INTER-UNIVERSITY COUNCIL FOR EAST AFRICA

P.O. BOX 7110 KAMPALA, UGANDA

EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA HIGHER EDUCATION AFRICAN CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE PROJECT (ACE II)

JOB ADVERTISEMENT

1.

Background Information

The World Bank is helping to develop regional higher education centers of excellence in
Eastern and Southern Africa to promote regional specialization among participating
universities within areas that address particular common development challenges, and
strengthen the capacities of these universities to deliver high quality training and applied
research. These centres will be selected competitively through a transparent process.
The main objective of this regional project is to meet the demand for skills required for
Africas development in areas such as agriculture, energy, extractive industries etc., while
strengthening the education and innovation capacity. Ten countries in the region have
officially expressed interest of their participation in the Eastern and Southern Africa
Higher Education Centers of Excellence Project (ACE II): Burundi, Ethiopia, Kenya,
Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Following the above, a Regional Steering Committee (RSC) has already been
established to oversee implementation of the ACE II project. Subsequently, the RSC has
selected the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) to be the Regional
Facilitation Unit (RFU) for the project. The RFU will be involved in the preparation and
implementation of the project by carrying out the day-to-day project activities. Hence, it
will facilitate and coordinate the regional aspects of the project as the Secretariat of the
RSC. The RFU will handle the logistics for the call for proposals and selection, work with
selected institutions in developing a work plan, undertake monitoring and evaluation,
coordinate capacity building initiatives for the selected centers of excellence, and share
good practices across countries
IUCEA is an institution of the East African Community (EAC), whose mandate is to
coordinate the development of higher education and research, including establishment of
centers for advanced study. The main objectives of IUCEA are to (i) facilitate networking
among universities in East Africa, and with universities outside the region; (ii) provide a
forum for discussion on a wide range of academic and other matters relating to higher
education in East Africa; and (iii) facilitate maintenance of internationally comparable
education standards in East Africa so as to promote the regions global competitiveness
in higher education.

2.

Call for applications

In order to fulfil its ACE II mandate, the IUCEA Secretariat as the host of the
Regional Facilitation Unit of ACE II hereby invites applications from qualified
candidates from ACE II participating countries and beyond, for the following posts:

2.1 Project Coordinator

Grade:
P3
Job Reports to:
Executive Secretary
Job Supervises:
Information and Communication Officer, and Project
Accountant
Job Purpose:
To ensure that the project is properly managed and coordinated for successful
preparation and implementation in accordance with the objectives and Terms of
Reference of the Regional Facilitation Unit, the job holder will provide strategic leadership
in coordinating the preparation and implementation of ACE II activities and resources
management. With the assistance of the information and communication officer, s/he will
be the focal point for stakeholders (the governments of the participating countries, the
World Bank, interested institutions, media etc.). S/He will be responsible for the
production of quality outputs undertaken and financed under ACEs, and for proper
management of accountability and reporting of the project funds.
Duties and Responsibilities
i.

Leads in the facilitation coordination, communication and information dissemination,

including advertising in regional and national print and electronic media, information
on the ACE II project.
ii. Coordinates/implements the implementation plans
iii. Represent IUCEA/project in various forum as authorized by the Project Steering
Team (PST)
iv. Coordinates and manages processes for the call for proposals and selection for the
ACE II project
v. Coordinates and facilitates the convening of the Regional Steering Committee
vi. Manages the financial and procurement functions
vii. Facilitates the selection of evaluation committees
viii. Facilitates capacity building of evaluation teams
ix. Coordinates and facilitates the convening of evaluation committee meetings
x. Coordinates and provides logistics for site visits and for evaluation meetings
xi. Coordinates the proposal improvement process
xii. Manages all recurrent and operational activities that are required to effectively
facilitate the preparation and operation of the ACE II project
xiii. Facilitates and supports knowledge management, sharing and networking between
the ACEs and partner institutions
xiv. Coordinates meetings with national and regional higher education agencies linked
to ACE II project
xv. Supports Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) functions including design of the ACE II
projects M&E system.
xvi. Prepares and submits periodic project reports to the Project Steering Team (PST) in
accordance with the ACE II project M&E system, for submission to Regional
Steering Committee and the World Bank
xvii. Coordinates and supports ACEs individual report consolidation and updating
xviii. Prepares and facilitates external audit processes
xix. Develops and operationalizes the project operational manual
xx. Undertakes any other functions related to the successful implementation of the ACE
II project as directed by the IUCEA Executive Secretary

Key Performance Indicators

i.
ii.

iii.
iv.
v.

An effective Project Operational Manual developed

Effective and operating centers of excellences in accordance with the objectives of
the programme established
Periodic and comprehensive monitoring and evaluation reports timely prepared and
submitted in accordance with the M&E system
Operational instruments developed and implemented
Timely accountabilities of project funds undertaken

Minimum Job Requirements

(a) Academic Qualifications

Master's Degree in Project Planning and Management or any other Master's Degree
with a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management from a
recognized Institution;

(b) Work Experience

(c)
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
ix.
x.
xi.
xii.
xiii.

At least 8 years working experience in an academic or research institution. S/He

must have served at least 5 years at a senior position in programme/project
management,
preferably
managing
training
and
capacity
building
programmes/projects management, with track record of delivering key outputs in a
timely manner..

