Position

Finance Officer Kenya Office

Department: Finance

Post Location: Kenya

Job Category: Nationally Recruited Staff

Terms of Engagement: Full time Position

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

Under the supervision of the Finance Director, the Finance Officer is responsible for overseeing financial management, compliance, and reporting for grants, donor-funded projects, and organizational contracts. The role ensures accurate financial tracking, budgeting, reporting, and adherence to donor requirements and organizational policies. The position works closely with program, grant development, finance, and administration teams at all levels, as well as external donors and partners, to ensure funds are managed efficiently, transparently, and effectively.

Key Responsibilities

Grant & Contract Financial Management

  • Oversee financial accounting for all grant-funded projects and contracts, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance.\
  • Monitor expenditures against approved budgets and forecasts; analyze variances and provide timely financial advice to management and program teams.
  • Prepare and submit grant and contract financial reports in line with donor guidelines and deadlines.
  • Ensure timely invoicing, fund drawdowns, receipts, and cash-flow management for grants and contracts.
  • Participate in cross-departmental grant and contract management meetings and ensure follow-up on agreed actions.

Budgeting & Forecasting

  • Support development of proposal budgets in collaboration with program and development teams
  • Monitor budget execution and prepare forecasts to identify potential risks, overruns, or funding gaps.
  • Support preparation of quarterly and annual budgets and forecasts for grant-funded programs and contracts.
  • Ensure alignment between narrative and financial reports submitted to donors.

Donor Compliance, Risk & Audit Management

  • Ensure compliance with donor regulations, organizational policies, and legal requirements.
  • Conduct regular expenditure reviews to ensure proper cost allocation and compliance.
  • Coordinate and support internal and external audits related to grants and contracts.
  • Identify financial risks and recommend process improvements to strengthen internal controls.

Accounting, Payments & Statutory Compliance

  • Process payments, staff advances, petty cash, and supplier invoices.
  • Maintain accurate accounting records and ensure timely posting in accounting systems.
  • Perform bank and balance sheet reconciliations.
  • Support payroll processing and ensure compliance with Kenyan statutory requirements (KRA, NSSF, SHA, Housing Levy etc).

Donor, Partner & Internal Relations

  • Support donor and partner financial reporting in line with agreements and internal timelines.
  • Respond to donor and partner financial queries professionally and promptly.
  • Ensure complete, accurate, and accessible filing of grant and sub-grant financial documentation.

Capacity Building & Support

  • Provide technical guidance to program teams, partners, and consultants on grant financial management.
  • Develop and share financial tools, templates, SOPs, and guidance notes to strengthen grant management capacity.

Education, Qualifications & Experience

  • Bachelor degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
  • Professional qualification such as CPA (K), or ACCA strongly preferred.
  • Minimum of 3–4 years’ experience in grant and contract financial management, preferably within an international NGO or development organization.
  • Proven experience in proposal budget development and donor financial reporting.
  • Proficiency in QuickBooks accounting System.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and MS Office.

Skills & Competencies

  • Strong financial analysis, budgeting, and reporting skills.
  • High level of integrity, accuracy, and attention to detail.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
  • Proactive problem-solving and risk management skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work effectively with people from diverse cultures, nationalities, and backgrounds

To Apply

Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications coupled with a passion for changing lives and livelihood are invited to submit their applications to  hr@iced-eval.org

Please submit applications by January , 26th  2026

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