Center for Justice (CJ)

Center for Justice (CJ) is Ethiopia’s main independent non-governmental organization working for systemic and service changes of the Ethiopian Criminal Justice System. Its establishment was spearheaded by individuals who sought to improve things they came across during their incarceration. 

CJ is an organization which blends practical interventions and advocacy campaigns to improve the criminal justice system in general and the condition of detainees in Ethiopia in particular. It stands for human rights and works for their protection and realization through a mix of practical interventions and advocacy works that improve conditions for accused, arrested and detained persons both at the systemic and service levels at the national and detention facilities levels. Our fundamental task as an organization is to effect progressive change in the Ethiopian Criminal Justice System. 

We work for people who are serving prison terms in the Ethiopian prisons and people who go through the Ethiopian Criminal Justice System. We give a special attention for disadvantaged people like women prisoners, children living with their incarcerated mothers, persons with disabilities and juvenile offenders. 

We promote reform in the following areas: oversight of criminal justice systems to increase accountability, prevent torture and ill-treatment, a progressive criminal justice system that upholds human rights, promotes effective non-custodial responses to crime, and uses prison as a last resort,  improve health for the most vulnerable in detention facilities;  supervision, rehabilitation, reformation and reintegration of prisoners;  treatment of young offenders in correctional institutions and youth corrective training centers;  advocate for and support the provision of facilities for children accompanying  their mothers in prison, the inclusion of people with lived experience in criminal justice reform efforts,   promote peaceful and inclusive societies and the enhancement of   rule of law & democratic governance, improve detainees’ access to legal aid and raise the quality of legal aid, improve the working condition of prison staffs and women legal, social and economic empowerment.

Job Summary 

Presently, CJ is looking for a Finance Officer    who carries out, document, and report financial transactions, to mention some responsibilities, in a timely manner in accordance with general, accounting principles, and CJ and donor guidelines. Thus, CJ is calling for dedicated, highly motivated professionals, and innovative candidates to compete for the post of finance officer  . 

Major Responsibilities 

The finance officer  shall execute the following major functions:  

• Maintains completion of workbook accounts, as per CJ policies that monthly bank reconciliations for all Bank accounts are prepared on a regular basis.

• Ensures that all payments are properly coded to record against active projects and complete authorization 

• Participates in the annual and bi-annual physical inventory and process and make the consolidation for reporting. 

• Participates in donor and program budget preparation and preparation of detailed schedules for the budget. · 

• Ensures all coding and posting of transactions are accurate and complete, in line with approved project and budget lines. ·

• Prepares or review government reports as per government agreement. 

• Ensures that after the month end, that information in relation to program budgets is communicated to field accountants and in turn program managers. ·

• Ensures that transactions are supported by adequate documentary evidence.

• Reviews payrolls to verify their accuracy, file the documents properly, and make sure that staff have proper allocation for donors as per donor budgets and fair, reasonable, and prudent allocation. 

• Reviews all transactions prior to posting e.g., coding (nominal code and cost centers) and details of each transaction, and budgets: for final review by the Administration and Finance head

• Facilitates set-up of a new account, after verifying availability of budget for the account, and update finance forms and cashbooks accordingly. 

• Ensures confidentiality of all CJ’s financial data, ensuring that no information is reported externally without sign off by Executive Director · 

• Capacitates, guide and supervise respective subordinates, ensuring that all tasks as described by respective job descriptions have been carried out in a timely manner and to ensure tasks are completed with skill and competence to ensure the accuracy of accounting data. 

• Carries out appraisals of all subordinates in an effective and timely manner in line with CJ’s human resources manual. 

• Monitors cash & bank flows on daily basis and maintain close coordination with financial institutions to ensure smooth cash flows. Safeguard CJ  cash from assessed/known risks.

• Confirms that payments related to procurement have the necessary documentation as outlined in CJ’s procurement policies and procedures for all goods and services

• Ensures all financial transactions have the required supporting document

• Assists Finance and administration head to strengthen internal controls & internal controls environment.

• Assists the finance and administration head on the HR development of the organization

• Performs other assignments as required by the organization  

Reports to: Executive Director   

Salary: Negotiable/ commensurate with qualification  

Job Requirements

Job Requirements and Skills 

• BA/MBA degree in accounting or any other related areas that can bring added value to the job from a recognized university/college

• 3-5 of experience in financial management in similar organization/s, with strong budget development and management experience

• Excellent written, oral, proofreading, branding, design oversight, interpersonal, and presentation skills,

• Competency of working in a multicultural society, 

• Familiarity with relevant institutional donor regulations, policies, procedures and priorities,

• Demonstrated experience working on teams to produce deliverables under tight deadlines and with quality,

• Time management and planning skills

• Proficient knowledge of IFRS Accounting standard and IPSAS Accounting standard and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Internal Control Fundamentals. 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Excellent quantitative and analytical skills.

• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to analyze and interpret data, identify/resolve errors and prepare reports.

• Ability to take the initiative and manage projects assigned through completion with minimal supervision.

• Ability to motivate and work well with others.

How to Apply

Female applicants are highly encouraged. 

Qualified and interested applicants are invited to submit a non-returnable application letter, CV and credentials to CJ through the following addresses within 10 working days: centerforj@gmail.com 

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. 

For further Information please contact at iisp2@yahoo.com or +251913450729