Project Accountant

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania (GoT) have partnered to enhance the livelihoods of rural communities through the Smart Smallholder Dairy Transformation Project (C-SDTP). This initiative focuses on smallholder dairy producers with the goal of transforming the dairy value chain to improve incomes, increase food safety, and mitigate the dairy sector’s environmental impact. The development objective is to enhance income and resilience for smallholder dairy producers while increasing their participation in the dairy value chain.

The project targets 140,000 households, representing 700,000 people, with 40% of direct beneficiaries being women and 30% youth. It will be implemented in the following geographical areas:

• Mbeya (Rungwe DC, Mbeya DC, Busokelo DC)
• Iringa (Mufindi DC, Kilolo DC, Iringa DC)
• Njombe (Njombe DC, Njombe TC, Wanging’ombe DC)
• Tanga (Lushoto DC, Muheza DC, Mkinga DC)
• Morogoro (Mvomero DC, Morogoro DC, Kilosa DC)
• Arusha (Meru DC, Arusha DC)
• Kilimanjaro (Siha DC, Moshi DC)
• Pwani/Coast (Rufiji DC, Mkuranga DC)
• Zanzibar-Unguja (West A, West B, Central, North A, North B, South)
• Pemba (North, South)

The C-SDTP is managed under the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries (MLF), in alignment with the Ministry of Finance and Planning, Vice President’s Office (VPO), President’s Office-Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG) for mainland Tanzania, and the First Vice President’s Office in Zanzibar, along with representatives from the private sector and farmers’ organizations.

The Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries invites applications for the following positions, supported by IFAD’s financial contribution:

Project Accountant – PCO Dodoma

The Project Accountant will maintain accurate financial records, prepare financial reports, ensure compliance with donor and government financial management procedures, and support project implementation by providing timely financial information. The Accountant will report to the Finance and Administration Manager, work closely with the Ministry’s Finance Department and IFAD’s financial management team, and be hired through competitive recruitment from seconded government staff and/or external candidates.

Main Responsibilities

Financial Management:

• Process payments in accordance with approved budgets, contracts, and financial procedures.
• Ensure proper documentation, filing, and safeguarding of all financial records.
• Analyze payment requests and reconcile with approved documentation, including purchase orders and contracts.
• Input payments and invoices into financial management systems in line with approved financial procedures.
• Review financial documents before payments are made.
• Track accountabilities of funds advanced at the PCO level and with other implementing partners.
• Oversee tax matters, ensuring tax exemptions and refunds for procurement are secured timely.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Finance Manager.

Budgeting and Reporting:

• Assist in preparing annual work plans and budgets (AWPB).
• Prepare periodic financial statements and reports for submission to the Project Coordinator, Ministry, and IFAD.
• Monitor budget utilization and highlight variances for corrective action.

Compliance and Control:

• Ensure adherence to IFAD and Government financial management policies, regulations, and guidelines.
• Support internal and external audits by providing necessary documentation and explanations.
• Implement and maintain effective internal control systems.

Banking and Cash Management:

• Manage project bank accounts, including reconciliation of bank statements.
• Oversee cash flow to ensure availability of funds for project activities.
• Prepare withdrawal applications and manage disbursement requests per IFAD requirements.

Academic Qualifications, Experience, Skills, and Attitudes

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. A professional certification (CPA, ACCA, or equivalent) is an added advantage.
• Experience: At least five (5) years’ experience in financial management, preferably in donor-funded projects.
• Skills and Attitudes:
  • Good knowledge of IFAD financial management procedures or other international donor requirements is desirable.
  • Strong computer skills with proficiency in accounting software and MS Office.
  • Good communication skills.
  • High integrity and attention to detail.
  • Strong organizational skills.

Duration

The contract duration is one (1) year, renewable based on satisfactory performance.

Application Details

Deadline: October 22, 2025

Submission Requirements: Qualified candidates should submit their application, including a letter of interest, complete Curriculum Vitae, and copies of Certified Academic Qualifications.

Submission Address: Permanent Secretary Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries P.O. Box 2870 Dodoma Email: barua@mlf.go.tz