PURPOSE OF THE POST

The post aims at strengthening the financial management and funds accountability system of the national immunization programme, including provision of technical support and oversight primarily to the Finance function, ensuring that the existing Strategy and agreements between the MoHS and GAVI and other development partners are implemented in a timely, efficient and effective manner

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

WHO's global vision for immunization and vaccines is to support all countries to deliver quality immunization services as part of an integrated, people-centered platform of disease prevention that spans the human life-course. The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) in Sierra Leone subscribes to this global vision, and aims to achieve the control, elimination or eradication of vaccine-preventable diseases as stated in the Global Vaccine Action Plan, (GVAP), thus contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the overall supervision of the WHO Country Representative and direct guidance of the Medical Officer EPI, the incumbent will work closely with the EPI team at WCO, government counterparts and partners at different levels in the Ministry of Health and Sanitation to support the national EPI programme achieve its goals and objectives

The NPO Programme Accountant will be responsible for the following functions:

• Develop and maintain the Accounting System for MoHS CH/EPI operations in accordance with the Accounting Standards.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly financial reports for onward submission to the GAVI via WHO.
• Assist in the preparation of progress Update and Disbursement Request (PUDR) for onward submission to GAVI.
• Ensure that quarterly Programmatic report tie-with the financial report
• Responsible for the implementation of the accounting and control procedures.
• Maintain Proper Control for the GAVI Account: see to the preparation of payment, adequate bank statements and documentary proof availability for all disbursements. The accountant foresees the special account replenishment needs and prepare all relevant documents.
• Ensure the Programme expenditure are in line with the budget
• Ensure and operate the accounting system for the CH/EPI Programme in line with reporting norms.
• Ensure requests are prepared for funding support and all necessary documentations before submission to WHO
• Review and verify all requests for payment transactions in line with the budget before they are sent out and ensure that the Programme’s bank account is properly reconciled.
• Input in the accounting system information on the transaction processed for the Programme
• Maintain the fixed asset register for the programme and regularly reconcile with existing assets.
• Reconcile Monthly cashbook with the Bank statements
• Control the proper utilization of the Petty Cash account
• Oversee the operation of transactions from other donors and ensure there is adherence to acceptable financial procedures required by the Government, GAVI and WHO
• Prepare the financial Statement and financial management reports.
• Assist the programme Manager to develop and maintain Programme‘s Internal Control procedures.
• Ensure Safe custody of all financial records and documentation for review and audit.
• Assist the Programme Manager to develop and use procedures for regular review of financial performance against budget.
• Assist other subsidiary units within the programme with financial issues relating to the Programme
• Oversee the work of the Finance Officers of the Programme and advice accordingly.
• Any other related Job assigned by the Programme Manager

SUPERVISION

The National Professional Officer - Programme Accountant will be embedded/based in the Ministry of Health and Sanitation’s Child Health/EPI and shall work closely with the WCO EPI team which provides support to the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS) EPI national programme and partners to implement Sierra Leone’s third generation comprehensive multiyear plan for immunization (cMYP) for the period 2017-2021. Aligned with the GVAP, the cMYP for Sierra Leone outlines

• Sustaining Certification standard indicators for Polio eradication;
• Attaining Penta3 coverage of at least 95% in all districts;
• extending the benefits of immunization by introduction of new vaccines (MR, HPV and Hep B birth dose and TT to Td switch);
• Strengthening the immunization supply chain;
• Advocacy and social mobilization for immunization as a right to be demanded by all citizens;
• Effective and improved vaccine preventable diseases surveillance systems using the IDSR framework and
• strengthened programme management in the context of Health Systems strengthening.

The funding support provided by GAVI through WHO requires prudent management, accurate documentation and reporting.

ED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Essential: A university degree in accounting, business administration, finance, management or related field of study with possession of a professional accounting qualification such as CA, CPA, ACCA or equivalent.
• Desirable: Advanced university degree (masters level, MBA, Accounting and Finance, Economics, or equivalent).

Experience:

• Essential: Minimum 5 years of progressive financial managerial responsibility with extensive accounting, reporting and policy experience, of which at least three years at the international level
• Desirable: Previous experience working in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH) or International Public Sector Accounting Standards, International Financial Reporting Standards or other international accounting standards.

Functional Skills

• Demonstrated skills and knowledge of principles and practices of accounting, financial management and reporting. Attention to detail with the ability to analyze large sets of financial data and recommend appropriate actions.
• Very good knowledge of and skills in the use of modern integrated accounting systems and excel.
• Proven written and communication skills. Supervisory, leadership ability, negotiation skills and a Team player

Competencies:

• Teamwork
• Producing results
• respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Ensuring the effective use of resources
• Moving forward in a changing environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Excellent knowledge of English language. A good knowledge of local language(s) including creole would be an advantage

Source:https://careers.who.int/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=1902038&tz=GMT%2B05%3A30