West Africa Rice Development Association

“AfricaRice is an autonomous inter-governmental research association of 28 African Member States, established in 1971 with a mission to contribute to poverty alleviation and food security through research, development and partnership activities aimed at increasing the productivity and profitability of the rice sector in ways that ensure the sustainability of the farming environment.”

“Form 990 is prepared by the Planning and budget department, headed by a finance professional. Figures and data are crossed checked with different units such as accounting, human resources and research group. Completed forms are submitted to the Director of Finance and Corporate Services for verification and clearance. The cleared document is shared with the executive management team, which includes the Chief Executive Officer as Chair for review and input. Audit Finance Risk Committee focal point reviews the documents in consultation with the Board chair. After the input, the Director of Finance signs and submits the forms.”

“There is a Conflict of Interest Review committee which has the responsibility to advise the Director General on all matters related to actual or potential conflict of interest in the institute. This includes; - making recommendations on disclosed cases of actual or potential conflicts of interest - monitoring the implementation of the recommendations as approved by the Director General - Investigating reported or alleged cases of undisclosed conflicts of interest and make appropriate recommendations to the Director General - Preparing a regular report to the Board on its activities - Recommending changes to the present policy - Maintaining appropriate records of all its deliberations and decisions. The committee meets on a needs basis on the claims submitted and the it may need internal or external expertise during deliberations. The committee will review and make recommendations to the Director General and once approved by the Director General then the decision is communicated to the staff.”

“The Director Generals performance evaluation is conducted by the Board annually. Based on performance, availability of funds and comparative salary of other sister institutions the Board may decide and fix increase or adjustment to the executive salary.”

“All policies, governing documents and audited financial statements are available to the public on the AfricaRice website as well as the CGIAR website.”

“Includes: cleaning, cleaning supplies, catering, board of trustees expenses, books and subscriptions, gardening, hospitality, membership fees, postage, printing, fertilizers, generator fuel, recruitment fees, lab supplies, training, temporary workers, telephones. Institutional indirect cost recovery.”