other RM staff as required.
• Provide support to the RMU and CIP administrative processes and functions, as assigned by the RMD, such as attendance to RMU meetings.
• Train/monitor junior consultant workload as required.
• Provide input into the monthly RM reporting.

What are we looking for?

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Financial Management, Operations or related field
• At least 7 years of professional experience in resource mobilization or related areas
• Experience from international NGO´s and understanding of SDGs beneficial
• Experience with ICT tools, databases, dashboards, and other visualization formats to collect, store and present RM information.
• Experience with analysis, preparations of reports and briefs.
• Excellent budgeting and preparing presentations.
• Advanced written and oral communication skills in English.
• Knowledge of French or Spanish would be an advantage

Key Responsibilities
Delivering comprehensive HR Services

• Work with the HR focal point of the countries assigned and support the delivery of the full range of HR client services on the employment life cycle from recruitment and onboarding to contract management and separation.
• Support the effective implementation of key HR programs in the client area, such as workforce planning, talent management and staff learning.
• Develop a strong understanding of HR policies to support and advise managers and staff in solving HR issues and help to interpret and apply these practices in day-to-day work.
• Use agreed metrics to measure service delivery in the client area, prepare monitoring reports and recommend corrective action as and when required.

Partnership and coordination

• Coordinate payroll transactions for employees in Kenya with PwC, ensuring compliance with regulations, registering new staff in benefit schemes, and maintaining accurate payroll and benefits records.
• Partner with external vendors for HR services like recruitment, training, and benefits administration as required.
• Liaise with ILRI to enroll our staff in the medical policy and savings plan.
• Work with relevant stakeholders to address audit requests and observations.
• Ensure accurate and timely data entry and management in HR systems.

Knowledge sharing

• Actively participate in Project Start-Up Meetings to enhance understanding of the clients’ business needs and objectives.
• Promote synergies among country offices in their learning activities while supporting the HQ office in mapping the learning needs of assigned country offices.
• In coordination with relevant HR colleagues, organize training sessions for HR focal points on HR processes and updates to ensure effective implementation in their respective countries.
• Participate in and contribute to special events organized by the People & Culture department in Kenya.

About the role

Fixed Asset Management:

• Supervise the maintenance of accurate records for all fixed assets, including registration, depreciation, and disposal.
• Conduct surprise physical inventories to verify the existence and condition of fixed assets in different country offices.
• Reconcile Country Fixed Asset Register with CIP Master File and train staff on using the fixed assets module in CIP ERP.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, tax regulations, and CIP policies related to fixed assets.
• Develop standard procedures for the correct management of fixed assets across various CIP offices.

Disposal:

• Facilitate the disposal of obsolete or surplus assets in accordance with CIP policies and regulatory requirements.
• Depreciation and Amortization.
• Monitor changes in asset useful lives and salvage values, adjusting depreciation schedules as necessary.
• Prepare and analyze depreciation forecasts and budget projections.

Reporting and Analysis:

• Generate regular reports on fixed asset activities, including additions, disposals, and depreciation expenses.
• Provide insights and analysis on fixed asset performance, utilization, and return on investment.
• Collaborate with financial analysts and management to support decision-making processes related to capital investments and asset management strategies.

Compliance and Audit Support:

• Assist internal and external auditors in conducting fixed asset audits and compliance reviews.
• Ensure adherence to IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) regarding fixed asset accounting and reporting.
• Implement and maintain internal controls to safeguard fixed assets and prevent fraud or misappropriation.

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• CPA or CFA designation preferred.
• Proven experience (5+ years) in fixed asset accounting, preferably in a corporate or large organizational setting.
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., SAP, U4) and Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and standards governing fixed assets, depreciation, and amortization.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data and identify trends or discrepancies.
• Detail-oriented mindset with a focus on accuracy and precision in recordkeeping and reporting.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

About The Role

• Fixed Asset Management:
• Supervise the maintenance of accurate records for all fixed assets, including registration, depreciation, and disposal.
• Conduct surprise physical inventories to verify the existence and condition of fixed assets in different country offices.
• Reconcile Country Fixed Asset Register with CIP Master File and train staff on using the fixed assets module in CIP ERP.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, tax regulations, and CIP policies related to fixed assets.
• Develop standard procedures for the correct management of fixed assets across various CIP offices.
• Disposal:
• Facilitate the disposal of obsolete or surplus assets in accordance with CIP policies and regulatory requirements.
• Depreciation and Amortization.
• Monitor changes in asset useful lives and salvage values, adjusting depreciation schedules as necessary.
• Prepare and analyse depreciation forecasts and budget projections.
• Reporting and Analysis:
• Generate regular reports on fixed asset activities, including additions, disposals, and depreciation expenses.
• Provide insights and analysis on fixed assets performance, utilization, and return on investment.
• Collaborate with financial analysts and management to support decision-making processes related to capital investments and asset management strategies.
• Compliance and Audit Support:
• Assist internal and external auditors in conducting fixed asset audits and compliance reviews.
• Ensure adherence to IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) regarding fixed asset accounting and reporting.
• Implement and maintain internal controls to safeguard fixed assets and prevent fraud or misappropriation.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design and implementation of a global research partnership that integrates qualitative and quantitative social sciences into biological and agricultural research at CIP, working closely with researchers from CIP and CGIAR.
• Co-design and co-implement high-quality and relevant social science research on major development challenges within the framework of evolving CIP and CGIAR Science and Innovation Strategies and research projects and programs, emphasizing impacts on gender equity and social inclusion.
• Publish results from this research in high-impact peer reviewed journals and present findings at international conferences.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of CIP’s global research portfolio to foster gender equality and social inclusion.
• Work collaboratively with the team of social and biophysical scientists at CIP to Identify and pursue funding opportunities to support new social science and integrated research at CIP.

