Project: iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Programme
Programme Implementers: Zhill Systems Limited – North-East Humanitarian Innovation Hub (NEHIH)
Abuja (Project Management Office)/Remote with periodic travel across the six North-East States (Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe)
Reports To: Project Director
Technical Reporting: Finance Manager/Chief Finance Officer (where applicable)
Contract Type: Fixed-Term, Full-Time
Contract Duration: Project-based, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and project requirements.
Programme Background
The iDICE Skills-to-Jobs Programme is a flagship initiative under the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme, designed to expand employment opportunities for young Nigerians by equipping them with globally competitive digital and BPO skills while connecting them to local and international employment opportunities.
Implemented by the Zhill Systems–NEHIH Consortium, the programme seeks to train, certify and facilitate employment pathways for 50,000 young people across the six North-East states through a market-driven approach that integrates technical training, career readiness, employer engagement and job placement.
Position Purpose
The Finance & Administration Officer is responsible for planning, coordinating and managing the financial, administrative, procurement and operational support functions of the programme. The role ensures prudent financial management, compliance with contractual obligations, effective internal controls, accurate financial reporting, sound procurement practices and efficient administration of programme resources.
Working closely with programme management, technical teams, state implementation teams, vendors and external auditors, the Finance & Administration Officer will ensure that financial and administrative systems support timely and effective programme delivery while maintaining the highest standards of integrity, accountability and value for money.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Financial Planning and Budget Management
The Finance and Administration Officer plays a crucial role in facilitating the preparation of annual work plans and program budgets, along with financial forecasts. This position involves monitoring budget implementation and expenditures to ensure alignment with approved plans and conducting periodic variance analyses to recommend necessary corrective actions. The officer is responsible for effective financial planning that underpins program execution, advising management on the financial implications of operational decisions, and maintaining accurate tools for budget monitoring and expenditure tracking.
Financial Management and Accounting
The Finance & Administrative Officer is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records per accounting standards and donor requirements, processing payments and transactions efficiently, preparing financial reports and bank reconciliations, and ensuring timely recording of all financial activities. Additionally, it involves maintaining general ledgers and proper filing systems for financial documentation.
Grant and Donor Compliance
Ensure compliance with financial regulations from the Bank of Industry, African Development Bank, iDICE Programme, and other donors by monitoring budget expenditures, supporting financial reporting for grant agreements, maintaining complete documentation for all costs, adhering to audit requirements and donor financial guidelines, and providing financial information required for donor reviews and evaluations.
Procurement and Contract Administration
The role involves coordinating procurement processes in line with approved policies and donor requirements, preparing and monitoring procurement plans, and supporting the creation of RFQs, RFPs, and bid evaluations. It includes maintaining procurement records, monitoring supplier performance and contract compliance, and ensuring transparency, fairness, and value for money in all procurement activities.
Administrative and Office Management
The role involves coordinating office administration and operational support services, ensuring the effective management of facilities, utilities, and equipment. Responsibilities include overseeing logistics for meetings, workshops, training sessions, and project events, as well as supervising administrative support staff when necessary. Additionally, the position entails managing travel arrangements and accommodation for program personnel and maintaining office inventories and administrative records.
Asset and Inventory Management
The incumbent will develop and maintain a comprehensive asset register which involves monitoring the movement and utilisation of program assets, conducting periodic asset verification exercises, and coordinating the maintenance of office equipment and ICT infrastructure. It is also essential to ensure the proper disposal of obsolete assets in line with approved policies while safeguarding program property against misuse or loss.
Internal Controls, Risk Management and Audit
To ensure the protection of program resources and compliance with financial and administrative procedures, the Officer will implement strong internal control systems, including monitoring for financial and operational risks, recommending mitigation measures, and coordinating internal and external audits. Additionally, address audit findings and support corrective actions to promote a culture of accountability and ethical financial management, maintaining operational integrity.
Payroll and Human Resource Support
In collaboration with Human Resources, the Officer will coordinate payroll processing to ensure timely payment of salaries, statutory deductions, and staff benefits, while maintaining accurate personnel financial records and payroll documentation. Additionally, support recruitment logistics, onboarding, and staff administration, and monitor staff leave records and associated administrative documentation.
Financial Reporting
It is the responsibility of the expert to prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, as well as generate management reports to aid in decision-making. The Officer will produce expenditure analyses and financial dashboards, support the preparation of project financial reports for donors and stakeholders, and ensure the timely submission of all statutory financial reports.
Stakeholder Coordination
To ensure effective financial management, the Officer will liaise with financial institutions, auditors, tax authorities, and regulatory agencies while maintaining productive relationships with suppliers and service providers.
Qualifications
Education
To qualify for the position, candidates must possess at least a Bachelor’s Degree in fields such as Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Banking and Finance, Public Administration, Commerce, Management Sciences, or Procurement and Supply Chain Management.
A relevant Master’s Degree (preferably in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or Public Financial Management) would be an advantage. Holding a professional certification like ICAN, ACCA, CPA, ANAN, CIMA, or an equivalent qualification is highly desirable.
Professional Experience
Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in finance, accounting, grants management or project administration.
Experience using accounting software such as QuickBooks, Sage, Microsoft Dynamics, SAP or similar ERP systems.
Experience supporting audits and implementing financial controls.
Technical Competencies
The ideal candidate should showcase strong skills in financial management, including budget development, monitoring, grant oversight, and financial reporting. They should have a solid understanding of accounting standards, procurement processes, contract administration, internal controls, and audit coordination. Expertise in asset and risk management, payroll administration, and proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, accounting software, and ERP systems is essential. The ability to analyse data, develop financial models, and manage project finances is vital for success in this role.
Behavioural Competencies
The ideal candidate will exhibit a strong commitment to integrity and ethical conduct, ensuring accountability in their actions while maintaining a results-oriented mindset. They should possess analytical thinking skills, demonstrate attention to detail, and excel in problem-solving.
Working Conditions
The position is based at the Project Management Office in Abuja with provisions for remote work where applicable and may require periodic travel to programme implementation sites across the six North-East states. The role requires strict adherence to financial reporting deadlines and may involve extended working hours during audits, financial close-outs, procurement cycles and major programme milestones.
Application Requirements
Interested candidates should submit a current CV (maximum three pages), Cover Letter (maximum two pages) highlighting relevant experience in financial management and donor-funded programs, copies of academic and professional certificates, evidence of relevant professional certifications (such as ICAN, ACCA, ANAN, CPA, CIMA or equivalent), and contact details of three professional referees.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Zhill Systems–NEHIH Consortium is committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of employment. Applications are encouraged from qualified candidates regardless of gender, disability, ethnicity, religion or other protected characteristics. Women, persons with disabilities and qualified candidates from North-East Nigeria are strongly encouraged to apply.