3 Jobs At AFIDEP

Join Our Whatsapp Channel - CLICK HERE

1. Head of Finance and Operations

2. Grants Manager

3. Audit and Compliance Officer

Head of Finance and Operations

Job Type: Full Time
Qualification: MBA/MSc/MA, Professional Certification
Experience: 10 years
Location: Nairobi
Job Field: Finance / Accounting / Audit

Role Overview

The Head of Finance and Operations will provide senior-level leadership over AFIDEP’s financial and operational functions across its programmes and country offices. The position will be responsible for maintaining financial sustainability, strengthening operational systems, ensuring regulatory compliance, and promoting accountability across the organisation.

The successful candidate should combine advanced finance and accounting expertise with strong operational leadership. They will oversee functions including finance, procurement, administration, ICT, facilities and team development while ensuring that institutional resources are managed efficiently and transparently within a complex multi-donor, multi-currency environment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Support the development of institutional strategies by translating organisational priorities into practical multi-year financial plans and resource frameworks.

• Lead annual budgeting and financial planning, including resource allocation, cash-flow forecasting and cost-recovery planning across projects and offices.

• Assist resource mobilisation by preparing proposal budgets, assessing donor agreements and advising on cost structures and indirect cost recovery.

• Monitor financial performance against approved budgets and provide senior management with timely analysis, forecasts and risk information.

• Lead the development, review and implementation of financial, grants, procurement, cost-allocation and related operational policies.

Financial Management and Reporting

• Provide oversight of accounting activities including general ledger administration, payables, receivables, payroll, bank reconciliations and financial close processes.

• Manage treasury functions, foreign currency exposure, banking relationships, institutional reserves and liquidity requirements across country operations.

• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting to the Board, Executive Director, donors and statutory authorities in accordance with IFRS and applicable donor requirements.

• Present financial performance, budgets and risk matters to the Board and Finance/Audit Committee.

• Coordinate annual external audits and maintain continuous audit readiness while ensuring recommendations are addressed.

• Ensure payroll, statutory deductions, taxation and employment-related financial obligations are handled correctly in Kenya, Malawi and other applicable jurisdictions.

Grants and Donor Compliance

• Oversee the financial management of grants from award acceptance and budget activation through implementation, reporting and close-out.

• Ensure compliance with the financial rules and reporting requirements of bilateral, multilateral and private foundation donors.

• Supervise financial due diligence, contracting, monitoring and capacity development for sub-grantees and implementing partners.

• Maintain effective financial relationships with donors and partners and address financial queries, reviews, budget variations and compliance concerns.

Risk Management and Internal Controls

• Establish and strengthen financial and operational controls that protect organisational assets, reduce fraud and conflicts of interest, and support compliance.

• Ensure the institutional asset register remains accurate and that appropriate insurance arrangements are maintained.

• Lead the identification, assessment and mitigation of financial and operational risks and maintain the institutional risk register.

• Provide line management support to the Audit and Compliance Officer while preserving the independence of the internal audit function.

• Monitor implementation of internal audit recommendations and ensure outstanding issues are appropriately addressed.

Operations Management

• Provide strategic direction for administration, facilities, office operations, leases and vendor agreements across AFIDEP offices.

• Ensure procurement procedures promote transparency, competition, value for money and appropriate supplier and contract management.

• Oversee ICT infrastructure and systems to ensure they support organisational effectiveness, information security and business continuity.

• Continuously improve financial and operational systems, policies and procedures to maintain an efficient and audit-ready organisation.

Team Leadership and Development

• Recruit, supervise, mentor and develop finance and operations personnel across AFIDEP locations.

• Promote collaboration, accountability, learning and high performance across the multifunctional team.

• Strengthen the financial and compliance knowledge of non-finance employees across the organisation.

• Develop internal talent and succession arrangements to ensure continuity of critical finance and operations functions.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Commerce, Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or a closely related discipline from a recognised institution.

• A current professional accounting qualification such as CPA, ACA, ACCA, ACMA, CFA or an equivalent qualification.

• Current membership in good standing with a recognised professional accounting body, such as ICPAK, ICAM, ACCA or ICAEW.

• At least 10 years of progressive experience in finance and operations, including a minimum of 5 years in a senior multifunctional leadership position.

• Experience in a senior finance role within an international NGO, research institution or development organisation is preferred.

• Extensive experience handling finances within a multi-donor environment and understanding the compliance requirements of major development donors.

• Demonstrated experience managing financial activities across different countries and currencies, including foreign exchange and consolidated reporting.

• Proven experience leading and developing multidisciplinary teams across different locations.

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central or a comparable ERP, Microsoft Excel and financial modelling.

• Knowledge of Power BI or comparable reporting platforms is an advantage.

