Background
UbuntuNet Alliance is the regional research and education networking organisation for Eastern and Southern Africa. It builds and operates UbuntuNet, the regional high speed Internet backbone network for Eastern and Southern Africa. UbuntuNet Alliance is registered in Malawi as a not-for-profit association of National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) in Africa with the aim of providing a secure data communications network that supports research, teaching and learning in the region. Membership of the Alliance includes NRENs of the following countries: Botswana, Burundi, DRC, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbwabwe. The member NRENs work together in promoting networking for the purposes of research and innovation, but also welcomes not-for-profit transnational research and education organisations.
UbuntuNet Alliance has its headquarters in Lilongwe, Malawi while the Network Operations Centre is located in Kampala.
The Alliance is seeking to engage the services of suitably qualified candidates with ability to work in a multi-cultural community to fill the following positions tenable at Lilongwe office:
1. Assistant Accountant – Lilongwe, Head Office
Reporting to the Finance Officer, the Assistant Accountant shall be responsible for maintaining financial accounts of the Alliance and ensuring primary compliance with all standards, best practice and statutory obligations.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
- Handling primary processing of all receipts and payments; and ensuring that all accounting records are properly maintained;
- Reconciling accounting documents such invoices, billings and bank transaction;
- Maintaining a record of transactions of funds received from different donors;
- Keep an eye on incoming payments from accounts receivables and outgoing payments from accounts payable;
- Following up clients with long outstanding debts on a regular basis and ensuring that they pay their dues according to the Debt Management Policy;
- Assist in analysing data collected in order to determine the state of the company’s financial health;
- Assist in analysing data to understand where the company is generating and losing revenue;
- Ensuring timely payment of taxes and other related statutory requirements;
- Responsible for ensuring compliance of accounting standard practices;
- Assist in preparation of bank reconciliation statements, budget performance analysis and financial reports to donors;
- Assist in preparing financial statements and other financial reports for Board;
- Procurement of the office equipment and consumables;
- Any other relevant duties as may be assigned from time to time.
Qualifications and Personal Attribute
The person must possess the following qualifications and personal attributes:
- Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from a recognized institution, those studying towards obtaining ACCA/ICAM professional certification will have an added advantage.
- Must be registered and in good standing with ICAM.
- At least a minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible experience in providing financial accounting, financial auditing and reporting.
- Excellent verbal and written communication abilities and strong inter-personal skills.
- Demonstrated sound judgment, statistical knowledge, analytical mind, attention to detail and integrity.
- High level knowledge of cloud-based accounting packages, Microsoft office (particularly Word and Excel), experience of maintaining spreadsheets.
Method of Application
To apply for this position, complete the job application form and upload your cover letter and Curriculum Vitae (that includes names and contact information for three referees) in a single PDF. Receiving applications will close on 17th August 2022.
2. Business Development Officer
Reporting to the Business Development Manager, the Business Development Officer shall be responsible for developing and execution of strategies to increase revenue from services, identifying business opportunities, and in liaison with other key staff growing the customer base for these services.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
- Conducting market research to improve service delivery, develop new services and strategies of engaging member NRENs and Communities of Practice;
- Establish new contacts and relationships with Communities of Practice operating in Eastern and Southern Africa;
- Identify and negotiate new business opportunities with suppliers, and provisioning services to NRENs and Communities of Practice;
- Developing business models and plans for the Alliance’s value-added services;
- Growing a strong presence on all the Alliance’s social media platforms.
Qualifications and Personal Attribute
The person must possess the following qualifications and personal attributes:
- Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, or Marketing from a recognized institution.
- Proven experience working as a business development officer or similar role. Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications.
- Excellent verbal and written communication abilities and strong inter-personal skills.
- Demonstrated sound judgment, statistical knowledge, analytical mind, attention to detail and integrity.
- Knowledge of WordPress will have an added advantage.
Method of application
To apply for this position, complete the job application form and upload your cover letter and Curriculum Vitae (that includes names and contact information for three referees) in a single PDF. Receiving applications will close on 17th August 2022.
Appointment and Remuneration
UbuntuNet Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and offers attractive remuneration package commensurate with qualification, competence and experience of the successful candidate. The appointments shall be on contract for a period of three-years subject to renewal.