BACKGROUND

Climate Smart Jobs (CSJ) Component 1 is a four-year programme funded by the UK's International Climate Fund. It consists of three sub-components: 1A - Market Systems Development, 1B – Uganda Climate Innovation Fund, and 1C -Ecosystems Services.  Component 1 seeks to sustainably increase agricultural productivity and ultimately improve the incomes of smallholder farmers (particularly women, refugees, and host communities). CSJ understands that smallholder farmers (SHFs) are extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change (particularly extreme weather events) and face numerous constraints. Mitigating these effects is central to the programme’s approach.

The constraints SHFs face in improving agricultural productivity and income levels include limited access to inputs for crops and livestock, poor soil and water management, limited access to an efficient distribution model for climate-resilient varieties, limited access to affordable extension services for both livestock and crop, weak engagement between Private Sector Actors (PSAs) and research institutions, high incidence of pests/parasites and diseases for crops and livestock, uncertainty in seasonality (unpredictable rainfall, prolonged dry spell, spatial distribution of rainfall), limited access to affordable on-farm mechanisation services), and weak market access and value addition. 

CSJ intends to work with market actors to trigger change in the market system in a way that enables SHFs to gain increased access to affordable, quality input products and services, in turn increasing their incomes and ability to adapt and become resilient to the effect of climate change.

PURPOSE

The Finance Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing systems to ensure effective financial management within Climate Smart Jobs – Market Development Programme in compliance with the requirements of the Government of Uganda, Palladium and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

Primary Duties and Responsibilities: 
Financial Management

• Overseeing all financial management including funds disbursements requests, payments and acquittals
• Ensure financial systems are complementary to administrative systems
• Prepare financial statements, report, and ensure adherence to accounting standards (EFRIS) and regulations
• Preparing and managing monthly financial statements and forecasts including responding to FCDO's requirements for Annual financial forecasts
• Work with the programme management and operations team to review and verify monthly invoices to FCDO
• Maintaining overview of programme expenditure against programme budgets
• Maintaining a rolling cashflow projection
• Prepare & monitor the day-to-day financial operations such as payroll, invoicing, and other transactions
• Preparation of annual accounts, manage and respond to programme and corporate audits
• Complete tax returns and other statutory compliance requirements
• Identify financial risks and implement strategies to mitigate them
• Ensure the appropriate use of programme coding and the up-to-date documentation and reconciliation of programme expenditure
• Train and mentor Climate Smart Jobs - Market Development staff on the use of the financial system, for example supporting all budget holders in the budget preparation process/financial management procedures including guidance with compiling program budgets and forecasting
• Advise senior management on financial implications of business decisions and long-term goals 
• Develop, implement and monitor appropriate financial systems, procedures and internal controls to support the efficient and effective operation of the Finance function
• Ensure effective prompt and value for money procurement, including leading the process of introducing and establishing systems and processes to capture VFM
• Manage all programme banking requirements ensuring that clear audit trails are left of all transactions and bank reconciliations are kept up to date
• Assist in the provision of data to enable research and analysis within the programme
• When needed, conduct field visits to examine compliance of systems and processes to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting and to support staff in financial management for the programme
• Supervise the Finance Officer.

Administration

• Support programme staff in the preparation of subcontracts, hiring management of subcontractors including review of Terms of Reference and negotiating fee rates and daily subsistence allowance (DSA) of subcontractor consultants
• Ensure that the general office facilities are running smoothly
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements relating to the employment of staff and all assets procured or leased by the programme
• Negotiation, preparation, and management of all contracts of suppliers and service providers relating to programme operations to ensure value for money.

Key Outputs and Deliverables

• Fund requests and forecasts ensuring effective cashflow management monthly
• Weekly and monthly financial reports submitted to Palladium
• Contribution to draft and final programme reports
• Quarterly and annual progress and financial reports
• Audited accounts and portfolio reports

 Required Competencies

The preferred candidate will exhibit the following competencies

• Achieve Results: Sets and aligns challenging, achievable objectives in performance of tasks having lasting impact.
• Think Innovatively: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems.
• Learn Continuously: Create opportunities to help teams expand horizons, diversify experiences.
• Adapt with Agility: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands.
• Act with Determination: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results.
• Engage and Partner: Politically savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion wider collaboration
• Financial Expertise: Strong knowledge of IFRS, IAS, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Software Proficiency: Expertise in accounting software (Costpoint, QuickBooks, SAP,) and advanced MS Excel.

Required Skills and Experience

• A Masters degree majoring in Accounting and Finance, Business Administration or its equivalent.
• Professional Certification: CPA (Certified Public Accountant) ACCA
• 5-10+ years in finance/accounting, with 3-5 years in senior management
• Knowledge of corporate governance principles and best practices.
• Compliance: Knowledge of Ugandan tax laws and statutory compliance.
• Leadership: Proven leadership, team management, and stakeholder communication skills.
• Donor Experience: Experience with multi-donor funding (FCDO, EU) is crucial.
• Attention to detail with analytical skills
• Advanced knowledge and hands-on experience in using Spreadsheets particularly MS Excel.
• Knowledge of corporate governance principles and best practices.
• Strong conceptual understanding and appreciation of project accounting and operational management.
• Proven budget development and oversight experience.