• Understanding of the statutory, tax, labour, NGO governance and financial reporting requirements applicable in Kenya and/or Malawi.

• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to Board members, donors, executives and non-financial stakeholders.

Desirable Experience

• Experience managing internal and external audits, donor financial reviews and statutory audits across multiple jurisdictions.

• Experience overseeing ICT governance, systems security and digital transformation initiatives.

• Knowledge of HR administration, employee benefits, compensation and employment legislation within East or Southern Africa.

• Experience using grants management platforms such as Salesforce, Fluxx or comparable systems.

• Experience developing or strengthening procurement and supply-chain systems within an NGO environment.

Core Competencies

• Strong strategic leadership and the ability to convert organisational priorities into effective financial and operational plans.

• Advanced financial knowledge, including accounting standards, financial controls and donor compliance.

• Strong people-management abilities with a focus on developing high-performing teams.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and confidence engaging Boards, donors, auditors and programme teams.

• High ethical standards, integrity and commitment to accountability and financial transparency.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

• Ability to build productive and trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Flexibility and resilience when managing changing priorities within a dynamic organisational environment.

Grants Manager

Job Type: Full Time
Qualification: MBA/MSc/MA, Professional Certification
Experience: 5–7 years
Location: Nairobi
Job Field: Finance / Accounting / Audit

Role Overview

AFIDEP is seeking a Grants Manager to oversee the effective administration of its grants portfolio throughout the full grant lifecycle. The position will work closely with Finance and Programme teams to ensure grants and sub-grants meet donor requirements and organisational policies.

The role requires strong technical knowledge of grants and contracts, excellent attention to detail and a thorough understanding of donor compliance. The Grants Manager will also contribute to improving AFIDEP’s systems and processes for managing grants and partner agreements.

Key Responsibilities

Grants Planning and Strategy

• Monitor the grants pipeline, upcoming renewals and funding gaps across programmes and country offices.

• Prepare and review budgets and supporting narratives for funding proposals alongside programme teams.

• Assess donor requirements and proposed agreements for financial feasibility and identify potentially unfavourable terms.

• Advise on cost structures, indirect cost recovery and cost allocation requirements.

Donor Compliance and Grant Administration

• Coordinate the review and activation of new awards, translating donor terms into operational budgets and compliance requirements.

• Maintain current knowledge of donor rules and ensure projects remain compliant throughout implementation.

• Manage grant close-out processes, including final financial reporting, asset disposition and appropriate records archiving.

• Act as a key contact for donors on grant administration matters and coordinate donor financial reviews.

Financial Monitoring and Reporting

• Monitor expenditure against approved grant budgets and investigate or escalate significant variances.

• Coordinate accurate and timely donor financial reports in accordance with applicable requirements and IFRS.

• Provide management with analysis of grant performance, expenditure trends and compliance risks.

• Assist with internal and external audits involving grants and contracts and maintain complete supporting documentation.

Sub-Grants and Partner Management

• Conduct or coordinate financial and organisational due diligence for prospective sub-grantees and implementing partners.

• Prepare and administer sub-grant and sub-contract agreements while ensuring relevant donor requirements are incorporated.

• Monitor partner disbursements, financial reports, expenditure and compliance with approved budgets.

• Strengthen partner capacity through training and ongoing guidance on financial management and donor compliance.

Risk and Systems Management

• Identify and escalate financial, contractual and compliance risks affecting the grants portfolio.

• Support effective internal controls over grant revenue, expenditure and sub-grant payments.

• Maintain reliable records of active and completed awards through the grants tracking system.

• Participate in the review and improvement of grants and sub-grants policies and procedures.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, International Development or a related discipline.

• 5–7 years of progressive experience in grants and contracts management, preferably within an NGO or donor-funded organisation.

• Strong knowledge of compliance requirements for major international donors.

• Demonstrated experience administering sub-grants or sub-contracts with partner organisations.

• CPA, ACCA, CIMA or another relevant professional accounting/grants qualification is an advantage.

• Strong analytical, organisational and financial management abilities with exceptional attention to detail.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex compliance requirements to non-finance colleagues.

• Proficiency with financial or grants management systems and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

• Ability to work proactively, manage competing priorities and meet deadlines with limited supervision.

Desirable

• Experience supporting donor financial reviews, internal audits, external audits and statutory audits across different jurisdictions.

• Familiarity with grants and financial information systems and an understanding of data security and system controls.

• Knowledge of staff costing and donor rules relating to salaries, benefits and grant-funded personnel.

• Experience using grants management platforms.

• Familiarity with procurement processes and donor compliance requirements for grant-funded purchases.

Competencies

• Strong strategic thinking and ability to translate donor and organisational priorities into practical grant management plans.

• Strong financial and compliance knowledge with the ability to identify risks and develop workable solutions.