Key competences

Leadership, conceptual, analytical, and problem-solving skills

Experience in project/programme management
Experience in managing training and capacity building programs preferred
Knowledge of programme/project monitoring and evaluation, as well as financial
management and procurement
Conversant with higher education and research dynamics in Eastern and Southern
African sub-regions, and globally
Interpersonal, negotiation, communication and report writing skills
Ability to dialogue with government, international agencies and civil society leaders
Strong IT skills (Word, Excel, Power pint Presentation PPT)
Additional language skills Portuguese/French is an advantage
Familiarity with World Bank projects is an advantage
Experience with donor funded project management and reporting procedures
Ability to work in challenging multi-cultural environment
Time management, attention to detail, team player

Duties and Responsibilities

i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
vi)
vii)
viii)
ix)
x)
xi)
xii)
xiii)
xiv)
xv)
xvi)

Key Performance Indicators

i.
ii.
iii.
a)

Duties and Responsibilities

d)
(i)

Supports the Project Coordinator in the daily operations of ACE II activities

Ensures development and operationalization and maintenance of an on-line website
and portal for the ACE II project, with frequent regular updates.
iii. Develops and operationalizes a project information management system
iv. Publishes on IUCEA/ACE II website information relevant for dissemination to wider
public
v. Publishes and disseminates/communicates evaluation results and information on
successful ACE IIs
vi. Coordinates proposal improvement workshops
vii. Develops and operationalizes guidelines and tools for collecting relevant data
viii. Undertakes any other functions related to the successful implementation of the ACE
II project as directed by the Project Coordinator.

(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)

Academic Qualifications
At least a Bachelor degree in Finance and/or Accounting from a recognized
institution
Professional Qualifications
Certified Public Accountant (CPA, ACCA) or its equivalent
Work Experience
Minimum five years as an accountant.
Key Competencies
Must have knowledge of financial accounting principles and international accounting
standards.
Ability to operate a computerized accounting environment.
Knowledge of SUN accounting software and knowledge of financial information
systems will be an added advantage.
Experience with international agencies/government preferred
Knowledge of World Bank Financial Management an asset
Ability to work without supervision
Time management, attention to details, team player

3.

Tenure and Remuneration

4.

Age Limit: Not more than 50 years.

5.

Notification

6.

Submission of Applications

b)
c)

(ii)
(iii)

Key Performance Indicators

i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.

ACE II website is up and running

Database on project/ activities, reports and outputs
Operational Project Management Information System
Up to date and operational project website
Up to date monitoring and evaluation reports

a)
i)

Academic Qualifications
At least a Bachelors degree in Information and Communication Technology, or
related field from a recognized Institution.
A Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management is an added
advantage.

Minimum Job Requirements

ii)

b)

Work Experience

At least 5 years experience in an academic or research institution, 3 of which in

information management and communication.
c) Key Competences
i.
Good website management/design skills.
ii. Experience in project and information management
iii. Conceptual, analytical and problem-solving skills
iv. Knowledge of program monitoring and evaluation
v. Have good interpersonal and communication skills
vi. Knowledge of ICT applications to information management and dissemination
vii. Able to communicate with stakeholders
viii. Skills to communicate through social media
ix. Writing skills, effective team member, attention to details

2.3 Project Accountant

Grade:
P1
Job Report to:
Project Coordinator
Job Purpose: The job holder will undertake management of financial matters relating to
the ACE II World Bank project at the Regional Facilitation Unit (RFU) and ensure
compliance with donor and IUCEA financial requirements and procedures.

Timely and regular financial statements

Timely bank reconciliation statements
Properly managed financial records

Minimum Job Requirements

2.2 Information and Communication Officer

Grade:
P1
Job Report to:
Project Coordinator
Job purpose:
The job holder will be responsible for management,
monitoring and evaluation, and communication and
dissemination of project information
i.
ii.

Carries out all necessary transactions related to accounting, cash records and
banks.
Prepares budget and verify application of budget and vote head codes.
Properly undertakes reliable book keeping and maintenance of accounting records.
Manages the finances and accounts of the ACE II project at the RFU on a routine
basis according to the World Bank fiduciary policies, requirements and procedures.
Initiates and manages the process of procuring goods and services for ACE II
project.
Timely prepares cheque payments, bank drafts and all other accounting documents.
Ensures timely payment of ACE II project suppliers and service providers.
Carries out bank reconciliation and maintenance of general ledger accounts, pay
attention to eligibility of expenditures.
Posts all the payments and receipts into the financial management system
(withdrawal applications).
Develops and maintains Financial Accounting policies and procedures manuals
Monitors and controls budget executions and ensures compliance with the World
Bank and IUCEA financial requirements.
Prepares quarterly financial reports of the ACE II project and for presentation at
periodic Project Planning and Review Meetings.
Initiates the process and facilitates External Audit of the ACE II Project funds at RFU
on an annual basis.
Participates in activities that contribute to the achievement of ACE II project goals
and objectives.
Trains internal staff if needed
Carries out any other duties that may be assigned by the Project Coordinator and
from time to time for effective implementation of the Project.

The successful applicant for this post shall serve for one term of 3 years, the initial
life span of the project. A comprehensive remuneration package commensurate with
the EAC P3 and P1 Job Grades and Diplomatic status shall be offered to the
suitable candidates. Additional details on these packages may be obtained from the
undersigned.

The successful candidate shall be notified of his/her appointment by the first week
of July 2015

The deadline for submission of applications to the IUCEA Secretariat is 29th June 2015.
Application letters should be accompanied with the following:
(i) Certified copies of the applicants degree awards
(ii) Up to date and comprehensive Curriculum Vitae
(iii) Addresses of three referees, one of which should be of the current immediate
supervisor.
Applications marked APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF PROJECT COORDINATOR or
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION OFFICER or PROJECT ACCOUNTANT in hard
copy or electronic be addressed to:

The Executive Secretary

Inter-University Council for East Africa
Plot 4, Nile Avenue
3rd Floor, EADB Building
P.O. Box 7110, Kampala, Uganda
Tel: +256 414 256 251/2
Fax: +256 414 342 007
E-mail: exsec@iucea.org