Finance and Grants Manager at I Choose Life - Africa (ICL)

I Choose Life – Africa (ICL) is a youth focused organization that seeks to empower youth in Kenya and across Africa as the foundation for sustainable development. Registered in 2004 and working closely with Government, ICL has over 14 years’ experience implementing evidence-based adolescents and youth programs in over 345 institutions of learning (Primary, Secondary and Higher learning institutions) across 26 Counties in Kenya. The organization implements programs in Health and Nutrition, Education, Economic Empowerment and Leadership and Governance Sectors. To ensure maximum impact in these sectors, ICL utilizes a multi-sectorial approach, Quadra Helix development approach (which brings together the Government, Private sector, Academia and Civil society) to foster innovative and sustainable transformation in communities.

Vision & Mission: ICL's vision is to see a ‘Healthy Africa, Empowered People!’ The organization seeks to support to the implementation of Vision 2030 through the cascading it to the Counties. ICL's mission is to create a movement of individuals that enhance the quality of life for communities through Health initiatives, Economic empowerment, Education and Improved Leadership & governance (HEAL).

Job Purpose: To establish and maintain financial and management procedures for I Choose Life - Africa that ensure compliance and achievement of the Organizational Objectives in line with the strategic plan. In addition, support counties in the actualization of their county strategic plans aligned to Vision 2030.

Key responsibilities

• Finance Planning
  • Lead the development and implementation of the annual organizational and program operational budget, monitor, control and report performance on a weekly – monthly basis
  • Coordinate the project planning process including creating Resource, Financial, Quality, Risk and Reporting plans
  • Participate in the recruitment, induction and deployment of the finance staff in line with the policies of ICL
  • Build the capacity of the finance team to deliver high quality project finance management.
• Finance Management
  • Maintain day-to-day financial control of the service within budget heads agreed by the donors and development partners.
  • Ensure that all finances are properly administered and monitored, including credit control.
  • Support the project accountants in the provision of information for the estimates.
  • Advise on the proper allocation of resources.
  • Ensure that appropriate financial regulations and controls are in place and in use at all times.
  • Prepare and review detailed budgets for approval by the management and development partners.
  • Make regular reports to the management, donors and development partners on income, expenditure and any variations from budgets.
  • Ensure that all financial reporting obligations are met in relation to submissions for funding, for grant aid, for contracts and any other initiatives.
• Grants Management
  • Oversight and coordination of the ICL’s grant portfolio.
  • Work with selected partners to ensure budgets are in line with programmatic, cost and feasibility criteria
  • Prepare grant award documents for approval, this will include: grant agreements, negotiation memorandums and modifications.
  • Coordinate the scheduling of in-kind disbursements
• Resource Mobilization and Sustainability
  • Develop the organization’s funding base to secure present and future service delivery.
  • Liaise and negotiate, as appropriate, with the development partners and donors and other funding sources on future service delivery initiatives and developments in conjunction with the Management.
  • Maintain appropriate relations with Donors and development partners and make reports as necessary, ensuring compliance with any contracts.
  • Identify opportunities for funding by the development partners and submit bids and applications accordingly.
• Finance Reporting
  • Participate in reviewing the goals and objectives as set out in the scope of work
  • Compile finance reports (narrative and data) and submit them to the CEO as per the set deadlines
  • Track the overall performance of programme, through coordinating preparation of quarterly activity plans and monthly & quarterly performance reviews.
• Audit and Compliance
  • Prepare close-out documentation at end of funding cycles in compliance with donor and government regulations.
  • Ensure procurement procedures are in alignment with ICL policies and donor requirements.
  • Ensure implementation of audit recommendations
  • Implement financial policies in accordance with international donor standards, rules and Regulations and local financial regulations.
• Any other duties and responsibilities in line with Financial Management

Education and Training

• The ideal candidate should have Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce, Finance or equivalent. Master’s in Commerce, Finance will be an added advantage.
• CPA K or ACCA mandatory.
• At least 7 years’ experience with 3 years at managerial level.
• Must have a strong background in grants management
• Must have previously managed over Ksh. 600Million of both DfID, USAID, EU and UN Funding.
• Must be a member of ICPAK