Administrative & Finance Officer 541 views
Job Overview
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Background
The Government of The Gambia, through the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, has received a grant from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) for a project to build capacity to advance National Adaptation Plan (NAP) process in The Gambia. UN Environment as the Delivery Partner for the project, with the role of supporting and overseeing the project implementation. The project entitled “Enabling the National Adaptation Plan Formulation and Implementation process and other adaptation planning processes in The Gambia” will strengthen the capacity of Government of Gambia at all levels to advance the NAP process and ensure a climate-resilient development pathway. MECCNAR therefore intends to engage the services of experienced experts for the following consultancy services.
Administrative and Finance Officer
Background
The Government of The Gambia is implementing activities to strengthen climate change adaptation planning and coordination through the National Adaptation Plan process. The initiative supports national institutions to improve climate-resilient planning, resource mobilisation, coordination, financial management, and implementation oversight in line with national priorities and donor requirements.
Effective administrative and financial management is essential to ensure that project resources are used efficiently, transparently, and in compliance with applicable government, donor, and implementing partner procedures. The Administrative and Finance Officer will therefore provide day-to-day administrative, financial, procurement, logistical, and records-management support to facilitate timely delivery of project activities.
Objective of the Assignment
The Administrative and Finance Officer (AFO) will serve as the principal officer responsible for the financial, and administrative management of the project, ensuring resources are managed and reported in accordance with Green Climate Fund (GCF) and Government of The Gambia regulations requirements. The Officer will be responsible for preparing all financial reports, including IFRs, annual financial statements, budget execution reports, cash flow forecasts, withdrawal applications, Statements of Expenditure (SOEs), designated account reconciliations, disbursement requests, replenishment requests, and supporting financial analyses. The Officer shall maintain sound internal controls, ensure fiduciary compliance, and support efficient project implementation.
Scope of Work and Key Responsibilities
- Lead budgeting, accounting, cash management and financial planning.
• Prepare all donor financial reports, IFRs, annual financial statements and management reports.
• Prepare and submit withdrawal applications, disbursement requests, replenishment requests, direct payment requests and SOEs.
• Monitor donor disbursements and liaise with donors, Ministry of Finance and Central Bank to facilitate timely release of funds.
• Maintain accounting records, bank reconciliations and audit trails.
• Manage administrative systems, procurement documentation, contracts, logistics and asset registers.
• Coordinate audits and implement audit recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with Government and donor fiduciary requirements.
• Provide financial advice to the Project and other stakeholders.
Expected Deliverables
| Reference Code | Deliverable | Description |
| AFO-D01 | Project budget and annual workplan financial inputs | Prepare and update project budgets, annual workplan financial inputs, budget revisions, and costed activity plans in line with approved project activities and donor requirements. |
| AFO-D02 | Interim Financial Reports and donor financial reports | Prepare timely and accurate Interim Financial Reports, donor financial reports, management financial reports, and other periodic financial statements required for project oversight and compliance. |
| AFO-D03 | Annual financial statements | Prepare annual project financial statements and supporting schedules in accordance with applicable Government of The Gambia, Green Climate Fund, and project financial management requirements. |
| AFO-D04 | Withdrawal applications and disbursement requests | Prepare and submit withdrawal applications, disbursement requests, direct payment requests, replenishment requests, and related documentation to facilitate timely release of project funds. |
| AFO-D05 | Statements of Expenditure and designated account reconciliations | Prepare and maintain up-to-date Statements of Expenditure, designated account reconciliations, bank reconciliations, and supporting schedules for all project transactions. |
| AFO-D06 | Cash flow forecasts and budget execution reports | Prepare periodic cash flow forecasts, budget monitoring reports, variance analyses, and budget execution reports to support planning, decision-making, and financial control. |
| AFO-D07 | Accounting records and audit-ready documentation | Maintain complete, accurate, and audit-ready accounting records, transaction files, supporting documents, audit trails, and financial archives for all project activities. |
| AFO-D08 | Procurement, contract, and administrative records | Maintain procurement documentation, contract files, payment records, correspondence, administrative files, and other operational records required for transparent project implementation. |
| AFO-D09 | Asset register and inventory records | Maintain an updated project asset register, inventory records, asset movement records, and supporting documentation for project equipment and supplies. |
| AFO-D10 | Audit coordination and implementation of audit recommendations | Coordinate internal and external audits, provide required financial and administrative documentation, and support timely implementation and tracking of audit recommendations. |
| AFO-D11 | Compliance and internal control reports | Provide reports and advice on compliance with government, donor, and implementing partner fiduciary requirements, including internal control procedures and risk mitigation measures. |
| AFO-D12 | Financial advisory notes to project management | Provide financial analyses, recommendations, and advisory notes to the Project Coordinator and relevant stakeholders to support efficient resource management and timely implementation of project activities. |
Reporting and Working Arrangements
The Officer reports to the Project Coordinator and independently manages all finance and administration functions, coordinating with government, donors, auditors and stakeholders while ensuring compliance with reporting deadlines and fiduciary obligations.
