The Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Ministry of Education (MOEDU), is committed to enhancing equitable access to quality education as part of various educational initiatives. In line with this mission, we are excited to announce the implementation of the Enhancing Inclusive Quality Learning (EIQuaL) Project, supported by a $14 Million Education Systems and Capacity Grant from the Global Partnership for Education. This project aims to reduce Learning Poverty Levels across the country.

PROJECT GOALS

• a) Ensure learners achieve learning outcome targets by age 10, with equitable results for boys and girls;
• b) Equip teachers with pedagogical content knowledge, aligned teaching materials, and gender-responsive practices to enhance literacy and numeracy outcomes;
• c) Utilize data-informed strategies for targeted and timely support, improving service delivery and learning outcomes; and
• d) Reduce gender inequality in educational access, participation, completion, and outcomes for marginalized boys and girls.

PROJECT DURATION

The Enhancing Inclusive Quality Learning (EIQuaL) project is set for a duration of three years, renewable upon satisfactory performance.

GRANT MANAGEMENT

Save the Children will serve as the Grant Agent, responsible for ensuring compliance, fiduciary oversight, and providing technical support for effective project delivery.

Reporting Relationship

The Project Accountant will report to the Deputy Project Coordinator – Operations.

Scope and Duties

• a) Develop high quality, accurate and neat annual work plan and budget in close collaboration with the technical team;
• b) Ensure rigorous follow up on spending against the actual budget and provide monthly Budget Vs Actual reporting to the Project Lead, Project Senior Management Team, and Country Office;
• c) Conduct financial analysis of project spending and share findings with Project Coordinator and project Senior Management Team on monthly basis;
• d) Ensure follow up with the Project Coordinator and Deputy Project Coordinator to ensure project and partners spend on time;
• e) Develop bi-annually budget forecasts per SCI regulations and ensure that these forecasts are neither over- nor under-budgeted;
• f) Ensure all financial plans, invoices, reports, and other documents are accurate, timely, and consistent with agency and GPE contract guidelines and regulations;
• g) In close coordination with the finance/awards/sub-awards staff, maintain and update all the financial documents (reports, plans) and ensure confidentiality of project financial information;
• h) Ensure all project expenditures—contractor/consultant payments, locally-paid staff payroll, etc.—are in compliance with program/donor expectations and guidelines, do not exceed budgets, and are paid for on time;
• i) Lead the development and reporting on a quarterly basis;
• j) Participate in any reporting to Save the Children in the USA and the Country Office as per SCI policies;
• k) Conduct bi-annual financial reviews and share report with Project Coordinator and Country Office; and
• l) Liaise closely with the technical staff and the Country Office budget holders and follow up on cost share to the project, ensure all documentation are compliant with GPE regulations.

Required Academic and Professional Qualifications

• a) Grade twelve (12) School Certificate;
• b) Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy, Finance, Business Administration, full ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent; and
• c) Master’s degree in Accountancy, Finance or equivalent is an added advantage; and
• d) Member of the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountant.

Minimum Relevant Pre-Job Experience

Seven (7) years’ experience in a managerial position in the NGO, public or private sector.

Desired Competences

• a) Demonstrated expertise in accounting, financial planning and management procurement and other management support areas/functions;
• b) Demonstrated experience as Finance Manager/Director under USAID funded awards, exceptional understanding and experience with USAID rules and regulations, and procedures including auditing requirements;
• c) Previous work experience with Save the Children an added advantage;
• d) Knowledge and experience in public health and/or international development, in developing or transitional countries; and
• e) Computer skills related to Agresso and other relevant software packages.

Desirable Personal Attributes

• a) Excellent interpersonal skills and the demonstrated ability to work in a team setting;
• b) Excellent oral and written communication skills; pro-activeness and creative problem solving;
• c) Ability to travel extensively to program locations within Zambia and other locations as needed.

• Develop high quality, accurate and neat annual work plan and budget in close collaboration with the technical team;
• Ensure rigorous follow up on spending against the actual budget and provide monthly Budget Vs Actual reporting to the Project Lead, Project Senior Management Team, and Country Office;
• Conduct financial analysis of project spending and share findings with Project Coordinator and project Senior Management Team on monthly basis;
• Ensure follow up with the Project Coordinator and Deputy Project Coordinator to ensure project and partners spend on time;
• Develop bi-annually budget forecasts per SCI regulations and ensure that these forecasts are neither over- nor under-budgeted;
• Ensure all financial plans, invoices, reports, and other documents are accurate, timely, and consistent with agency and GPE contract guidelines and regulations;
• In close coordination with the finance/awards/sub-awards staff, maintain and update all the financial documents (reports, plans) and ensure confidentiality of project financial information;
• Ensure all project expenditures—contractor/consultant payments, locally-paid staff payroll, etc.—are in compliance with program/donor expectations and guidelines, do not exceed budgets, and are paid for on time;
• Lead the development and reporting on a quarterly basis;
• Participate in any reporting to Save the Children in the USA and the Country Office as per SCI policies;
• Conduct bi-annual financial reviews and share report with Project Coordinator and Country Office; and
• Liaise closely with the technical staff and the Country Office budget holders and follow up on cost share to the project, ensure all documentation are compliant with GPE regulations.

• Demonstrated expertise in accounting, financial planning and management procurement and other management support areas/functions;
• Demonstrated experience as Finance Manager/Director under USAID funded awards, exceptional understanding and experience with USAID rules and regulations, and procedures including auditing requirements;
• Previous work experience with Save the Children an added advantage;
• Knowledge and experience in public health and/or international development, in developing or transitional countries;
• Computer skills related to Agresso and other relevant software packages.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the demonstrated ability to work in a team setting;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; pro-activeness and creative problem solving;
• Ability to travel extensively to program locations within Zambia and other locations as needed.

• Grade twelve (12) School Certificate;
• Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy, Finance, Business Administration, full ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent;
• Master’s degree in Accountancy, Finance or equivalent is an added advantage; and
• Member of the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountant.