Grants Finance Officer at The African Climate Foundation

About the Role

• The Grants Finance Officer plays a critical role in ensuring the financial integrity and compliance of grant-funded programs within the organization. This position requires meticulous attention to detail, strong financial acumen, and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to manage grant funds effectively.

Responsibilities:
Financial Management:

• Manage the financial aspects of grant-funded projects from inception to completion.
• Develop and maintain budgets for grant proposals in collaboration with program managers and other stakeholders.
• Monitor grant expenditures, ensuring compliance with grant guidelines, organizational policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Track and reconcile grant revenues and expenses, including allocations, reimbursements, and invoicing.
• Prepare financial reports for funders, internal stakeholders, and management, highlighting budget variances and financial performance.

Grant Compliance:

• Stay updated on grant regulations, guidelines, and reporting requirements from various funding sources.
• Ensure adherence to grant terms and conditions, including allowable costs, timeframes, and reporting deadlines.
• Collaborate with program staff to ensure program activities align with approved budgets and comply with funder requirements.
• Support internal and external audits related to grant-funded projects, providing accurate financial documentation and explanations as needed.

Proposal Development:

• Assist in the development of grant proposals by providing financial information, budget templates, and cost projections.
• Review grant proposals to ensure alignment with organizational financial policies and procedures.
• Participate in the budget negotiation process with funders and partners to secure adequate funding for proposed projects.

Capacity Building and Training:

• Provide guidance and training to program staff on grant-related financial processes, procedures, and compliance requirements.
• Support capacity-building efforts to enhance the financial management skills of project teams and sub-recipients.
• Offer technical assistance and troubleshooting support to address financial challenges encountered during grant implementation.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Collaborate closely with program managers, project coordinators, and other cross-functional teams to ensure effective grant management.
• Communicate regularly with funders, partners, and stakeholders regarding financial matters, reporting requirements, and budgetary concerns.
• Foster positive relationships with external stakeholders, representing the organization professionally in financial matters related to grant funding.

Required Qualifications and Experience
Minimum requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or related field.
• Proven experience (3+ years) in financial management, preferably in a nonprofit organization or grants management setting.
• Strong understanding of grant accounting principles, budgeting, financial analysis, and reporting.
• Familiarity with government regulations, grant compliance standards, and financial best practices for grants administration.
• Proficiency in financial software and tools. Xero experience advantageous, and grant management systems (Giving Data experience advantageous).
• Excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Commitment to the organization's mission and values, with a passion for supporting initiatives that make a positive impact on communities.