REGIONAL FINANCE AND GRANTS MANAGER - AFRICA-BASED

Posted on 31 May 2023

Location: Washington DC or Kenya

Regional Finance and Grants Manager – Africa-Based #23100

World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, seeks a Regional Finance and Grants Manager. Under the direction of the Senior Director, Program Operation, this position is responsible for the financial management of specific projects/portfolios assigned to the role. The position will manage the budgets, cost proposals, financial tracking, analysis and reporting, grants and agreements, and administrative functions for the assigned portfolio. Responsible for meeting performance measures as outlined in the program operations standards, and for complying with reporting requirements as established by the Vice President of Program Operations. Oversight of program budget and financial management helps to ensure compliance with WWF policies and ensures sound management of WWF revenues used toward accomplishing WWF’s mission. This role may include supervising and mentoring of one or more staff members.

Please Note:

• This position can be based in Washington DC or Kenya
• Selected candidate must be legally authorized to work in one of the two countries.
• Payment will be in the local currency of whichever office the selected person will be based out of and will receive benefits in accordance to local labor law
• Position is not eligible for posting allowances.

Responsibilities

• Leads annual budgeting process for program and forecasts three-year budgets as a basis for identifying priorities and targeting funding sources. Monitors expenses and revenues to ensure that the program does not overspend available revenue, and that restricted funds are used according to donor requirements. Manages actual financial performance against budget and ensures that projections are accurate.
• Ensures that proposals are developed, processed, and implemented in accordance with WWF policies and procedures. Ensures that agreements are issued using appropriate templates in accordance with donor requirements and WWF policies.
• Provides training and guidance to program staff and field staff on budget formulation, tracking and adjustments, expense accounting, financial analysis and reporting, and contract management. Identifies training needs and facilitates contracts orientation and training for newly hired program staff, in coordination with other Program Operations staff.
• Prepares financial analysis for the entire program. Oversees the coordination of financial reports prepared for restricted donors, ensuring donor requirements are met. Examines network and government financial reports prepared by Donor Reporting Team to ensure accuracy. Reviews and approves all project financial reports to ensure compliance and notifies program staff of any problems or discrepancies and provides technical assistance to grantees in resolving problems.
• Conducts organizational assessments of grantees, performs site visits, to ensure appropriate financial and administrative management systems are implemented to meet the level and complexity of funding. Ensures all WWF-issued agreements and payments are processed timely and in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Manages general administration responsibilities for program staff and serves as a resource for financial and administrative policies. Coordinates and expedites information-sharing both intra-departmentally and inter-departmentally, as well as externally with NGOs and WWF’s National Organizations (NOs). Maintains good working relationships and stays abreast of program issues to provide overall support to program initiatives.
• Trains, coaches, and conducts periodic performance reviews of their direct reports, if applicable, ensuring consistent processes are followed and departmental standards are met. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must have at least 8 years of experience, including at least five years substantial and successful project management experience overseeing financial and administrative activities.
• Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in accounting, business, public administration, or a related field. A graduate degree is preferred and may substitute for equivalent years of experience.
• Fluency in English and advanced / business proficiency in French (written and spoken) are required.
• Must have demonstrated expertise building capacity of staff, grantees, and other program partners.
• Experience managing the compliance, administrative and financial functions for programs or program portfolios with annual budgets of at least $4 million is required.
• Experience managing government and multilateral grants and subrecipient grant programs is preferred.
• Excellent organizational, quantitative and analytical skills with emphasis on project and financial management.
• Excellent attention to detail, ability to prioritize and work accurately under time constraints.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working with accounting and grants management software is required; experience with Adaptive, Smart Simple and Workday systems is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to operate with considerable independence and discretion, demonstrate good judgment, and take initiative.
• Experience working in Central, Southern, and/or Eastern Africa, highly preferred.
• Must be willing to travel to various sites in Africa on a quarterly basis, and travel to US home office as needed.
• Committed to building and strengthening a culture of inclusion within and across teams.
• Identifies and aligns with WWF’s core values: Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration:
  • Demonstrates courage by speaking up even when it is difficult, or unpopular.
  • Builds trust with colleagues by acting with integrity, owning mistakes, and holding oneself accountable.
  • Welcomes other points of view and ideas, recognizing and embracing different and contrary perspectives with kindness, curiosity, and encouragement.
  • Makes conscious efforts to promote cooperative practices, behaviors, and ways of working across many groups and individuals.