Project Financial Manager

Summary of the role

COSPE, Co-operation for the Development of Emerging Countries, an organization committed for over 40 years to international cooperation, social justice, and migration, is seeking a Project Financial Manager to be based in Colombia.

The selected candidate, in coordination with the administrative staff assigned to the various projects in the intervention countries, will be responsible for ensuring the administrative and financial oversight of:

1. The “Our Rights, Our Future!” project, funded by the European Union (EU), which includes COSPE-led activities in Colombia, Eswatini, Senegal, Palestine, Tunisia, and Brazil.

2. Specific projects in Colombia and Cuba, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and the EU, where COSPE acts as coordinator or partner. Specifically:

   a) Colombia:

• CoLoRes: Resilient Local Communities. Women and young people building sustainable and solidarity-based economies to support the peace process in Colombia (AICS).

• Mujeres tejiendo un futuro de paz (Women Weaving a Future of Peace) (EU).

• Futuro Rural: Equity, Inclusion, and Innovation for the Sustainable Development of Rural Youth (AICS).

• Acordes de Paz: Innovation, Afro-Colombian Art and Culture for Reconciliation and Social Transformation (EU).

• Strengthening Community Tourism in the Amazon region along the Colombian-Ecuadorian border (IDB).

  b) Cuba:

• Comprehensive Transformation in the Municipality of East Havana: A pathway to inclusive and sustainable territorial development (AICS).

• No más: Prevention and response to violence against women in Cuba (EU and Tuscany Region).

• Meeting Points: Proposals by young and entrepreneurial women to prevent gender violence (Canadian Cooperation).

• ZONE CREATIVE: Support for cultural and creative industries through the valorization of historical heritage for territorial development in Havana and Matanzas (AICS).

To carry out these responsibilities, the selected candidate will work with the administrative and accounting staff present in the countries, in collaboration with the project coordinators and COSPE’s administrative desk at the central office in Italy. Throughout the project cycle, they will ensure compliance with contractual requirements and COSPE’s internal systems and procedures.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities:

For the “Our Rights, Our Future!” project:

• Develop financial planning in collaboration with the project coordinator and authorize fund transfers to COSPE offices in the intervention countries.
• Collaborate with the project coordinator to prepare and update the procurement plan and define the methods for providing financial support to third parties (FSTP) in compliance with COSPE’s internal procedures and contractual requirements.
• Provide assistance and supervision to COSPE staff in the intervention countries for procurement processes and FSTP disbursement.
• Manage directly the procurement processes for goods and services contracted by COSPE’s office in Italy.
• Ensure COSPE offices in the intervention countries maintain an updated inventory of all project assets.
• Collaborate with the project coordinator in drafting amendments and preparing co-financed project budgets.
• Verify the validity of accounting and administrative documents from COSPE and its partners, ensuring proper management and filing of project documents for financial reporting purposes.

For all assigned projects:

• Ensure the preparation and regular updating of internal tools for financial management and reporting of assigned projects, including memos, guidelines, and templates for COSPE staff and partners.
• Guarantee the accurate and timely registration of financial movements in the accounting system, as per COSPE’s internal procedures, and verify their correctness monthly.
• Monitor, in collaboration with the respective project coordinator, the financial-economic performance of assigned projects at both a consolidated level and by components (partners and COSPE); propose corrective actions in case of deviations from the budget and promptly report any financial or management risks.
• Plan financial reporting for assigned projects in coordination with the project coordinator and COSPE’s administrative desk in Italy; prepare financial reports according to the requirements and timelines set by the donor and COSPE, including direct management of audits by external auditors.
• Provide training and ongoing support to COSPE staff on financial management and reporting to ensure compliance with donor rules.
• Support the project coordinator in managing relationships with donors or coordinators on financial and administrative matters.
• Prepare and monitor work plans related to the implementation and reporting of assigned projects in coordination with the administrative staff in the countries; facilitate information exchange and the sharing of best practices through periodic meetings.
• Participate in the coordination activities of the project administration office and facilitate the flow of information and instructions related to internal processes to the staff of assigned projects.
• Perform any other tasks related to their area of competence as requested by the supervisor (head of the project administration office).

Requirements:

• Degree in economics or equivalent experience in the administrative and financial management of international projects.
• At least 5 years of experience in administrative and financial management of development cooperation projects.
• Thorough knowledge of the management and reporting rules of the European Union (PRAG) and AICS.
• Experience in financial planning, control, and management of complex partnerships within multi-country projects/programs; experience coordinating project audit preparations.
• Proficiency in accounting principles and excellent command of financial management tools and accounting software.
• Strong organizational and logistical skills; proactive and constructive problem-solving attitude.
• Experience in training and updating staff, including project partners.
• Relationship-building skills with partners, suppliers, and institutions.
• Ability to work in a team and collaborate in multidisciplinary and intercultural contexts.
• High motivation for COSPE’s mission and strong adherence to COSPE’s values: Cooperation, Respect, Consistency, Professionalism, and Creativity.
• Excellent command of English, Italian, and Spanish. Knowledge of other languages (French and/or Portuguese) is desirable.

How to apply

Interested candidates can send their CV and a cover letter to risorse.umane@cospe.org, indicating “PFM COSPE 2025” in the subject line.
Application deadline: 06/01/2025.

COSPE will select candidates based on professional skills without discrimination, ensuring an inclusive work environment that respects organizational values.

Disclaimer:

COSPE believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion are key elements for organizational development and sustainability. We are committed to creating an inclusive work environment that promotes equal opportunities and respects the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of our staff and partners. We strive to ensure all recruitment and selection processes are conducted fairly and transparently, valuing skills and qualifications through a decolonial approach. Additionally, we are committed to using inclusive language in our communications to avoid any form of gender discrimination or bias. COSPE guarantees the rights provided by privacy laws and will use the information received exclusively for recruitment and selection purposes.