About ICED
The International Centre for Evaluation and Development (ICED) fills an important gap in the evaluation of development initiatives focusing on the Global South, ICED is an independent, African-owned and led think tank that works to use the outputs of innovative research and evaluation to contribute to and enhance development outcomes and impacts, concentrating on Africa.
ICED advances the use of Research. Monitoring and Evaluation to support sustained and resilient development in Africa by advancing thought and practice leadership in the M&E profession. To achieve this, it combines high level research and evaluation knowledge and skills with extensive practical experience that is sensitive and responsive to culture, value systems and local context. Its key priority areas are evaluation, research and innovation in sustainable development; M&E systems’ development and adaptive management for public and private institutions; collaborative and adaptive research management; policy engagement, communication and convening for development; and evaluation capacity strengthening and professional development. ICED has four integrated strategies: tracking the trends and gauging the future of both development and evaluation; mobilizing and expanding thought leadership through research and innovation; engaging and supporting decision-makers in government, development, business, academia and civil society; and overseeing and conducting strategic evaluations and research.
ICED has its head office in Nairobi, Kenya, an office in Accra, Ghana, that supports activities in West Africa, and a satellite office in Maputo, Mozambique. In addition, ICED has a presence of staff in Kampala, Uganda. Through its wide range of regional and international alliances and partnerships, ICED is able to demonstrate at the decision-making level of the communities that support development in Africa the need to have M&E as a crucial element in development initiatives. The partnerships also provide the opportunity for exposure of ICED staff to advances and best practices in M&E.
Position Overview
The Finance Director is the chief financial steward of ICED, reporting directly to the CEO and Board of Directors. This position provides strategic leadership for the organization’s financial health and sustainability, while also overseeing the financial management of donor-funded grants, contracts, and projects.
The Finance Director is responsible for strategic financial planning, budgeting, reporting, risk management, and ensuring compliance with international donor regulations, statutory requirements, and internal policies. The role requires close collaboration with the Board, Executive Leadership, Program Teams, donors, and partners to ensure that ICED’s resources are managed with integrity, transparency, and accountability.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Financial Leadership
- Advise the Board and Executive Leadership on financial strategy, sustainability, and investment decisions.
- Develop long-term financial and resource mobilization plans aligned with ICED’s strategic objectives.
- Lead financial risk management and ensure appropriate controls, policies, and procedures are in place.
Financial Management and Oversight
- Oversee all organizational financial operations, including accounting, treasury, cash flow, reserves, and audits.
- Ensure timely and accurate preparation of consolidated financial statements, management reports, and board papers.
- Monitor and safeguard organizational assets, including donor funds and investments.
Grant and Contract Financial Management
- Provide financial leadership across all grant and donor-funded programs, ensuring compliance with donor and organizational requirements.
- Lead the development and review of proposal budgets, working with program and development teams.
- Oversee financial reporting to donors, ensuring alignment between financial and narrative reports.
- Monitor grant expenditure against approved budgets and forecasts, identify variances, and provide corrective actions.
- Ensure accurate and timely invoicing, cash-flow management, and disbursement tracking for grants and contracts.
- Support donor and project audits, coordinating responses and ensuring audit recommendations are implemented.
Budgeting and Forecasting
- Lead annual budgeting processes for both organizational and project-specific budgets.
- Provide forecasts, financial modeling, and variance analysis to support decision-making at Board and program levels.
- Monitor execution of budgets, advising leadership and program teams on financial performance and risks.
Compliance, Audit, and Risk Management
- Ensure adherence to international donor regulations and statutory requirements.
- Lead internal and external audits, ensuring findings are addressed promptly.
- Implement strong internal controls and financial management systems across all ICED offices.
Donor, Partner, and Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as the primary financial liaison with donors, ensuring confidence in ICED’s financial management.
- Support negotiations on grant and contract agreements from a financial perspective.
- Build and maintain strong financial relationships with donors, subgrantees, and partners.
Capacity Building and Team Leadership
- Lead, mentor, and develop finance teams across ICED’s offices and projects.
- Build grant financial management capacity among program and support staff.
- Develop and share financial tools, SOPs, and templates to strengthen grant compliance and accountability.
- Promote a culture of financial discipline, transparency, and ethical stewardship.
Education, Qualifications, and Experience
- Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field; CPA, CA, or equivalent professional qualification required.
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive financial leadership experience, with at least 5 years at senior level in a donor-funded organization.
- Demonstrated expertise in strategic financial management AND grant/contract financial management.
- Strong knowledge of donor regulations (USAID, UN agencies, FCDO, EU, and private foundations).
- Experience with proposal budget development, donor financial reporting, and grant audits.
- Proficiency in accounting systems (QuickBooks, ERP systems) and advanced Microsoft Excel.
- Strong leadership, mentoring, and team development skills across multi-country offices.
- Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with boards, donors, and partners.
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure, with high attention to detail.
To Apply
Interested candidates who meet the qualifications and are passionate about ICED’s mission are invited to submit their applications to hr@iced-eval.org.
