Job Description

Want to make a positive difference to the future of people and our one shared home, the Earth?
Working with WWF could be your opportunity of a lifetime:
All around the world, people are waking up to the deepening crisis of nature loss. A growing realization that nature is our life-support system and that nobody will be spared from the impacts of its loss. Here at WWF, we are helping to tackle this enormous global challenge.

Our people come from hugely diverse backgrounds and with a variety of expertise, ranging from HR and finance to advocacy and conservation science. We welcome applications from anyone who believes they can help us create a better future for people and wildlife.
What we do:
We are an independent conservation organization, striving to sustain the natural world for the benefit of people and wildlife. From individuals and communities to business and government, we are part of a growing coalition calling on world leaders to set nature on the path to recovery by 2030. Together, we seek to protect and restore natural habitats, stop the mass extinction of wildlife, and make the way we produce and consume sustainable.

We are looking for a dynamic, enthusiastic and highly qualified Assistant Accountant to assist with efficient operating systems and management of financial resources.

Location:
Harare, Zimbabwe

Contract Type: Fixed Term

I. Mission of the Department: To ensure a high performing WWF Zimbabwe Office with efficient operating systems, professional and skilled staff, and strong financial resources, delivering conservation impact on issues and in places that are key for WWF’s Network Initiatives and other global conservation priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities

II. Major Functions
• Maintains financial and accounting records including cashbooks for the Country Office
• Financial Resource Person of the assigned portfolio of projects.
• Assists in the implementation of policies, procedures and systems for all financial support services in WWF Zimbabwe, including: -
o accounting
o financial reporting,
o auditing,
o budgeting, and internal controls.
• Periodically carry out field visits to project sites to satisfy activities are being carried out on the ground;

Qualifications and Experience

• University degree in Accounting, and progress towards an accounting qualification i.e. CIMA, ACCA, CIS or equivalent
• At least two years relevant professional experience
• A thorough working knowledge of, accounting software (e.g. Oracle)

Required Skills and Competencies

• Excellent inter-personal skills, including the ability to develop and maintain strong relationships at all levels, within WWF Zimbabwe and, as required, with external stakeholders;
• Team player;
• The ability to work under pressure;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; and
• Identifies and aligns with the core values of the WWF organization: Courage, Integrity, Respect & Collaboration

How to Apply

Email a cover letter and Curriculum Vitae clearly indicating “Assistant Accountant” in the subject line to [email protected]. Kindly note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and work permit restrictions might apply.

Deadline for applications: 15 December 2022.

WWF is an equal opportunity employer and committed to having a diverse workforce. Female applications are encouraged.

VacancyHQ Expert Job Listing Tips

5 Tips for Applicants:

In my experience,

i. Highlight relevant academic qualifications- particularly a university degree in Accounting and progression towards an accounting certification like CIMA, ACCA or equivalent should be clearly presented.

ii. Make professional experience evident: At least two years of relevant experience should be emphasized. Past roles that involved financial record keeping and policy implementation should have high prominence.

iii. Display knowledge of Accounting Software: Mention experience with Oracle or similar accounting software as this shows an aptitude for this role.

iv. Show Interpersonal Skills: Your CV and cover letter should explicitly showcase that you have excellent interpersonal skills. Mention examples from your past roles where strong relationships made a significant difference.

v. Align your Values: Make it a point to not only understand but also align your values with WWF - which are Courage, Integrity, Respect & Collaboration.
5 Must Note Areas:

From my observations,

i. Email Application: Applications need to be sent via email.

ii. Clear subject line: Make sure “Assistant Accountant” is clearly stated in the subject line.

iii. Deadline: Do keep in mind that the closing date for applications is December 15, 2022.

iv. Work Permit Restrictions: Be aware that there might be potential work permit restrictions that could affect you.

v. Encouragement for diversity: WWF explicitly encourages diversity and female applications, reinforcing their inclusive working environment.
3 Ways to Stand Out:

I have noticed over time,

i. Effective Networking: Demonstrate an existing relationship or familiarity with the organization or the stakeholders (this could be done subtly in the cover letter).

ii. Advocacy for Causes: Highlight experiences of advocating for sustainability, environmental causes, conservation or a related area. WWF places high importance on these issues.

iii. Understand WWF's Goals: Show that you understand and support WWF’s global and local initiatives about the environment, wildlife & sustainable living.
Potential Oversights:

In my years of experience,

i. The Position’s impact on WWF’s goals: Notice the role this position plays in the department’s mission to support the WWF's broad global conservation priorities.

ii. Regular Field Visits: The job involves field visits to project sites- those unable to commit to traveling may find this challenging.

iii. Equal Opportunity Employer: Understanding and articulating how diversity benefits an organization and reporting past situations where you've thrived in a diverse team may likely impress the hiring team.

Remember, while there are numerous job vacancies in Zimbabwe or jobs in zw/vacancies in zim specifically, each opportunity such as this ngo job in Zimbabwe comes with its own specifications, hence the need to personalize each application.