Jobs at GFRAS

FINANCIAL MANAGER (50%)

The GFRAS-YPARD secretariat is seeking a diligent, dynamic, attentive, and flexible Financial Manager, with experience managing projects in international cooperation. The mission of the Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services (GFRAS) is about enhancing the performance of advisory services so that they can better serve farm families and rural producers, thus contributing to improved livelihoods in rural areas and the sustainable reduction of hunger and poverty. Young Professionals for Agricultural Development (YPARD) serves as a global platform through which young professionals can express their ideas and realize their full potential towards a dynamic agricultural research for development. GFRAS and YPARD operate a joint secretariat.

This position will be based at the upcoming GFRAS-YPARD Secretariat in Frick, Switzerland. The Financial Manager will be accountable to the GFRAS Executive Secretary (ES).

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Closely liaising with GFRAS’ host organization (FiBL);
  • Managing the development of budgets and financial statements (projects, secretariat);
  • Assessing and providing foresight related to the financial situation (projects, secretariat);
  • Payment approval;
  • Drafting and monitoring contracts with financial partners and service providers;
  • Supporting contract negotiations;
  • Supporting GFRAS and YPARD networks in financial management;
  • Maintaining accounting systems in collaboration with the host organization;
  • Managing financial detail to ensure legal compliance;
  • Providing oversight of expenses, cash flow and balance sheet with the host organization;
  • Investigating and applying means to improve finances management efficiency and system optimization.

Candidate profile requirements:

  • Minimum 10 years of relevant financial management experiences;
  • Profound working experience in Global South collaboration;
  • Degree in finances, economics or a related field;
  • Proficient in ABACUS and other relevant project and financial management systems programmes;
  • Organized, responsible, thorough team player;
  • Ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously;
  • Strong negotiation and decision-making skills
  • Proficient in English; command of German and French are a definite advantage.

Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

The employment contract will be elaborated by GFRAS. Swiss rules and regulations apply to the contracting. The remuneration will be commensurate to the competencies of the position holder. The assignment begins on 1st December 2020 or on the earliest possible date after that. Interviews are expected to take place in the week of November 9th 2020.

Applicants should send an up-to-date CV and a one-page letter of motivation, in a single .pdf file by email to Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo. no later than October 30th 2020, at 17:00 CET. Please indicate in the subject of the email the title “Application for the post of GFRAS_Financial Manager”.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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YPARD DIRECTOR (100%)

The GFRAS-YPARD secretariat is seeking a dynamic, flexible, independent and innovative Director to lead the youth network. The mission of Young Professionals for Agricultural Development (YPARD) is to serve as a global platform through which young professionals can express their ideas and realize their full potential towards a dynamic agricultural research for development.

This position will be based at the GFRAS-YPARD Secretariat in Frick, Switzerland. The Director will be accountable to both YPARD Steering Committee (SC) and GFRAS Executive Secretary (ES) as outlined in agreements between GFRAS and YPARD. The Director reports to the YPARD SC. 

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to

- Strategic development and operations, including providing strategic direction to further development and orientation of the YPARD network and the development of a GFRAS youth portfolio; coordinating the YPARD operational levels, engaging in strategic networking, representing YPARD and GFRAS youth at international processes, and coordinate YPARD’s global engagement.

- Network Hosting Arrangements, including overseeing YPARD’s regional coordination units, maintaining and developing existing regional hosting contracts and relationships with host institutions, as well as synergies at the GFRAS-YPARD Secretariat.

- Fundraising as well as program development and management.

Candidate Profile

  • Advanced university degree in agriculture-related sciences, preferably at PhD level;
  • The applicant is expected to be a member of YPARD;
  • Candidates above 35 years at the time of application are not eligible to apply[i];
  • Minimum 5 years of postgraduate-level experience in managing youth networks, multi-stakeholder relations and youth engagement;
  • Demonstrated technical understanding of and practical experiences in the intersections of agricultural development and or sustainable food systems and youth engagement;
  • Experience with developing models and innovative ways for youth engagement including mobilizing volunteers and designing youth programs;
  • Work experience from the UN system and from more than one region of the world;
  • Ability to advocate, inspire, and convince other people;
  • Experience in partnership development and financial resource mobilization;
  • Proficiency in modern communication and management software;
  • Excellent written and oral communication in English. Knowledge of French, German or other relevant languages would be desirable;
  • Flexibility and capacity to travel worldwide (up to 30% of working time);

The employment contract will be elaborated by GFRAS Association. Swiss labor rules and regulations apply to the contracting. The remuneration will be commensurate to the competencies of the position holder.

Applicants should send an up-to-date CV and a one-page letter of motivation, in a single .pdf file by email to Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo. (put in copy: Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo. and Esta dirección de correo electrónico está siendo protegida contra los robots de spam. Necesita tener JavaScript habilitado para poder verlo. no later than October 2nd 2020, at 17:00 CET. Please indicate in the subject of the email the title “Application for the post of YPARD_Director”.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, interviews will be virtual.

 

[i] The contract is for 5 years and as specified in the YPARD Charter, the YPARD Director cannot be more than 40 years old at any time during the assignment.