TERMS OF REFERENCE

ACCOUNTANT

1. BACKGROUND

Initiatives for Peace and Human Rights (iPeace) is a non-profit organization working to promote sustainable peace in the Great Lakes Region through human rights and good governance education. iPeace is legally registered and operational in Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Burundi. Its mission is to “equip communities and individuals with the knowledge and skills required to build a global culture of peace”. The organization’s vision is a Great Lakes Region where community members and leaders work together, holding one another accountable in upholding human rights values and principles of good governance.

With financial support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, iPeace, in partnership with International Alert and Pole Institute, is implementing the “UHAKI BILA MIPAKA” project. The project aims to strengthen access to justice for populations living in cross-border cities between the DRC and Rwanda.

To achieve this objective, iPeace implements several activities, including the provision of free legal aid to cross-border populations, capacity building for judicial actors, and training of young academics in international humanitarian law and human rights. The project is implemented in Rwanda’s Western Province, particularly in Rubavu, Rusizi, and Bugarama.

It is within this context that iPeace seeks to recruit a qualified and experienced Accountant to provide technical accounting support during the implementation of the project activities.

2. SCOPE OF WORK

iPeace-Rwanda seeks a qualified and experienced Accountant to manage financial transactions, including receivables and payables, assigned expenses and income, bank transactions, and other related current assets to ensure sound financial management, compliance with applicable laws and donor requirements, and accurate financial reporting.

The Accountant will also assist in the preparation of the annual financial audit by preparing and providing all required supporting documentation. Additional responsibilities include supporting other departments when needed, performing bank reconciliations, and ensuring timely tax declarations and payments in compliance with applicable regulations.

To be successful in this role, the candidate should have prior experience in bookkeeping and strong attention to detail, with the ability to identify and correct numerical errors.

The Accountant will provide accurate and timely financial information on the organization’s financial position, liquidity, and cash flows, while ensuring compliance with iPeace financial policies.

The Accountant will report directly to the Finance Officer and organizational management and will maintain regular interaction with iPeace’s project partners. He/she will ensure that project finances are managed in accordance with iPeace and donor rules, regulations, and policies.

3. RESPONSIBILITIES

The responsibilities of the accountant will include the following:

• Record and classify all accounting transactions in the accounting system, ensuring accuracy and correctness of calculations.
• Prepare payments and disbursements after verifying the completeness and compliance of supporting documentation and obtaining the required approvals.
• Prepare payments and disbursements after verifying the completeness and compliance of supporting documentation and obtaining the required approvals.
• Ensure full compliance with the accounting laws, regulations, and procedures of the Republic of Rwanda, and maintain the accuracy and reliability of financial reports.
• Manage and monitor the organization’s bank accounts, cash flows, and balances, and regularly analyse the treasury position.
• Verify the compliance of invoices, payroll, and related payments with internal procedures and statutory requirements, and ensure timely processing of payments.
• Conduct regular and accurate reconciliations of bank journals with bank statements.
• Maintain effective day-to-day relations with banking institutions and other financial partners.
• Ensure quarterly updates and proper maintenance of the fixed assets inventory.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing required documentation and responding to audit queries.
• Prepare monthly financial projections and independently manage monthly closures under the general supervision of the Finance Officer.

Provide support in administrative and logistical tasks as needed, including transport coordination, small procurements, and travel or accommodation bookings.

4. QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS REQUIRED

Qualifications and experience below are required from any candidate:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Professional accounting certification (CPA, ACCA, or equivalent) is an added advantage.
• Minimum 3-5 years of relevant working experience in accounting or finance, preferably with an NGO/INGO or donor-funded projects.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English with very good proficiency in French (reports and meetings will sometimes be held in French). Proficiency in Kinyarwanda is an asset.
• Possess proven experience with accounting software such as QuickBooks and SAGE.
• Experience in managing accounting systems, bank reconciliations, payroll processing, and financial reporting.
• Knowledge of income tax, and other regulations related to the accounting of NGOs in Rwanda.
• Computer literacy with proficient knowledge of MS Word, Excel and Power Point
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and financial management practices.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to be flexible and adaptable.
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and strong analytical skills.
• The ability to work well under pressure and to communicate appropriately and effectively within a multicultural setting;
• Be of proven moral integrity.
• Possess strong analytical and assessment skills
• Show a sense of responsibility and initiative (proactive).
• Ability to work effectively within a team and coordinate with program, administrative, and external stakeholders.

4. HOW TO APPLY

iPeace invites qualified candidates to apply for this position by providing the following as one singlePDF attachment:

1. A motivation letter (1 page maximum)
2. Most updated Curriculum Vitae highlighting key qualifications for the position (3 pages Max) with two references preferably most recent employers/supervisors (email and phone numbers)
3. Notarized copy of the most qualifying degree/certificate

Applications will be submitted exclusively online via the following https://bit.ly/4ttxCbv No later than February 20, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. local time. 

Applications from female candidates are highly encouraged. 

We regret that due to the large number of applications expected; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Preselected candidates will be invited to the job interviews which will be organized face-to-face in Kigali at the headquarters of Initiatives for Peace and Human Rights. iPeace does not bear any costs that a candidate will incur in responding to this job posting.

Telephone or electronic inquiries will not be answered

5. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY & NO CORRUPTION

iPeace is proud to be an Equal Employment and Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, age, status as individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, competence, and result-delivery need.

iPeace conducts its activities professionally, with integrity and in compliance with laws of those jurisdictions. As part of its commitment to ethical practices, iPeace does not tolerate acts of bribery or corruption. No person, agent or organization has been mandated by iPeace to receive, orient or facilitate any job application nor is there any fee whatsoever to submit, review, or assess a job application. Any promise/threat by whoever to positively or negatively influence a job application process is null and void.

Done at Kigali, on 6th February 2026

Dr. Elvis Mbembe Binda.

President & CEO