Finance Manager - F2BM

Position: Finance Manager ‘Free to be me’ (Free to be Me) Programme

Reports to**:** Global Program manager and Regional Finance Manager

Period**:** Soon as Possible to 31st March 2026

Scope: Global; Africa, Middle East, Southeast Asia

Location: Any of the Hivos Regional Hubs (Southern Africa/Mena/East Africa).

Hours: Fulltime

Deadline: 1st April 2025

Recruitment: Rolling Basis.

ABOUT HIVOS AND FREE TO BE ME

Hivos is an international organisation that seeks new solutions to persistent global issues. With smart projects in the right places, we oppose discrimination, inequality, abuse of power and the unsustainable use of our planet’s resources. Counterbalance alone, however, is not enough. Our primary focus is achieving structural change. This is why we cooperate with innovative businesses, citizens and their organizations. We share a dream with them of sustainable economies and inclusive societies.

Free to Be Me is an ambitious, daring and innovative program that helps build and maintain a vibrant LGBTIQ+ movement that is confident and capable to lobby and advocate for their human and economic rights. The program is led by an alliance of three consortium members – Hivos (the lead party), ILGA World and Positive Vibes – and three technical partners. Together the alliance will coach, accompany, fund and train LGBTIQ+ persons and organizations to influence norms and attitudes, generate (public) support, and promote laws, policies and regulations that recognize, respect and protect LGBTIQ+ people’s human and economic rights.

The program will be implemented in 12 countries in Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

The program is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the Power of Voices program, which is part of the Strengthening Civil Society subsidy framework. Implementation of the five-year program ends in December 2025.

JOB CONTEXT

The Finance Manager is part of the Free to be Me Programme Management Team, based in Nairobi. The Finance Manager oversees all finance and accounting aspects of the Free to be Me Program as per donor guidelines. The Finance Manager works closely together with all the regional teams in the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia.

The Finance Manager takes responsibility for provision of overview and strategic financial management of the Free to be Me program across the regions and actively participates in strategy formulation, Program Steering committee meetings and provides financial management related advice to the program team. They design systems and tools that promote internal and external accountability in financial management in the Free to be Me program.

The Finance Manager oversees budgetary cycles, monitors program expenditure, resolves problems and provides support to the Program Management and the F2BM finance staff in the regions on financial management and monitoring of the Free to be Me program.

The Finance Manager ensures financial management and donor requirements are carried out in accordance with internal processes and recognized financial standards and provides financial expertise, business support and financial monitoring of the Free to be Me staff both globally and regional and if needed to consortium and local partners in their finance/grant management responsibilities.

The Finance Manager also ensures that Hivos’ financial policy and procedures are applied, and coherent finance systems are established for varying program modalities. They provide guidance and support to regional offices, consortium partners, national host organizations and (local) partners with regards to financial planning and reporting, and the annual audit. They share one consolidated financial and audited report with the Hivos financial controller according to the donor guidelines. They also generate other period financial reports and analyses and lead preparation of financial forecasts, targets and budgets, monitor progress, including identification of risks and opportunities for the Free to be Me global program manager and the Hivos financial controller. The Finance Manager liaises with the Hivos financial controller to undertake due diligence assessments.

The Finance Manager:

• Ensure that financial management is carried out in accordance with internal processes and recognized financial standards and that donor obligations and requirements are met,
• Oversee budgetary cycles, monitor program expenditure and resolve problems,
• Provide support on the preparation of quarterly finance reports and annual audited accounts,
• Advise on budget utilization and strategies that Free to be Me should take to improve on utilization and efficiency,
• Provide technical know-how to implement all forms of recommendations related to financial monitoring, review and risk assessment.
• Develop the capacities of Hivos finance staff and local partner organizations where necessary.

Responsibilities

Financial Management

• Overall responsibility for financial oversight across the Program, including review and preliminary sign-off on all new contracts.
• Lead in financial planning for the program including budgets, monthly plans, and forecasts for integration with the wider organizational business planning.
• Be the first point of escalation with the donor and partner institutions pertaining to the implementation of signed agreements.
• Prepare and manage the program’s annual audit cycle and process to ensure that the program audit is delivered to the donor by the agreed timeline.
• Advises the global program manager on the Program’s financial accounts and the progress of the financial targets.

Quality improvement

• Support the program teams to integrate risk management into routine project management processes
• Maintain positive interpersonal and communication relationships with program partners and regional finance teams.
• Take responsibility for the program’s operational relationship with external auditors and other third parties to ensure quality service provision that meets the program’s donor and regional specific statutory responsibilities.

Financial reporting coordination

• Design and implement financial reporting templates and guidelines for local and national partners in program countries and consolidate financial reports for transmission and discussion with the program management
• Lead, manage and motivate the Free to be Me program finance staff ensuring appropriate advice, guidance and support is provided in line with best practice
• Oversee and review the financial control environment across the program to ensure compliance with financial regulations, prevent/detect significant fraud and generally manage financial risk
• Prepare monthly depletion reports for the programme
• Ensure compliance in all Prog countries. (Tax, local reporting etc.)

Grants Closures coordination

• 2025 being the final year of project implementation with final semester of the programme heavily focused on documentation, archiving and administrative of grants closures, this role will ensure high quality administration and closures of all Free To be Me grants and contracts.
• Ensure sound programmatic and financial reporting of the 5 -year programme. The role will be the focal point for the Free to be Me country teams in terms of grant administration systems, ensuring documentation for compliance with final reporting requirements and implementation of excellent controls.
• Ensure that grant administration policies and processes are in line with Free to be and Hivos targets and objectives.
• In collaboration with country teams carry out grant and financial data reconciliation at country level and preparation of reports, audits and other Free to be me reporting as needed.

Finance team management and supervision

• Manage and supervise finance officers by providing adequate and timely provision of guidance and support to ensure effective and efficient financial management of program activities.
• Identify and address any capacity gaps within the finance team that may impact program delivery.

Requirements

• Master’s degree or equivalent in finance, accounting, business economics or related / similar field.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of proven experience in financial management preferably within large, complex multi-country programs.
• Significant experience in grantmaking, including grant administration, disbursement, monitoring, and closure processes, particularly in the context of multi-country programs.
• Demonstrated experience working in global or international settings, with a strong understanding of diverse financial environments.
• Proven track record in managing complex financial systems, including budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting for donor-funded programs.
• Advanced knowledge in accounting principles, financial management, and project finance.
• Proficiency in using ERP/MIS systems (e.g. AllSolutions) and financial software tools.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to solve complex financial problems and provide strategic recommendations.
• In-depth understanding of financial regulations, donor compliance, and risk management practices.
• Experience in overseeing audits, ensuring compliance with tax laws, and managing financial risk across diverse program countries.
• Proven ability to lead, manage, and motivate finance teams across multiple regions.
• Experience in capacity building and providing technical guidance to finance staff and local partners.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to maintain positive relationships with program partners, regional teams, and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• A proactive and solutions-oriented approach to problem-solving.
• Commitment to the values and mission of Hivos and the Free to Be Me program, including promoting inclusivity and human rights.

We particularly welcome applications from women, trans and/or intersex people (in the broadest sense of each of these terms). We offer a contract based on Hivos local labour conditions depending on the country of appointment, with a remuneration commensurate with the experience and expertise requested.

SDG Impact