• Excellent communication and influencing skills when dealing with donors, auditors and programme teams.

• High integrity and commitment to transparency, accountability and compliance.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Excellent relationship-building skills with donors, partners, auditors and internal stakeholders.

• Ability to remain organised and adaptable while managing multiple deadlines and priorities.

Audit and Compliance Officer

Job Type: Contract
Qualification: MBA/MSc/MA
Experience: 8 years
Location: Nairobi
Job Field: Finance / Accounting / Audit

Role Overview

AFIDEP is looking for an experienced Audit and Compliance Officer to establish and manage a risk-focused internal audit and compliance function. The role will provide independent assurance to organisational leadership and the Board while covering financial, operational and compliance activities across AFIDEP’s departments, programmes and country offices.

The successful candidate will ensure adherence to IFRS, donor financial requirements, statutory obligations and internal policies while strengthening risk management, controls and institutional accountability.

Key Responsibilities

Audit Planning and Execution

• Develop a risk-based annual internal audit plan and obtain approval from the Board Audit Committee.

• Conduct internal audits in accordance with recognised IIA standards.

• Prepare comprehensive audit reports outlining findings, underlying causes, management responses, corrective actions and agreed timelines.

• Monitor the implementation of audit recommendations and escalate unresolved or high-risk matters to the Board Audit Committee.

Financial and Accounting Compliance

• Review financial records to confirm compliance with IFRS, organisational policies and applicable statutory requirements in Kenya and Malawi.

• Assess compliance with the financial requirements of bilateral, multilateral and private foundation donors.

• Evaluate internal controls and recommend improvements to protect assets and minimise fraud, waste and misuse of resources.

Risk Management

• Maintain and periodically update the institutional risk register using recognised frameworks such as COSO or ISO 31000.

• Work with management to ensure identified risks have suitable mitigation measures.

• Establish and promote fraud prevention procedures and whistleblowing mechanisms.

• Participate in investigations involving suspected financial irregularities.

• Maintain relevant evidence, financial information and documentation within risk and compliance tracking systems.

Systems and Operational Reviews

• Assess the effectiveness of ERP and financial management systems, including IT general controls, access management, data integrity and security.

• Develop and implement tools, SOPs and processes that promote consistent application of organisational policies.

• Identify operational weaknesses and recommend improvements that strengthen efficiency and value for money.

Governance and Regulatory Compliance

• Monitor compliance with statutory and regulatory obligations across AFIDEP’s registered jurisdictions, including Kenya, Malawi and the USA.

• Review requirements relating to NGO governance, taxation, labour law and financial reporting.

• Provide assurance to management and governance structures regarding compliance and control effectiveness.

Training and Capacity Building

• Develop and deliver practical training on financial compliance, internal controls and accountability.

• Promote an organisational culture centred on ethical behaviour, risk awareness and compliance.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or a closely related discipline.

• Current professional certification such as CPA, ACCA, CIA or an equivalent qualification is mandatory.

• CIA certification is particularly desirable for this position.

• At least 8 years of progressive experience in internal audit, financial management or compliance.

• Minimum 5 years of experience within an international NGO, research institution or development organisation operating in a multi-donor environment.

• Strong practical knowledge of donor compliance requirements, including bilateral, multilateral and private foundation funding.

• Working knowledge of statutory and regulatory requirements in Kenya and/or Malawi, including NGO governance, taxation and financial reporting.

• Experience designing or managing financial control systems or audit software in complex, multi-project environments.

• Strong ERP knowledge and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

• Familiarity with COSO, ISO 31000 or other recognised risk-management frameworks.

• Experience maintaining institutional risk registers.

• Working knowledge of the IIA International Professional Practices Framework or equivalent internal audit standards.

Desirable

• Experience auditing IT general controls, ERP access or cybersecurity compliance.

• Familiarity with grants management platforms.

• Experience working across multiple country offices or geographically dispersed organisations.

Core Competencies

• Strong professional ethics, independence and objectivity.

• Excellent analytical ability and confidence interpreting complex financial information.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain audit findings to senior management and Board members.

• Ability to maintain constructive relationships while preserving the independence and professional scepticism required of an audit function.

• Exceptional attention to evidence, documentation and accuracy.

• Strong self-management, initiative and ability to work independently.

• Ability to organise, interpret and present financial and audit information effectively, including through data visualisation tools.

Application

Interested candidates should submit the following to recruitment@afidep.org no later than 11 September 2026:

• A cover letter (maximum 2 pages) clearly articulating your suitability for the role, with specific reference to your experience in multi-donor financial management, team leadership, and operational oversight in an international NGO or research organisation context.

• A detailed curriculum vitae including three professional referees with current contact details.

Please state “Head of Finance and Operations” in the subject line of your email. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission is encouraged.