Project Accountant

PROJECT ACCOUNTANT

Comprehensive Health Options through Innovative Community Engagement (CHOICE) Project

Oxfam in Malawi received a grant from Global Affairs Canada (GAC) to implement a project titled ‘Comprehensive Health Options through Innovative Community Engagement (CHOICE) in Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia. In Malawi, the project is being implemented in Lilongwe and Balaka districts in partnership with Family Planning Association of Malawi (FPAM), Village Reach, Centre for Alternatives for Victimized Women and Children (CAVWOC) and Point of Progress (POP). The project’s goal is to increase bodily autonomy, agency, and enjoyment of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SHR) by those experiencing poverty, marginalization, and vulnerability, particularly women, girls, adolescents, and persons of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions and sex characteristics (SOGIESC), in targeted districts. The project focuses on building resilient, integrated communities and health systems to better address women and girls’ needs and ensure access to neglected areas of SRHR such as comprehensive contraceptive care (CCC), safe abortion and post-abortion care (PAC), comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) and youth-friendly SRH services. The project takes an integrated approach, acting on multiple levels (individual, community, institutional and societal) and ultimately contributes to transforming gender inequality and discrimination. CHOICE’s ultimate outcome also contributes to poverty reduction. When SRHR needs of Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) are met, they are able to participate equally in economic and social activities, paving the way for sustainable, inclusive development. CHOICE seeks to advance the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SHR) of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) through three strategic pillars, each corresponding to one of its expected intermediate outcomes.

Oxfam, therefore, seeks to recruit a suitably qualified and experienced Project Accountant, to be based in Lilongwe, Malawi for a fixed term of 1-year years based on the terms below:

Job Purpose

To ensure effective:

1. Data processing, reporting and financial management
2. Implementation of partner accounting,
3. Reporting and monitoring systems

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Finance Coordinator in ensuring Oxfam policy and procedures are implemented and minimum financial standards are achieved across Oxfam Malawi offices.
• Be a focal point for all financial matters for the CHOICE Project.
• Ensure compliance with all the GAC & Oxfam guidelines in the implementation of the CHOICE project.
• Provide training, support and guidance to partners including building their capacity to effectively manage the CHOICE grant.
• Be a leader in ensuring Oxfam’s cordial relationship with donors is upheld by submitting financial reports and completing expenditure verifications within the agreed times.
• To be responsible for the accurate and timely preparation of Financial Reports, including authorization of payments and liquidations.
• Liaise with logistics and IT Officer to ensure all capital asset and inventories for the CHOICE Project are secure and records are updated quarterly.
• Ensure bank accounts, cash transfers, movement of money is managed correctly both in Lilongwe and across the programmes
• Ensure Peoplesoft is maintained and kept up-to-date and, that all procedures are adhered to, authorizations and cancellations are documented and promptly actioned.
• Provide monthly variance report to the Finance Coordinator and report, action and monitor all key areas of exceptional expenditure lines for the project.
• Support the Funding Coordinator to ensure that accurate and timely budget monitoring reports are produced and distributed to Programme Managers/SMT members.
• To be involved in all donor or audit queries regarding financial reports of past, present ad future programming as may arise.
• To work with the Finance Coordinator and Programme Managers in order to develop and maintain an effective budget monitoring and reporting system. To develop budget-monitoring capacity amongst them and communicate and offer advice as required.
• Maintain a proper filling system, both electronic and in paper files for the project and ensure an adequate handover with the Finance Coordinator before going on leave.
• Carry out frequent field visits in order to fully understand the operating environment for effective support.

Management

• When appropriate provide cover for the Programme Accountant.
• Provide support in the form of training visits and advice to field offices regarding financial management and reporting.
• Undertake routine audit and support visits to field offices.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCE

Education & Experience

• First degree in Accountancy from any recognized institution.
• Those studying towards professional qualification in ACCA, CIMA or PAEC will also be considered.
• Previous five years’ experience with an NGO, as well as with institutional donors, such as USAID, EU and UN are of distinct advantage.
• Ability to prioritize own workload and work independently to deadlines with very minimal supervision.
• Comprehensive understanding of financial reporting, review, and analysis.
• Good teamwork, management and liaison skills.
• Ability to work, train and coach staff with differing levels of skills. Grooming a specifically identified counterpart for a planned takeover, within specified time frame, is a must for this post.

Our offer

At Oxfam, we believe that every aspect of our work can lead to a positive outcome. If you have the same opinion, together with the ability to meet the challenges involved, this role offers scope for immense personal fulfilment – as well as outstanding opportunities to develop your career.

Oxfam is committed to providing a competitive compensation package based on a 40-hour work week.

How to apply

If your qualifications meet the requirements, and believe in Oxfam values- please apply by visiting our website at: http://www.oxfam.org.uk using the number INT11228 or using the following link:

https://jobs.oxfam.org.uk/jobs/vacancy/23880/description

The closing date is Monday, 22 September, 2025.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Oxfam is an equal opportunities employer; we are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organisation.