Project background

RECOFTC is implementing the “Enhancing Access to Benefits while Lowering Carbon Emissions” (EnABLE) project in Lao PDR, funded by a multi-donor trust fund administered by the World Bank. The project aims to enhance the inclusion of target populations, particularly women and ethnic groups living in selected remote villages, in receiving carbon and non-carbon benefits from the Lao PDR Emissions Reduction Programme and its Benefit Sharing Plan (BSP). The project will support and complement the ongoing World Bank-funded Governance, Forest Landscape and Livelihoods (GFLL) project, which is being implemented by the Department of Forestry (DoF), Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF). The project will run until December 2027.

RECOFTC Lao PDR invites applications for the position of Accounts and Administration Officer, to be based in Vientiane. The project duration is 28 months. The contract is issued on an annual basis, with the possibility of extension subject to annual performance assessment and includes a three-month probationary period. The appointment is expected to begin in August or September 2025.

The Accounts and Administration Officer will be employed full-time for the EnABLE project and report directly to the Project Coordinator and Country Director.

Specific tasks and duties

Accounts

Oversee the day-to-day operations of the general ledger
Process all payments for the Project Coordinator’s approval
Maintain financial records, including coding and recording receipts, ensure the accuracy of computations, the completeness of documents and monitor the status of allotments against obligations
Prepare documents for disbursement from the grant account and liaise with the Finance team at the RECOFTC Main Office and with donors regarding disbursements
Develop simple Excel spreadsheets to maintain account codes
Check and maintain financial records for the settlement of advance payments, follow up on outstanding advances and report to the Project Coordinator on any long-outstanding items
Follow up and report on outstanding invoice settlements
Conduct monthly bank reconciliations
Manage the replenishment of funds to the provinces
Maintain a safe in the country office for depositing petty cash and other important financial documents
Liaise with local banks for daily office transactions such as cash deposits, cheque receipts, local transfers and foreign currency exchanges
Administer the signatory panel for office bank accounts
Prepare journal vouchers for adjustments, as required
Receive and review financial reports submitted by provincial offices
Prepare monthly and yearly financial reports and supporting documents as required by RECOFTC and project donors, ensuring they are systematically prepared on time and liaise with relevant programme and project staff regarding variances between budgeted and actual expenditure
Perform month-end and year-end closing in the accounting system and review the Trial Balance after period-end posting to make adjustments if necessary
Reconcile monthly balance sheet and conduct inventory physical counts for ageing analysis once or twice per year
Ensure the accuracy of fixed asset net book values and depreciation
Support the monitoring of programme and project budgets and expenditures
Participate in and contribute to the annual and quarterly planning and budgeting processes
Comply with RECOFTC and project donor guidelines regarding financial reporting
Liaise with donors, government officials and other relevant stakeholders as required
Provide day-to-day advice and support to the EnABLE project team, including those based in the provinces
Coordinate with external auditors and facilitate the internal audit process from RECOFTC Main Office and donors
Administration

Manage project-owned property, including the maintenance of the office, facilities and service contracts
Maintain an adequate stock of office and facility supplies
Keep the Fixed Asset Register updated, ensure all fixed assets are in good working condition and prepare monthly movement and reconciliation reports, including an annual fixed asset physical verification and reconciliation report
Maintain a comprehensive filing system for personnel and all project-related documents
Arrange logistics for meetings, workshops, travel and visits for staff in coordination with government ministries and agencies, donors and other partner projects and organizations
Receive telephone calls, assist with call placement, receive visitors, respond to general enquiries and direct individuals to the appropriate personnel
Oversee and handle the dispatch and receipt of mail, letters and official documents to and from government agencies and other organizations
Provide translation support to expatriate staff as needed
Attend and participate in World Bank mission meetings or other meetings as required
Perform other duties as assigned by the Country Director
Qualifications and experience

The Accounts and Administration Officer should have the following essential qualifications and experience:

Essential

A diploma or bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business management, or a related field
A minimum of three years' experience in financial management
At least two years’ experience in a similar role, preferably with a non-profit organization or related entities such as international donors, UN agencies or projects financed by these agencies
Familiarity with accounting and labour (employment) regulations in Lao PDR
Proficiency in Lao and a good working knowledge of written and spoken English
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
Desirable

Ability to address and resolve problems quickly and efficiently
Capacity to work independently with minimal supervision
Experience with procedures of various donors
Willingness and ability to travel to target provinces as required

Please send your resume/CV