Director of Finance and Operations at iDE Kenya

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 iDE policies, especially for restricted funding and multi-year grants.

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 iDE’s operational requirements.
• Template Customization: Design templates for financial and operational activities, tailored to iDE Kenya’s needs.
• Internal Controls: Establish and maintain controls to ensure compliance with local laws, donor requirements, and iDE 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 the complexities of local regulations.

Operations and Legal Compliance

• Logistics and Office Management: Support logistical operations, including the identification and management of office spaces that meet security standards and oversee rental and leasing obligations.
• Legal Liaison and Entity Registration: Work with legal advisors to manage local registration processes, ensuring iDE’s compliance with Kenyan regulations.
• Local Authority Engagement: Interface with local authorities to maintain iDE’s legal standing and ensure full regulatory compliance, including for 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.

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.

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 iDE Kenya assets, ensuring efficient tracking, maintenance, and disposal as needed.
• Supply Chain Optimization: Coordinate with program teams to facilitate timely delivery and optimal resource use.

Security Management

• Security Oversight: Serve as the designated Security Officer for iDE Kenya, 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.

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 iDE Kenya at external meetings, 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.
• Prior demonstrated experience with a modern ERP system such as Oracle Netsuite (or similar) with actual hands-on experience rather than just awareness that the system exists.