Ashoka - Financial Director - Africa

Description

Position at Ashoka

Location: Lagos, Nigeria

Reports to: Africa Diamond Leader

Role Overview:

We are seeking an entrepreneurial and dynamic leader to join Ashoka as the Africa Financial Director. This individual will play a pivotal role in driving financial strategy and supporting our mission of empowering changemakers across the African continent. This role will oversee financial operations, growth planning, and strategy alignment for Ashoka Africa, ensuring robust financial management to strengthen our initiatives across the region.

Accountability:

• Reports to: Africa Diamond Leader
• Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent
• Start Date: ASAP
• Location Requirement: Based in the Lagos Hub

About Ashoka:

Ashoka’s mission is to cultivate a world where everyone is a changemaker, empowering individuals with the agency and skills to effect positive change in their communities. Through our expansive network of 4,000 social entrepreneurs, youth initiatives, changemaker schools, and innovation hubs, Ashoka is a recognized global leader in social entrepreneurship, fostering positive transformation across 90+ countries, including Africa.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Vision and Leadership: Lead and implement the finance vision for Ashoka Africa, aligning with our strategic plan to scale the Everyone A Changemaker movement across the continent.
• Advisory Role: Serve as a strategic financial advisor to the Africa Diamond Leader and senior management, guiding financial planning, budgeting, cash flow, and policy development.
• Budgeting and Performance Management: Oversee the development of annual and multi-year budgets with Africa’s team leaders for approval by regional leadership and Ashoka's global board.
• Growth and Financial Controls: Champion Ashoka Africa’s growth strategies by ensuring strong financial control, risk management, and transparency across the organization.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with Ashoka’s global finance teams and external partners to support regional and organizational goals, building relationships with key financial and programmatic stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• Education: Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or an MBA (CPA preferred).
• Experience: Significant experience in financial management within decentralized, mission-driven organizations, ideally with a background in scaling operations and working with social sector organizations.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communicator with the ability to translate complex financial concepts for diverse audiences.
• Entrepreneurial Drive: Proven ability to innovate and lead within dynamic, growth-oriented environments.

Personal Qualities:

Ashoka is committed to hiring individuals who bring not only skills but also qualities that align with our mission:

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Demonstrates initiative, ownership, and creativity—having founded or reshaped organizations or movements, with a drive for translating ideas into impact.
• Changemaker Mindset: A deep understanding and belief in Ashoka’s vision of Everyone a Changemaker, with a passion for social transformation.
• Emotional and Social Intelligence: Highly collaborative, respectful team player who puts organizational goals first.
• Strong Ethical Standards: Trustworthy, self-reflective, and possessing strong empathy and integrity.
• World-Changing Ambition: A dedication to creating lasting, positive change across Africa and the globe.