Job Details

At our organization, we empower entrepreneurs to end poverty. We are an unconventional, human-centered nonprofit organization that believes local entrepreneurs can solve many of the world’s most pressing problems. We seek innovative ways to leverage our market-based approach to transform lives, creating lasting and meaningful change. We prioritize environmental sustainability, acknowledging that a flourishing planet is indispensable for engendering enduring transformation in the world. We believe that diversity drives innovation and pride ourselves on having a strong, diverse staff of change-makers.

Kenya Country Program Overview

The company is committed to implementing sustainable, high-impact projects addressing economic empowerment, food security, nutrition, and climate resilience for vulnerable communities. By leveraging partnerships with local governments, private enterprises, NGOs, and international donors, the company enhances market linkages, increases access to nutritious food, and builds capacity for climate-adaptive agriculture. The Kenya Country Program employs a collaborative, market-based approach that aligns with the national development agenda and our mission to create inclusive economic opportunities.

Currently, the company operates in Kenya through an employer of record and is actively considering seeking registration in the country. A strong Director of Finance and Operations will be crucial to leading the critical registration process and transitioning to a fully operational Kenya country office. This transition period presents an opportunity to leverage the infrastructure and capacity of the organization while requiring a dedicated and agile approach. Success in this dynamic environment will rely on proactive efforts to establish systems and procedures that enable efficient operations and long-term impact.

Overview

The Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) will lead the finance and operations functions for the company’s Kenya program, ensuring robust financial and operational systems, compliance with local regulations, and continuous improvement. Reporting to the Country Team Lead, the DFO will join the senior leadership team, serve as the designated Security Officer for the program, and oversee operations, logistics, legal compliance, and vendor management.

The DFO provides financial leadership, ensuring compliance with company financial policy, developing budgets, preparing timely and accurate financial reporting for management and donors, and managing any finance and operations staff. The DFO must prepare financial reporting that strictly complies with reporting requirements from a variety of donors in multiple formats and ensure that financial audits are performed in accordance with organizational expectations. This includes annual financial statement audits and donor-stipulated audits.

Although this is a Director-level position, the company is starting small. It is critical that the DFO is willing and able to crawl into details, roll up their sleeves, and prepare spreadsheets and analysis. A candidate who does not get into the details and is not prepared to do most of the detailed work will not succeed in this role.

This role requires close collaboration with program leadership, technical teams, and external stakeholders, including donors, legal advisors, and government entities, to achieve strategic and operational goals for the Kenya program. In addition, the role reports indirectly to the Senior Accounting Manager at Headquarters regarding financial roles and responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Management and Strategic Budgeting

• Budget Oversight: Develop, monitor, and manage annual and program budgets with program teams to ensure effective allocation aligned with strategic priorities.
• Financial Reporting: Prepare and review financial reports for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring accuracy and timely submissions.
• Budgeting Support: Provide support in program budgeting during proposal development, budget adjustments, and contract reporting for grants.
• Financial Compliance: Ensure compliance with Kenya tax and statutory reporting requirements, as applicable for the non-profit sector upon registration in Kenya.
• Cash Flow and Forecasting: Manage cash flow, forecast budget needs, and ensure funding availability aligns with project requirements.
• Donor Compliance: Ensure financial activities comply with donor requirements and company policies, especially for restricted funding and multi-year grants.

2. Policy and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Development

• Policy Drafting and Review: Lead the drafting, review, and updating of country-specific policies and SOPs to align with Kenyan regulations and operational requirements.
• Template Customization: Design templates for financial and operational activities tailored to Kenya’s needs.
• Internal Controls: Establish and maintain controls to ensure compliance with local laws, donor requirements, and company financial and operational policies and procedures.
• Training and Capacity Building: Develop and deliver training programs to ensure all staff adhere to financial, operational, security, and compliance policies while understanding local regulatory complexities.

3. Operations and Legal Compliance

• Logistics and Office Management: Support logistical operations, including identifying and managing office spaces that meet security standards and overseeing rental and leasing obligations.
• Legal Liaison and Entity Registration: Work with legal advisors to manage local registration processes, ensuring compliance with Kenyan regulations.
• Local Authority Engagement: Interface with local authorities to maintain legal standing and ensure full regulatory compliance, including employment and permit requirements.
• Support to Employer of Record (EOR): Liaise with the EOR to ensure invoices are properly coded and compliance needs are efficiently met.

4. Program and Project Support

• Strategic Operations Support: Coordinate with program and technical teams to provide aligned financial, logistical, and operational support to enhance project implementation.
• Resource Allocation and Revisions: Lead realignment of financial allocations and budgeting to address programmatic needs.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Support: Work with MERL teams to track project progress, ensuring effective financial management and accurate reporting.

5. Procurement and Asset Management

• Procurement and Vendor Management: Oversee procurement processes to ensure transparency, compliance, and strong vendor relations.
• Inventory and Asset Tracking: Maintain accurate records of company assets, ensuring efficient tracking, maintenance, and disposal as needed.
• Supply Chain Optimization: Coordinate with program teams to facilitate timely delivery and optimal resource use.

6. Security Management

• Security Oversight: Serve as the designated Security Officer, ensuring that all policies, practices, and infrastructure meet security requirements.
• Risk Mitigation: Implement proactive security measures and provide continuous assessment and improvement in security protocols.
• Staff Training and Awareness: Develop training and awareness initiatives for all staff to maintain a strong security culture.

7. External Relations and Stakeholder Engagement

• Donor and Partner Liaison: Act as the primary contact for financial and operational matters with donors and partners, ensuring transparent communication on performance and compliance.
• Consortium and Partnership Coordination: Work with consortium partners to align financial and operational approaches.
• Representation: Represent the company externally, advocating for financial and operational best practices.

Qualifications and Skills

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, or a related field (Master’s degree or CPA / Chartered Accountant preferred).
• Experience: At least 8-10 years in finance and operations, including 3-5 years in a senior role, ideally in international development or donor-funded contexts.
• Technical Expertise:
  • Deep knowledge of budgeting, reporting, forecasting, and donor compliance.
  • Experience with institutional donors and understanding of donor requirements, especially with bilateral and large foundation funding.
  • Strong grasp of Kenyan legal and regulatory environments, with experience in liaising with local authorities.
  • Hands-on experience with a modern ERP system such as Oracle NetSuite (or similar).
• Attributes and Competencies:
  • Excellent analytical skills with the capacity to manage risk, streamline operations, and enhance financial performance.
  • Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership abilities to work collaboratively with diverse, multicultural teams.
  • High ethical standards, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

• Contract: Initial one-year contract, with the potential for renewal based on performance.
• Compensation: Competitive salary based on experience, including annual leave, sick leave, and professional development opportunities. Benefits may vary based on program needs and operational scope.

Diversity and Inclusion

The company believes diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to achieving its mission and fulfilling its vision of a just and equitable world. We embrace a range of human differences and value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings. We are committed to creating fair access and opportunities, examining employment practices, and striving to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates should submit their most recent CV and cover letter to recruit@kizunaedgetalenthub.com.