Duration and Duty Station
The assignment will be undertaken for the duration specified in the contract and project workplan. The duty station will be in The Gambia, with travel to project sites or stakeholder engagement locations as may be required.
Required Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Project Management, or related field.
A Master’s degree, ACCA, CPA, CA or equivalent qualification is an added advantage. - Minimum five years’ progressively responsible experience in project administration and financial management, preferably on GCF, AfDB, IDA/World Bank or AFD funded projects.
- Demonstrated experience preparing donor financial reports, IFRs, withdrawal applications, SOEs and disbursement requests.
- Familiarity with GCF financial reporting systems is highly desirable.
- Proficiency in accounting software and advanced Microsoft Excel.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Key Competencies
- Demonstrated knowledge of project financial management, accounting principles, budgeting, financial planning, and administrative management in donor-funded projects.
- Strong understanding of financial management policies, internal controls, fiduciary standards, and applicable Government of The Gambia financial regulations.
- Thorough knowledge of the financial management, reporting, and disbursement procedures of international development partners, particularly the Green Climate Fund (GCF), African Development Bank (AfDB), International Development Association (IDA/World Bank), Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and other multilateral and bilateral donors.
- Proven ability to independently prepare high-quality financial reports, including Interim Financial Reports (IFRs), annual financial statements, Statements of Expenditure (SOEs), withdrawal applications, disbursement requests, designated account reconciliations, cash flow forecasts, and budget execution reports.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain sound internal control systems, ensuring transparency, accountability, and compliance with donor and government fiduciary requirements.
- Strong analytical, budgeting, financial forecasting, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret financial information and provide strategic advice to project management.
- High level of proficiency in computerized accounting systems and Microsoft Office applications, particularly advanced Microsoft Excel for financial analysis and reporting.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently with minimal supervision, and consistently meet strict reporting and disbursement deadlines.
- Excellent organizational and records management skills, with meticulous attention to detail and commitment to maintaining complete audit trails.
- Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work effectively with government institutions, development partners, auditors, consultants, financial institutions, suppliers, and project beneficiaries.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare high-quality financial and administrative reports for senior management and development partners.
- Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, sound judgment, and the ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality in handling financial and administrative information.
- Strong commitment to results, accountability, continuous improvement, and delivering high-quality fiduciary services in a dynamic project environment.
Application Requirements
Interested candidates should submit an application package to MECCNAR head office in Abuko addressed to the Permanent Secretary and soft copies sent to kintehsambou9@gmail.com copy ebrima1999@yahoo.co.uk ; salimjaiteh@gmail.com. The application should include, at minimum, a curriculum vitae, copies of relevant academic and professional certificates, and any additional documentation requested in the vacancy announcement.
Expression of interest must be delivered on or before the 12th August 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.
