The Mérieux Foundation
The Mérieux Foundation has been working independently in the service of global health since its creation in 1967. Recognized as a public utility, it specializes in the fight against infectious diseases, particularly among vulnerable populations in resource-limited countries.
The Mérieux Foundation’s actions are rooted in a commitment to strengthening local capacities, particularly in clinical biology, to improve surveillance, epidemic response, and access to healthcare. Working closely with communities to address their needs, the Foundation collaborates with local stakeholders in a spirit of partnership and networking, essential for mobilizing the skills and resources necessary to implement effective and sustainable initiatives.
It is particularly involved in the most impactful public health issues in its countries of operation, such as antimicrobial resistance, tuberculosis, acute respiratory infections, HIV, and emerging pathogens.
Committed to a holistic approach to health, the Mérieux Foundation integrates, beyond its expertise in biology, the main challenges impacting access to healthcare and living conditions in the countries where it operates. We work directly in more than 25 countries worldwide, in close collaboration with local stakeholders, enabling us to adapt our programs and actions to the realities on the ground and the needs of the people.
By focusing on cross-cutting and international activities, we contribute to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals, including SDGs No. 3 “Good Health and Well-being”, No. 4 “Quality Education”, No. 9 “Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure” and No. 17 “Partnerships for the Goals”.
Joining us means becoming part of a team of nearly 150 employees spread across 16 countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean, united around common values: international solidarity, commitment, expertise and collaboration.
In Africa, the Mérieux Foundation has:
- From a coordination team grouped within an Africa Office based in Dakar;
- From a West Africa Office which coordinates projects in Senegal, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and Guinea Bissau (based in Dakar);
- From a Gulf of Guinea office which coordinates projects in Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Guinea Conakry (based in Lomé);
- From a Central Africa Office which coordinates projects in DRC, Burundi, Chad, CAR, Cameroon (based in Kinshasa).
- Project context
The fragility of national biological risk management systems creates critical vulnerabilities, particularly regarding the risks of accidental exposure of healthcare workers, environmental contamination, or the malicious diversion of transmissible pathogens. To address these challenges, the countries of the West African Network of Medical Biology Laboratories (RESAOLAB) have identified strengthening biosafety and biosecurity as a major priority for the safety of medical biology interventions in their countries.
The Mérieux Foundation, in support of the G7/GP Working Group on Biological Safety, with funding from Global Affairs Canada, is initiating the project to strengthen biosafety and biosecurity in four countries, namely Benin, Guinea, Senegal and Togo, while supporting RESAOLAB.
The Mérieux Foundation supports laboratory systems according to the One Health approach and the gender dimension, by strengthening quality and Biosafety/Biosecurity, within the framework of this 20-month project.
- General objective of the function
Under the hierarchical supervision of the Country Project Manager and under the functional supervision of the Financial Manager of the assigned office, the Finance & Logistics Administrator ensures the administrative, financial, accounting and logistical management of the project at the national level.
He ensures that financial and administrative operations comply with the procedures of the Mérieux Foundation, the donor’s requirements, and applicable national regulations. He contributes to the financial management of the project by producing reliable information, monitoring the budget, and ensuring the optimal use of available resources.
- Main missions
Mission 1: Ensure the financial and accounting management of the project
- Ensure the daily accounting management of the project in accordance with the procedures of the Mérieux Foundation and applicable accounting standards.
- Verify the conformity, completeness and validity of supporting documents before they are recorded.
- Record accounting transactions in the Mérieux Foundation’s financial information system.
- To monitor cash flow, banking operations and petty cash.
- Prepare bank reconciliation statements and periodic cash balance reports.
- Ensure follow-up on payments to suppliers, consultants and service providers.
Mission 2: Ensure budget monitoring and financial reporting
- Prepare the budget for activities in accordance with national planning; Ensure the monitoring of budget execution of the project at the national level.
- Produce the necessary periodic financial reports and analyses.
- Prepare funding applications in accordance with the project timeline.
- Contribute to the preparation of financial reports intended for the regional level and the donor.
- Report any anomalies or risks that could affect the sound financial management of the project.
Mission 3: Ensure administrative and contractual management
- Prepare the administrative and financial files related to the project activities.
- To ensure the administrative follow-up of contracts with consultants, suppliers and service providers.
- Ensure compliance with internal procedures for awarding contracts and committing expenditures.
- Ensure the physical and electronic filing of administrative and financial documents.
- Contribute to the preparation of internal and external audits.
Mission 4: Ensure the logistical management of project activities
- Organize the logistics of meetings, workshops, training sessions, missions and project events.
- To manage the national and international travel of participants.
- Supervise project purchases in accordance with the procedures of the Mérieux Foundation.
- Manage the project’s fixed assets, equipment and inventories.
- Profile
Initial training
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, auditing, management control or in an equivalent field.
Further training / specialization
- Training in financial management of projects funded by international donors.
- Good knowledge of the administrative and financial procedures of international organizations.
- Training in procurement or logistics is an asset.
Desired experience
- At least 5 years of professional experience in administrative and financial project management.
- Proven experience in projects funded by international donors.
- Experience in project logistics management.
- Experience in preparing for financial audits.
- Experience in the healthcare sector is an asset.
Required professional skills
CM1. Accounting and financial management of projects.
CM2. Budget monitoring and management control.
CM3. Logistics management.
CM4. Procurement.
CM5. Proficiency in accounting software and ERP systems.
CM6. Preparation of financial and administrative reports.
CM7. Good knowledge of international donor procedures.
CM8. Ability to analyze data and produce reports.
Required behavioral skills: CC1. Integrity and a strong sense of confidentiality. CC2. Analytical skills and attention to detail.
CC3. Prioritizing and meeting deadlines.
CC4. Team spirit and collaboration.
CC5. Ability to work under pressure.
CC6. Responsiveness and ability to anticipate.
CC7. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
LANGUAGES
- Excellent command of French, both spoken and written.
- A good command of English is an asset.
How to apply
Applications (CV and cover letter) should be sent with the subject line ” Finance & Logistics Administrator – Country (to be specified in the application)” to the following address before October 31, 2026: recrutementAfo@fondation-merieux.org
Written tests and interviews will be conducted.