About ICED
The International Centre for Evaluation and Development (ICED) fills an important gap in the evaluation of development initiatives focusing on the Global South, ICED is an independent, African-owned and led think tank that works to use the outputs of innovative research and evaluation to contribute to and enhance development outcomes and impacts, concentrating on Africa.
ICED advances the use of Research, Monitoring and Evaluation to support sustained and resilient development in Africa by advancing thought and practice leadership in the M&E profession. To achieve this, it combines high level research and evaluation knowledge and skills with extensive practical experience that is sensitive and responsive to culture, value systems and local context. Its key priority areas are evaluation, research and innovation in sustainable development; M&E systems’ development and adaptive management for public and private institutions; collaborative and adaptive research management; policy engagement, communication and convening for development; and evaluation capacity strengthening and professional development. ICED has four integrated strategies: tracking the trends and gauging the future of both development and evaluation; mobilizing and expanding thought leadership through research and innovation; engaging and supporting decision-makers in government, development, business, academia and civil society; and overseeing and conducting strategic evaluations and research.
ICED has its head office in Nairobi, Kenya, an office in Accra, Ghana, that supports activities in West Africa, and a satellite office in Maputo, Mozambique. In addition, ICED has a presence of staff in Kampala, Uganda. Through its wide range of regional and international alliances and partnerships, ICED is able to demonstrate at the decision-making level of the communities that support development in Africa the need to have M&E as a crucial element in development initiatives. The partnerships also provide the opportunity for exposure of ICED staff to advances and best practices in M&E.
Position Overview
Under the supervision of the VP for Finance, the Finance Manager will oversee financial management, compliance, and reporting for grants and donor-funded projects, contracts across the organization. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate financial tracking, reporting, budgeting, and compliance with donor requirements and organizational policies. The Finance Manager will work closely with the program, grant development and the finance and administration teams at all levels, and external donors to ensure grant and contract funds are managed efficiently and effectively.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Grant and contract Financial Management
- Oversee financial management for all grant-related and contract activities, ensuring accuracy and compliance with donor requirements and organizational policies.
- Monitor grant expenditure against approved budgets and forecasts, identify variances, and provide timely financial analysis and advice to program teams and management.
- Prepare grant and contract financial reports in accordance with donor guidelines and submission deadlines.
- Ensure timely and accurate invoicing and cash-flow management for grants and contracts, monitoring fund receipts and disbursements.
- Participate actively in ICED’s cross-departmental grant and contract management function, contributing to monthly and quarterly grant and contract management meetings, and ensuring proper follow-up on identified issues.
Budgeting and Forecasting
- Lead the development of proposal budgets in collaboration with development and program teams, ensuring accuracy and alignment with donor guidelines and organizational objectives.
- Work with program and development teams to align narrative and financial reports for donor submission.
- Monitor and support ongoing budget execution, variance analyses and provide forecasts of financial performance to identify potential issues or budget shortfalls.
- Support the preparation of quarterly and annual financial forecasts and budgets for grant-funded programs and contracts.
Grant Compliance and Risk Management
- Coordinate with the office of the President and Management Team to ensure all financial activities related to grants and contract comply with donor regulations, organizational policies, and legal requirements.
- Conduct regular reviews of grant expenditures to ensure compliance and accurate allocation of costs.
- Support grant and contract audits, coordinating with external auditors to provide necessary documentation and responses.
- Proactively manage financial risks related to grants and contracts, identifying areas for process improvement and mitigating potential issues.
Donor and Partner Relations and Reporting
- Lead the financial reporting process, ensuring alignment with donor requirements, subgrantee (partner) agreements, and internal timelines.
- Maintain positive relationships with donors and partners, addressing financial queries and ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.
- Ensure all financial documents of grants and subgrants are kept in the shared filing systems for complete, accurate and accessible documentation.
Capacity Building and Support
- Serve as a point of contact for finance-related grant and contract queries, offering support and solutions to external stakeholders.
- Provide technical guidance and program officers and consultants on grant financial management, budgeting, and reporting.
- Create and share financial management tools, templates, and SOPs to support effective grant management.
- Offer one-on-one coaching to staff needing additional support in managing grant finances.
Education, Qualifications, and Experience
- Masters Degree in Finance, Accounting, preferably a CPA or CA.
- Minimum of 8 years of experience in grant and contract financial management required, including proposal budget development, preferably within the international development sector.
- Strong knowledge of donor regulations, including USAID, UN agencies, FCDO, etc., and private foundations.
- Proficiency in accounting software and financial management systems (e.g, Quickbooks); familiarity with grants management systems.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office required, particularly Excel.
- Excellent financial analysis, budgeting, and reporting skills.
- Proactive problem-solver with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.
- Ability to work with people of different cultures, nationality and religions
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively across departments and with donors.
To Apply
Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications coupled with a passion for changing lives and livelihood are invited to submit their applications to hr@iced-eval.org.
