Facility Chief Finance Officer

Civic Engagement Support Facility, Somalia (based in Nairobi)

Diakonia is currently seeking a dynamic and dedicated team for the Civic Engagement Support Facility for Somalia, including Somaliland.

The aim of the Facility is to expand the civic space for women, youth and marginalised groups in Somalia including Somaliland and strengthen citizen engagement on rights and accountability with the state at federal, member-state and local level. This initiative is funded under the Denmark Somalia Bilateral Development Program.

The Facility Chief Finance Officer will lead the financial management of the Facility, including i.a. setting up the Facility’s financial-management systems and procedures and drafting associated guidelines and manuals both for internal use at the Facility and for use by the grantees; budgeting; accounting; overall financial monitoring; financial reporting; quality assurance of grantees’ financial management and reporting; organisation of required audits; and training and supervision of finance staff in Mogadishu and Hargeisa.

The position is subject to successful tendering. If successful, the expected starting date is March 2025. This is a full-time position for the duration of project (46 months) and is based in Nairobi, Kenya with expected frequent travel to Somalia, including Somaliland.

Facility CFO Role and Responsibilities:

As the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at the Civic Engagement Support Facility, your role is essential in ensuring the financial health and compliance of the facility’s operations across Somalia, including Somaliland. You will oversee all financial functions including budgeting, financial management, and reporting, as well as asset management, working closely with colleagues in the Global Operational Support and Finance Team and the Somalia Country Office. Your expertise will be crucial in establishing robust financial systems and controls that align with Diakonia’s standards and donor requirements. Reporting directly to the Project Manager, your responsibilities include:

• Financial Strategy and Compliance

Develop and implement financial management strategies and policies, ensuring adherence to legal and regulatory requirements. Oversee all financial operations including budgeting, financial planning, and risk management. Prepare grant management procedures, financial management, and governance manuals for approval by the Executive Committee.

• Budget Management and Financial Operations

Coordinate the preparation, monitoring, and adjustment of operating budgets for all Facility activities and funds. Process all financial transactions ensuring proper approvals, manage cash flow, and maintain up-to-date financial records. Ensure timely processing of payroll and other disbursements in accordance with local laws and organizational policies.

• Reporting, Auditing, and Asset Management

Produce regular financial reports and coordinate annual audits in line with international standards for approval by the Executive Committee. Follow up on audit findings and recommendations to enhance financial governance. Manage the procurement and maintenance of assets, and ensure proper documentation and filing in compliance with donor requirements.

• Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building

Act as the financial liaison to donors, ensuring compliance with their financial management requirements. Facilitate financial capacity building among partner organizations to ensure effective and sustainable program implementation. Manage contractual agreements with partners, and conduct quality assurance of grantees’ financial management and reporting.

Experience and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Commerce, Economics or equivalent qualification
• Must possess at least 10 years of professional experience in financial management and/or auditing, preferably in development or fragile, conflict-affected settings.
• At least 5 years of post-degree working experience with multi-year development projects in Africa with budgets of at least USD 10 million.
• Have experience developing financial-management set-ups, including manuals, agreements, reporting, and auditing arrangements.
• Have experience with fund management or similar in a development context
• Have experience in remote management and leading teams in multiple locations.
• English language proficiency at level C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages scale.
• As a person, you are analytical, solution-oriented, creative, and a good team player.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working in Somalia, including Somaliland, for at least 3 years.
• Experience working with civil society organizations.
• Experience in training and capacity building of staff.

About Diakonia:

Diakonia is a Swedish non-profit organization for international development cooperation and humanitarian assistance. We support and work with around 350 local civil society organisations and movements in 25 countries across the globe. Our vision is a just, equal and sustainable world where all people live in dignity, free from poverty. Our goal is to change unfair political, economic, social, and cultural structures that generate poverty, oppression, and violence. We apply a human rights-based approach and feminist principles throughout our work and adapt our programmes as the context changes.