Financial Officer

• Position: Financial Officer (Full-Time)
• Location: Ethiopia
• Duration: 60 months (2-year contract, renewable for another 2-3 years based on performance)
• Reporting to: Project Coordinator & PENHA’s Regional Programmes Coordinator

The Role:

Manage project finances in compliance with GEF regulations, maintain accurate records, and oversee financial risk controls.The Financial Officer will be responsible for all aspects of financial management and reporting, in line with GEF requirements and national regulations. The position also requires a level of engagement with different stakeholders, as well as liaison with donors and government agencies.

Responsibilities:

Financial Management and Compliance:

• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and execution of project funds in compliance with GEF, UNEP and national financial regulations.
• Ensure transparent and accountable financial processes, including disbursement, procurement, and contract management.
• Monitor project expenditures and ensure alignment with approved budgets.
• Prepare revisions of the budget with the Project Coordinator and assist in the preparation of the Annual Work Plans.
• Undertake project financial closure formalities including submission of terminal reports, transfer and disposal of equipment, processing of semi-final revisions, and support professional staff in preparing the terminal assessment reports.

Accounting and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure timely reconciliation of accounts.
• Prepare and submit financial reports, including quarterly, mid-term, and final financial statements, to the Project Coordinator and relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with financial audit requirements and facilitate external audits.

Risk Management and Internal Controls:

• Identify financial risks and implement mitigation measures to ensure project sustainability.
• Establish and maintain strong internal financial controls to prevent fraud and mismanagement.
• Ensure compliance with tax and other financial regulatory requirements.

Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building:

• Work closely with the project team to ensure financial literacy and adherence to financial procedures.
• Provide financial training and support to project staff and stakeholders as needed.
• Liaise with donors, government agencies, and financial institutions regarding project financial matters.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field.
• At least 5-7 years of experience in financial management, preferably within international development projects or donor-funded programs.
• Experience with GEF-funded projects or similar international funding mechanisms is an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of Ethiopia’s financial and regulatory frameworks.
• Proficiency in financial management software and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Amharic (knowledge of other official Federal working languages is an asset.

The selected candidates should embody PENHA’s core values: integrity; professionalism, commitment to national development, openness to collaboration, inclusiveness with respect to all social groups in Ethiopia, and appreciation of the value of traditional knowledge and the importance of locally owned solutions.