Finance Manager. Ref: 10-01/FM/NRS/HQ

The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research organization with a global mandate to conduct research on the genetic resources of potatoes, sweetpotatoes, and other Andean roots and tubers, crop genetic enhancement and improvement, integrated crop management, and sustainable management of natural resources. CIP’s vision is to contribute from its areas of expertise to the fulfillment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), in particular those goals that relate to poverty, hunger, child and maternal mortality, and sustainable development. CIP has its headquarters in Lima, Peru with staff and activities in locations across Africa, Asia and Latin America. CIP is a member of the Alliance of the CGIAR Centers, a network of 15 research centers mostly located in the developing world and supported by more than 60 donor members.

The Location: This position is located at CIP world headquarters in La Molina, Lima, Peru.

The Department: CIP has over 30 years of experience producing research outputs and generating knowledge for dissemination worldwide. The Finance Department provides the Center’s financial services by implementing sound accounting and financial management practices, developing an effective budgeting process, reviewing expenditure trends, financial policies and practices, and by liaising with financial institutions.

The Position: CIP seeks a successful professional to head its Finance Department, lead the financial management and accounting teams, and ensure effective and efficient management of financial resources. The Finance Manager will assure that an appropriate financial framework is in place for informed decision making, which includes the development and review of financial and risk management strategies, internal audits, corporate financial planning and compliance activities, and improved processes.

The Finance Manager is responsible for the planning, budgeting, controlling and reporting of CIP’s financial activities. The Finance Manager ensures that the Finance team develops policies to manage an evolving set of financial risks and provides high quality services to its clients.

The successful candidate will have:

•    A Masters Degree in Accounting or Business Administration.  Membership in an internationally recognized accounting institute (e.g. CPA, Certified Management Accountant, Chartered Accountant, etc.) strongly preferred.
•    At least 10 years of relevant progressive experience as a senior professional and manager, including at least 5 years’ demonstrated management experience.
•    A strong knowledge of financial accounting and planning, budgeting, risk management, and financial control systems. Additional proven experience in cost accounting and systems very strongly preferred.
•    Experience producing consolidated financial statements and reporting for a globally diverse organization.
•    A strong knowledge of international financial reporting and accounting standards and proven experience in applying them to produce financial statements.
•    A strong user’s knowledge of Information Systems for Finance and Accounting. Additional experience in project cost accounting and project management software systems preferred. Experience in vendor selection and implementation of new or conversion information systems as above highly desirable.
•    Proven “hands-on” experience in planning and implementing challenging, complex projects that anticipate and respond to the demands of a high-growth organization, developing dynamic and streamlined systems and processes that anticipate and support changes in the operational and business model, and producing results under demanding deadlines.
•    Proven experience as a good team leader in times of growth and/or change, able to identify goals, set priorities, define accountability, and accomplish results by working proactively with team members to create a working environment where clear accountability, initiative, customer-focus, teamwork, and excellent results are both recognized and expected.
•    Strong desires to learn, grow, and apply knowledge to benefit the organization and to engender the same in team members. Experience in and commitment to developing team members, both on the job and by supporting staff development programs.
•    Demonstrated success in managing people and activities in multicultural environments. Experience working not only across the Americas and with Europe, but also with Asia (China and India) as well as Africa, a plus.
•    Excellent communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills, including extensive ability to build consensus, and resolve complex situations.
•    Excellent English skills, both written and spoken.

Conditions:  The Finance Manager is a local position.  Employment conditions include an attractive remuneration package, including health care.  Regional and international travel is required.  CIP prides itself on its collegial and supportive working environment, which allows space for personal and professional growth.

Applications:  Applicants should apply by email, sending a cover letter summarizing their relevance to this position, a full C.V. and the names and contact information of three referees knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to cip-recruitment@cgiar.org.  The reference of the position should be clearly marked on the subject line of the email message.  Screening of applications will begin on February 1, 2010 and will continue until the post is filled.

All applications will be acknowledged; only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org

CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly encouraged