Head of Operational Finance at Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)

Rationale/Objective for Position

The Head of Operational Finance is responsible for defining and implementing the organization's operational financial framework in countries of operations.

This position will be hierarchically and functionally accountable to the Director of Finance - MSF Ubuntu.

Tasks & Responsibilities

Strategic Responsibilities

• Develop strategic plans and roadmaps for operational finance, ensuring alignment with overall organizational plans.
• Define goals and objectives for the operational finance service and monitor progress.
• Provide strategic guidance to Field Finance Team, enabling them to effectively support field financial management.

Technical and Operational Responsibilities

Budget Planning and Monitoring

• Define the terms of reference and schedule for the budgeting process, including consolidation, review, and approval, in coordination with Operations.
• Consolidate and analyze budgets and their revisions, ensuring alignment with operational needs, identifying risks, and recommending improvements.
• Monitor budget execution throughout the year, capturing and analyzing key financial trends and operational changes that may impact future financial planning.
• Provide structured monthly updates to the Finance Director, including a summary dashboard highlighting major risks and portfolio changes.
• Anticipate major cost drivers, risk scenarios, to proactively inform leadership decisions.
• Oversee the development and validate budgeting tools.

Cash Supply to Missions

• Ensure, in collaboration with the treasury function, that systems are in place to provide countries with sufficient funds to support their activities while ensuring compliance.
• Supervise the Field Finance team in monitoring cash flow and fund transfers, ensuring efficiency and alignment with financial risk management policies.
• Manage mainstream transfer channels mechanism to the field, assessing their exposure to compliance risks related to anti-bribery, anti-terrorism regulations, and sanctions policies.

Internal Control and Financial Risk Management

• Lead the identification, assessment, treatment, and remediation plans for financial processes under Finance Operations’ responsibility.
• Develop, maintain, and ensure the continuous implementation and accessibility of necessary policies, procedures, tools, and controls across the organization.
• Maintain a framework for risk management to support the field team in assessing field financial risk exposure and developing mitigation plans, including a risk library, policies, guidelines, and tools.
• Ensure an internal audit system is in place for field financial management, consolidating audit findings and tracking critical remediation actions (subject to available resources).

International Representation and Coordination

• Participate in international financial projects and working groups.
• Promote the harmonization of financial tools and processes across MSF sections.

People Leadership & Team Development

• Oversee the selection, integration, and professional development of the Field Finance team in line with HR policies. Conduct periodic performance appraisals.
• Collaborate with the Accounting team to implement the learning and support framework for financial staff.
• Ensure systems are in place to identify field learning needs and develop appropriate training solutions.
• Ensure that learning materials remain up to date, accessible, and aligned with financial policies, procedures, and tools.
• Develop strategies to address gaps and reinforce support where needed.
• Maintain regular communication with the Financial Coordinator to stay informed about current realities and guarantee proximity.

Other Responsibilities

• Ensure accurate integration of EDI & Safeguarding aspects into all policies and practices within the Finance and Services department.
• Recognize, respond, and document any form of abuse or inappropriate behavior and alert the safeguarding unit of any suspected potential abuse.
• Compliance Assurance: Ensure that all data processing activities within the Finance and Services department comply with relevant data protection laws and regulations, including the Data Protection Act, 2019 and support your team to receive necessary training in this area.
• Policy Adherence: Enforce data protection policies, procedures, and guidelines within the Finance and Services department, ensuring that all team members are aware of and adhere to these protocols.
• Proactively participate in the individual performance management process including objective setting, performance monitoring and performance evaluation.
• Recognize and reinforce strong performance in the Finance and Services team; identify and encourage improvement where needed; and ensure quality and timely performance management process is carried out for the Finance and Services team.

Qualifications

Education and Knowledge:

• Bachelor’s, and/or other professional qualifications in Accounting, Finance, Economics or a related discipline. Master’s Degree is an added advantage.
• Knowledge of (MSF international) Finance and Business Processes.
• Knowledge of International and Kenyan accounting standards.

Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years in Finance Management.
• Minimum of 12 months of experience as Field Financial Coordinator within MSF.
• Proven experience in managing consolidated budgets and delivering valuable financial insights.
• Experience in team coordination and management.

Language Skills:

• Fluency in English is mandatory.
• Fluency in French is an added advantage.

Competencies:

Technical Competencies:

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365, BC and Unifield.
• Mastery of GAAP/IFRS, technical accounting, and the end-to-end financial close process.
• Advanced financial modeling, forecasting, and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in internal control frameworks.
• Proficiency in ERP systems, BI tools, and data analytics.

Behavioral/General Competencies:

• Full adherence and commitment to the principles, values and goals of MSF.
• Strong leadership and decision-making capacity (strong team-leading and team-working skills).
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to synthesize and effectively present information.
• Proven experience in conflicts resolution.
• Time management and organization skills.
• Stress management ability.
• Cross-cultural awareness and flexibility.

Conditions

• Location: Nairobi (Kenya), or Johannesburg (South Africa)
• Contract Type: Full-time, Three (3) years (renewable)
• Start date: April 2026.
• Salary: In line with MSF reward policy, Subjected to local conditions.