This EU-funded project focuses on supporting supporting the advancing implementation of the AfCFTA in Ethiopia with a focus on a private-led value chain development approach to increasing intra-African trade, promoting greater economic integration, sustainable growth, and creating jobs.

The four specific objectives of the project are:

• Specific Objective 1: The private sector is actively engaged alongside the government to support the AfCFTA’s successful implementation
• Specific Objective 2:  Regional value chains are integrated, and trade/transport connectivity is facilitated with a focus on increasing women's participation in commercial and logistics processes;
• Specific Objective 3: Relevant authorities in the implementation of the AfFTA are supported;
• Specific Objective 4: Academic institutions and research institutions are supported.

The project team will be based in Expertise France’s offices in Addis Ababa, ensuring proximity to stakeholders and beneficiaries.

The Finance Manager will ensure efficient Finance and Budgetary management for the Project. She/he will be responsible for budget administration, financial compliance and audit functions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the supervision of the Team Leader and Deputy Team Leader, the Finance Manager will conduct the following activities in strict compliance with Expertise France procedures and Ethiopian regulations:

1.       Budget and Contract Management

• Lead on budget preparation (planning and forecasting) and ensure continuous monitoring of expenditures.
• Maintain and update financial tracking tools to ensure accurate reporting.
• Manage all project expenditures in compliance with Expertise France and EU financial guidelines, as well as Ethiopian financial regulations and tax laws.
• Validate and process invoices, ensuring timely and accurate payments.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of all financial transactions and account reconciliations.
• Lead on contracting processes and ensure contractor payments align with agreed outputs and deliverables.
• Ensure timely disbursement of funds and track fund utilization from Activity implementation against the project budget.
• Liaise with banks, vendors, and financial institutions to ensure smooth payments and financial operations.

2.       Financial Management and Audit

• Develop and submit periodic financial reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Support in preparing financial projections and risk assessments for strategic decision-making.
• Organize and maintain all required financial documentation for audits, working closely with project team members to ensure smooth audit procedures.
• Provide financial training and capacity-building support to project staff on financial procedures and compliance requirements.
• Monitor changes in financial regulations and donor compliance requirements, ensuring project adherence.
• Manage payroll processes in compliance with Ethiopian labor laws, including accurate calculation of salaries, deductions (taxes, pension, etc.), and timely payments.
• Ensure compliance with Ethiopian tax regulations, including accurate and timely filing of tax returns (income tax, VAT, withholding tax, etc.).
• Maintain accurate records of all financial transactions, ensuring compliance with Ethiopian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Manage fixed asset register and ensure proper accounting for depreciation.
• Handle petty cash management and reconciliation.