Chief Accountant (HEEP/CA/2026)

Reports to: National Project Coordinator

Duty Station: National Project Management Unit, Harare

Background: The Project

Horticulture Enterprise Enhancement Project (HEEP) is an eight-year development project financed jointly by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), OPEC Fund and the Government of Zimbabwe. The lead agency of the project is the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development. HEEP supports the transformation of smallholder horticulture in Zimbabwe...

Overall Scope of Work

Reporting directly to the National Project Coordinator with technical responsibility to Director of Finance in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, the Chief Accountant is the key personnel of HEEP responsible for the overall financial management aspects, implementing financial policies, strategies in line with IFAD and Government of Zimbabwe requirements and international standards.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

Implementation and maintenance of the off-the-shelf accounting system ensuring that the chart of accounts and reporting system thereof provides information to link between project activities by category, component and funding source.
Timely input of budget data into the accounting system and production of monthly and quarterly reports regarding aspects of Project financial monitoring bringing out variances and advising technical specialist as to the limits of expenditure.
Prepare half-yearly consolidated statements of project accounts as an integral part of the Management Information System to be submitted to the Project Steering Committee, and subsequently to IFAD.
Prepare financial statements in accordance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) Accrual basis with the prerequisite disclosures for non-cash items and liaise with external auditors to audit the HEEP accounts to meet the required submission dates by IFAD.
Oversee tax matters of the Project, ensuring that tax exemptions and tax refunds for the procurement of goods and services for the Project are secured at the appropriate time.
Provide training and guidance to project beneficiaries and implementing partners for AWPB activity preparation and submissions and participate in the development and implementation of plans, and procedures for budget request submission activities to ensure that project objectives are achieved in accordance with prevailing government practices which are acceptable to IFAD.
Calculate the cost of services and associated analyses and propose actions to be taken to improve cost-efficiency of services, without affecting quality.
Process documentation and follow up on disbursements from the government and IFAD to ensure that releases are not delayed. Ensure that funds for Project implementation are disbursed in a timely manner to enable project interventions to be carried out on time.
Prepare and submit regular withdrawal applications to IFAD and follow up to ensure that the project does not run short of liquidity.
Follow up on all project funds released to implementing entities and technical partners for timely retirement and proper utilization.
Ensure that statements of expenditure (SOEs) are carefully checked for eligibility with relevant financial agreements.
Maintain effective internal control environment for the project by ensuring that:
- All HEEP funds are used in accordance with the conditions of the financing agreements, with due attention to economy and efficiency, and only for the purposes for which the funds were provided;
- Counterpart funds have been provided and used in accordance with the conditions of the financing agreements...
- Goods and services financed have been procured in accordance with the financing agreement and in accordance with government and IFAD's rules and procedures;
- All necessary supporting documents, records and accounts are kept in respect of all project activities...
- Designated accounts are maintained in accordance with the provisions of the financing agreement...
Provide any support to the Procurement Unit to assist in procurement for the HEEP in accordance with procedures laid down by Financing Agreements of IFAD and OFID.
Ensure that fixed assets are well accounted for and annual verification is undertaken of the condition of assets and location.
Ensure the effective and efficient operation of administrative aspects of the HEEP.
Carry out any other activities that are assigned by the Project Coordinator.

Qualifications and Competences

Bachelor's Degree in Business or Finance, and a professionally qualified Accountant with Membership of the Zimbabwe Institute of Chartered Accountants.
Strong managerial skills and demonstrated capacity to manage people and interact with a wide range of private sector partners and government representatives.
Strong organizational skills. Versatility, ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
Excellent organisational and analytical skills.
Excellent computer skills and well-versed in the use of Excel, Word and accounting software.
Good communication skills and ability to interact with a wide range of private sector partners and government representatives.

Required Work Experience

At least eight years of relevant work experience, including at least four as a Financial Manager or Accountant in government/donor projects or large institutions.
Knowledge of work planning, budgeting and reporting.
Preparing withdrawal applications for external funding agencies.
Audit management experience in donor funded program.

Mode and Duration of Contract: Fixed-term Contract. The initial duration of the contract is one year, and is subject to annual performance review.

How to Apply / Other Requirements

A. All applications must be addressed to: The Chief Director, Human Resources, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development. Ngungunyana Building, No. 1, Liberation Legacy Way, Private Bag 7701, Causeway, Harare.

B. Applications containing the following information and must be submitted to the Ministry of Lands... not later than 16 May 2026:

Full Names (Surname first)
Certified Copies of National ID and Relevant Qualifications
Detailed Curriculum Vitae with relevant experience, current contact details and three contactable referees.

C. Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements need not apply.

D. Please be advised that applications that do not comply with the above requirements and those submitted after the deadline will not be processed.

E. Members currently serving in Government will be expected to resign from the Public Service to ensure full-time dedication to the role.

Application Deadline: 16 May 2026