What are we looking for?

• PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant Social Science discipline (e.g. anthropology, sociology, gender studies, geography, political sciences, rural and development studies)
• A minimun of 2 years post graduate experience
• Knowledge and competencies of latest qualitative and mixed-methods methodologies and approaches in social sciences and their application to research on global challenges of gender equity, social inclusion, and poverty reduction in the agricultural sector.   
• Competency in inter-disciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches, in particular working with research teams in biotechnology, biological, agricultural, food or environmental sciences. 
• Strong interpersonal skills for teamwork with scientists and partners from diverse international and professional backgrounds.
• Excellent English writing and verbal communication skills. Verbal communication skills in other languages are an asset.

Job Description

• The selected candidate will be a member of the Crop Improvement Science Goal team at CIP and will report to the Africa Potato and Sweet Potato Breeding Lead ad interim. The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute breeding strategies to create high-yielding, disease-resistant, and climate-resilient potato varieties.
• Design and manage field and greenhouse trials, ensuring rigorous data collection and analysis.
• Analyse genetic data to inform breeding decisions and accelerate the development of new varieties.
• Collaborate with other researchers, extension agents, and farmers to facilitate the adoption of new potato varieties.
• Train and mentor junior scientists, technicians, and students in potato breeding practices.
• Publish research findings in scientific journals and present them at industry conferences.
• Support writing grant proposals and managing research projects, including budget oversight.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Plant Breeding or related area. PhD is desirable.
• At least six years’ experience in crop breeding including practical field breeding.
• Excellent knowledge of genetics, agronomy, plant protection, statistics and assessment and use of Genotype x Environment x Management interaction
• Experience in experimental design, agronomy, and field experimentation; excellent computer literacy and data management skills.
• A good track record in variety development would be a strong advantage.
• Knowledge of marker-assisted selection tools and strategies for breeding vegetatively propagated crops.
• Relevant publications in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Knowledge of national agricultural research systems in the region.
• Experience in program and project management.
• Advance written and oral communication skills in English and Swahili.
• Strong communication and networking skills; Interest and demonstrated ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multi-cultural environm

Job Description
This position of Project Budget and Compliance Specialist will:

• Monitor funding trends and manage capacity for the functional area to ensure compliance and delivery of financial services to the projects.
• Monitor all the financial aspects according to the agreement, IFRS and donor guidelines, including preparation of proposal budgets, set-up of projects in OCS, preparation and submission of all invoices, financial reports to donors, timely corrections to the general ledger, and maintenance of agreement master files.
• Work with the project team to ensure that all donor related information is disseminated to project and, therefore, abide by donor rules and regulations.
• Maintain appropriate relations with donors and make reports as necessary, ensuring compliance with any terms or conditions agreements.
• Monitors compliance in the projects, including project audit reports and general financial and contracts issues related to projects.
• Develop policies and procedures related to projects accounting and projects financial management, as well as to contribute to those related to grants and contracts management.
• Monitor Portfolio Health: Recovery of Indirect Costs (OH, Chargebacks, Personnel), Potential Risks (Exchange Rate adjustments, Budget Variances/Revisions, Audits tracks)
• Prepares and submits timely and accurate donor reports (W1&W2, W3 and Bilateral Funding) requesting the necessary invoices.  Stay current with donor regulations and the award requirements identified in the CIP compliance matrix, to prepare accurate and timely reports.
• Maintains all applicable project records and files in accordance with internal controls, demonstrating compliance with donor requirements.
• Prepares and submits timely and accurate portfolio report (Compliance, Health)
• Comply with applicable health and safety CIP policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (with thesis completed) in Business Administration, Financial Management, Operations or related field.
• At least 6 years of professional experience in the accounting/finance/administrative area.
• Knowledge of the international development funding (Desirable).
• Aptitude for understanding complex regulations and monitoring financial transactions and documentation for compliance.
• Strong Knowledge of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) guidelines and BMGF projects implementation.
• Strong Knowledge with USAID projects, FAR and ADS rules and regulations and OMB Circulars.
• Accounting software packages (ERP Preferable).
• Fluent in official language according to country location.                                     
• Advanced written and oral communication skills in English.
• Analytical Thinking                               
• Planning & Organization
• Customer Service