Overview

The Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) will lead the finance and operations functions for iDE Kenya, ensuring robust financial and operational systems, compliance with local regulations, and continuous improvement. Reporting to the Country Team Lead, the DFO will also join the senior leadership team, serve as the designated Security Officer for the program, and oversee operations, logistics, legal compliance, and vendor management.

The DFO provides financial leadership ensuring compliance with iDE financial policy, develops budgets, prepares timely and accurate financial reporting for management and donors and manages any  finance and operations staff. The DFO must prepare financial reporting that strictly complies with reporting requirements from a variety of donors and in a variety of formats and ensure that financial audits are performed in accordance with iDE expectations.  This includes annual financial statement audits and donor stipulated audits.

Although this is a Director level position, iDE is starting small and it is critical that the DFO is willing and able to crawl into details, roll-up sleeves and prepare spreadsheets and analysis. A candidate who does not get into the details and is not prepared to do most of the detailed work will fail in this role.

This role requires close collaboration with program leadership, technical teams, and external stakeholders, including donors, legal advisors, and government entities, to achieve strategic and operational goals for the Kenya program.  In addition, the role reports indirectly to the Senior Accounting Manager at Headquarters with respect to financial roles and responsibilities.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management and Strategic Budgeting

• Budget Oversight: Develop, monitor, and manage annual and program budgets with program teams to ensure effective allocation aligned with strategic priorities.
• Financial Reporting: Prepare and review financial reports for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring accuracy and timely submissions.
• Budgeting Support: Provide support in program budgeting during proposal development, budget adjustments, and contract reporting for grants.
• Financial Compliance: Ensure compliance with Kenya tax and statutory reporting requirements, as applicable for the non-profit sector upon registration in Kenya.
• Cash Flow and Forecasting: Manage cash flow, forecast budget needs, and ensure funding availability aligns with project requirements.
• Donor Compliance: Ensure financial activities comply with donor requirements and iDE policies, especially for restricted funding and multi-year grants.

Policy and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Development

• Policy Drafting and Review: Lead the drafting, review, and updating of country-specific policies and SOPs to align with Kenyan regulations and iDE’s operational requirements.
• Template Customization: Design templates for financial and operational activities, tailored to iDE Kenya’s needs.
• Internal Controls: Establish and maintain controls to ensure compliance with local laws, donor requirements, and iDE financial and operational policies and procedures.
• Training and Capacity Building: Develop and deliver training programs to ensure all staff adhere to financial, operational, security, and compliance policies, while understanding the complexities of local regulations.

Operations and Legal Compliance

• Logistics and Office Management: Support logistical operations, including the identification and management of office spaces that meet security standards and oversee rental and leasing obligations.
• Legal Liaison and Entity Registration: Work with legal advisors to manage local registration processes, ensuring iDE’s compliance with Kenyan regulations.
• Local Authority Engagement: Interface with local authorities to maintain iDE’s legal standing and ensure full regulatory compliance, including for employment and permit requirements.
• Support to Employer of Record (EOR): Liaise with the EOR to ensure invoices are properly coded and compliance needs are efficiently met.

Program and Project Support

• Strategic Operations Support: Coordinate with program and technical teams to provide aligned financial, logistical, and operational support to enhance project implementation.
• Resource Allocation and Revisions: Lead realignment of financial allocations and budgeting to address programmatic needs.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Support: Work with MERL teams to track project progress, ensuring effective financial management and accurate reporting.

Procurement and Asset Management

• Procurement and Vendor Management: Oversee procurement processes to ensure transparency, compliance, and strong vendor relations.
• Inventory and Asset Tracking: Maintain accurate records of iDE Kenya assets, ensuring efficient tracking, maintenance, and disposal as needed.
• Supply Chain Optimization: Coordinate with program teams to facilitate timely delivery and optimal resource use.

Security Management

• Security Oversight: Serve as the designated Security Officer for iDE Kenya, ensuring that all policies, practices, and infrastructure meet security requirements.
• Risk Mitigation: Implement proactive security measures and provide continuous assessment and improvement in security protocols.
• Staff Training and Awareness: Develop training and awareness initiatives for all staff to maintain a strong security culture.

External Relations and Stakeholder Engagement

• Donor and Partner Liaison: Act as the primary contact for financial and operational matters with donors and partners, ensuring transparent communication on performance and compliance.
• Consortium and Partnership Coordination: Work with consortium partners to align financial and operational approaches.
• Representation: Represent iDE Kenya at external meetings, advocating for financial and operational best practices.

Qualifications and Skills

•  Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, or a related field (Master’s degree or CPA / Chartered Accountant preferred).
•  Experience: At least 8-10 years in finance and operations, including 3-5 years in a senior role, ideally in international development or donor-funded contexts.

Technical Expertise:

• Deep knowledge of budgeting, reporting, forecasting, and donor compliance.
• Experience with institutional donors and understanding of donor requirements, especially with bilateral and large foundation funding.
• Strong grasp of Kenyan legal and regulatory environments, with experience in liaising with local authorities.
• Prior demonstrated experience with a modern ERP system such as Oracle Netsuite (or similar) with actual hands-on experience rather than just awareness that the system exists.

Attributes and Competencies:

• Excellent analytical skills with the capacity to manage risk, streamline operations, and enhance financial performance.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership abilities to work collaboratively with diverse, multicultural teams.
• High ethical standards, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize in a dynamic environment.