Job vacancies at Hailemariam & Roman Foundation (HRF), Ethiopia

1. ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

The Hailemariam & Roman Foundation (HRF) is a non-profit international NGO founded by H.E. Mr. Hailemariam Dessalegn, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, and H.E. Mrs. Roman Tesfaye, former First Lady of Ethiopia. The Foundation supports government and community-led efforts across Africa to drive sustainable development through four key programmatic pillars:

• Maternal, Child Health and Nutrition
• Climate-Smart Conservation and Ecotourism
• Youth and Women Economic Empowerment
• Agricultural Transformation and Food Security

HRF envisions “a healthy and economically empowered community in a well-conserved environment.” Geographically, its support focuses on areas with the highest disparities where the Foundation could add value.

2. JOB PURPOSE

The Senior Finance Officer is responsible for handling the organization’s financial strategic planning, delivering financial reports, budgeting, forecasting, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Under the direct supervision of the Head of Finance and Operations, the role holder leads and coordinates finance teams, analyzes financial performance to provide insights for business decisions, and manages cash flows, internal controls, and audits.

3. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

3.1. Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare, analyze, and present accurate financial statements, monthly liquidity reports, and management accounts to senior leadership and the board.
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of financial reports to donors, partners, and regulatory bodies.
• Conduct variance analysis and provide management with insights on financial performance.

3.2. Budgeting & Forecasting

• Oversee the development and monitoring of annual budgets, project budgets, and financial forecasts to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Coordinate with program managers to review budget utilization and recommend actions as necessary.
• Ensure all budget planning aligns with donor requirements and programmatic needs.

3.3. Strategic Planning

• Develop long-term financial strategies to support the Foundation’s growth and sustainability.
• Conduct scenario planning and financial modeling to evaluate strategic initiatives.
• Provide evidence-based recommendations for financial improvement and risk mitigation.

3.4. Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure strict adherence to legal accounting standards, tax regulations, and internal control policies.
• Act as the key contact for internal and external audits, coordinating audit preparations and follow-up actions.
• Monitor compliance with donor contractual agreements and reporting deadlines.
• Identify financial risks and propose appropriate controls to safeguard organizational assets.

3.5. Team Leadership & Support

• Supervise, train, and mentor finance staff to build a high-performance team.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and identify capacity-building opportunities.
• Manage payroll processing and provide technical guidance to staff on financial procedures and systems.

3.6. Operational Control

• Oversee accounts payable and receivable functions to ensure timely and accurate processing.
• Manage organizational cash flow, including preparing cash forecasts and monitoring bank balances.
• Validate vendor payments, contracts, and procurement documentation in line with established policies.
• Ensure the integrity and security of all financial transactions and records.

3.7. Other Responsibilities

• Perform other tasks assigned by the Head of Finance and Operations.

4. QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND ATTRIBUTES

4.1. Education & Certification

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related fields.
• CA or equivalent certification is often required.
• Strong knowledge of IPSAS or IFRS application, QuickBooks, Peachtree Accounting, SAP, and other financial systems.

4.2. Professional Experience

• Minimum of 10 (Ten) years experience in donor-funded projects’ accounting and financial systems management.
• Experience must include leadership and managerial roles.
• Relevant experience in NGO finance management is an advantage.

4.3. Technical Competencies

• Strong proficiency in financial software and ERP systems.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, complex formulas, data analysis).
• In-depth knowledge of IFRS, local tax laws, and donor financial regulations.
• Experience with audit management and internal control systems.
• Computer literacy is highly desirable.

4.4. Behavioral Competencies & Attributes

• Integrity: High level of personal and professional integrity with strong adherence to organizational values, mission, and vision.
• Independence: Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while exercising sound judgment.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to convey complex financial information to non-finance audiences.
• Pressure Management: Proven ability to work under high pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to work, ensuring accuracy and completeness in all deliverables.
• Teamwork: Ability to work effectively in a team and collaborate across departments.
• Adaptability: Willingness to travel to field offices when required.

5. WORKING ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS

• The position is based at the Head Office in Addis Ababa.
• Occasional travel to field offices and project implementation areas may be required.
• Field conditions may be demanding and involve difficult terrain and limited facilities.
• Standard working hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM, with additional hours as required to meet deadlines.

6. COMMITMENTS AND COMPLIANCE

HRF promotes equality and inclusion, and works with women and men, people with disabilities, and employees of various ages including youth, supports their empowerment, and appreciates their achievements continuously.

HRF promotes equal opportunity and encourages applications from diverse candidates including women, people with disabilities, people with diverse backgrounds, and youth to apply.

HRF has zero tolerance to fraud, corruption, abuses, and discrimination on the basis of gender, disability, ethnicity, religion, etc.

HRF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety of people who involve in its work and demands all staff exhibit the highest commitment. HRF will verify skills and commitment of the candidate in the assessment process and perform pre-employment background checks including reference check.

All staff are expected to adhere to HRF’s:

• Code of Conduct
• Safeguarding Policy
• Anti-Fraud and Anti-Corruption Policy
• Conflict of Interest Policy