COOPI Cooperazione Internazionale is an humanitarian, non confessional and independent organization that fights against all kinds of poverty to make the world a better place. Founded in 1965 by Vincenzo Barbieri (Italian “father” of international volunteering), COOPI is based in Milan and it has 20 local offices in the South of the World.
It works to assist populations struck by emergencies (disasters and conflicts) and to facilitate their civil, economic and social development.
The association intervenes in Africa, Latin America and the Middle East in collaboration with local actors (civil society, public administration and so on). In 2013 it has implemented 160 projects.
COOPI works in different sectors: agriculture, water and sanitation, health care, humanitarian assistance, human rights, education, socio-economic services, migration. All sectors are related to one another in the programs launched by COOPI all of them interrelated.
COOPI is also committed to the Child Sponsorship programme in 8 countries (Perù, Haiti, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Uganda and DR Congo), and provides food, education, health and protection to 2.700 children.
COOPI also operates in Italy, through awareness and fund-raising campaigns, volunteering activities (almost 400 volunteers), the promotion of the Cooperation and Development Master course at the Institute for Advanced Study of Pavia, and finally the participation to several NGOs associations, among which Link 2007 and AGIRE (Italian Humanitarian Emergency Response Agency) are the most important. The organization is supported by important institutional donors, local institutions, foundations, companies and citizens among the main donors, the European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection (ECHO) recognizes COOPI as an important partner.Background
The COOPI Nigeria Field Office is located in Yobe State, to cover intervention LGAs in Yobe State and to provide direct assistance to the IDPs and their hosting communities, through a multi-sectorial program covering Food Security, Social Protection, Early Recovery, and Livelihoods, Nutrition, and Child Protection interventions.
COOPI’s capacity to respond to the humanitarian situation in the country is confirmed by its experience in providing humanitarian aid in more than 24 other Countries around the World, in over 50 years of operations.
Main Responsibilities and Tasks
The Finance/Administrative Assistant is responsible for executing all the tasks concerning Finance and administrative duties in the field office in Potiskum.
Under the direct supervision of the Project Administrator, and in collaboration with the Country office and other collaborators of the projects and of the Base, he/she will:
Finance Task:
Ensure the proper management of project accounting by the COOPI procedures and those of the donor guidelines.
Ensure the correct management of the project cash (cashbox and bank) and in particular the monthly reconciliation under the supervision of the Project Administrator;
Process vendor payments and maintain strict control over all required documentation, including adherence to procurement procedures, reporting any discrepancies to the Project Administrator
Organize, file, and scan all payment vouchers with related supporting documents;
Prepare, classify, and archive all accounting elements required by the Project Administrator.
Supervise the physical maintenance and safety of cash boxes.
Participate in audits or any checks issued by partners or head office, at the base level.
Participate in the consolidation of budget follow-ups and cash forecasts at the base level.
Carry out pay-outs and advances, within established guidelines
Keep the registry of cash pay-outs and the cashier’s register
Record budgetary transfers and keep accounting codes
Prepare monthly closing, revision, and integrity of accounts for the base
Verify cash balances daily and report any discrepancies to superior
Archive accounting records according to COOPI’s procedures after a final verification of receipts etc.
Guarantee the security of the cash and confidentiality of information.
Pay monthly tax and social taxes under the supervision of the Project Administrator
Assist the Project Administrator with monthly budget forecasts and planning so that day-to-day needs, salary advances, salaries, etc. can be addressed.
Admin Task:
Do bank runs including transfer requests, withdrawals, and issuing/receiving letters and bank statements, etc.
Support logistics and procurement department
Additional responsibilities
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and the employee will also perform other related tasks as required and assigned by the Project Administrator, and coordination office.
This ToR shall be inclusive of any other task specifically assigned by the direct supervisor for what concerns the implementation of the program activities.
Skills and Competencies of the Candidate (Education, Training, Competences, Skills)
Minimum Requirements:
Degree/Diploma of Post-graduate degree in Accountancy, Social Science courses, Business Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related subject, with previous experience working in humanitarian projects.
And evidence of NYSC discharge certificate, with previous experience working in developmental and emergency projects, especially in NGO/INGO or financial sector.
Desired Competencies / Skills:
Essential:
2-3 years Finance related work experience with an NGO, International NGO, and any other financial-related institution.
Experience in data collection, collation and archiving
Work-related skills: good knowledge of cash management, daily administration tasks, logistics and procurement tasks
Fluency in English
Ability to plan and organize work write clear and concise reports and communicate effectively (both in writing and verbally)
Proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
Excellent communication skills.
Proven commitment to accountability
Excellent computer skills with proficiency in MS Excel.
Strong analysis skills (qualitative and qualitative)
Excellent interpersonal skills, written and verbal communications
Strong cultural awareness and sensitivity
Good understanding of complex emergencies and crisis contexts
Demonstrated skills in management, teamwork, negotiation and consensus-building.
Preferred:
Excellent knowledge of English, with a fair understanding of Hausa.
Willing and able to be based and travel regularly within remote areas, where services are limited.
Application will be considered on a rolling basis
