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Finance Manager

Are you an experienced finance professional looking to make a meaningful impact in education across sub-Saharan Africa?

Position: Finance Manager
Location: Remote (UK-based), with occasional travel as required
Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week), with flexibility for 70%–80% part-time arrangements
Contract: Two years, with possible renewal subject to funding
Salary: £40 - £55k per annum, depending on experience
Closing Date: Wednesday 30th July 2025 at 5pm GMT

About the Role
We’re looking for a motivated and detail-driven Finance Manager to join ESSA’s international team and lead our UK financial operations. This vital role will support both UK and global finance functions, ensuring high-quality financial reporting, audit preparation, budgeting and compliance.

Key responsibilities include:

· Preparing monthly management accounts and variance analysis

· Leading year-end and audit processes for ESSA’s UK operations

· Ensuring compliance with charity accounting standards and SORP

· Managing financial reporting for donor-funded projects, including the African Centre for School Leadership (ACSL)

· Supporting budget development, forecasting and reforecasting

· Strengthening finance systems and controls, and developing financial capacity across the team

About You
We’re looking for a qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA or equivalent) with:

· At least 5 years’ experience in a finance role in a UK-registered charity

· Strong knowledge of UK charity accounting regulations and SORP

· Experience managing audits and supporting cross-border operations

· Advanced Excel and financial systems skills (AccountsIQ or QuickBooks an advantage)

· Excellent attention to detail and the ability to communicate financial information clearly

· The confidence to work independently in a remote, international team

Experience working in Africa or the international development or education sectors would be an advantage.

About the Organisation
Education Sub Saharan Africa (ESSA) improves education outcomes across sub-Saharan Africa by using data and evidence to drive change. We work in partnership with researchers, educators, policymakers and employers to co-design solutions that strengthen education systems. Our values – evidence-driven, solutions-focused, building trust, and always learning – shape everything we do.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Charity Finance Manager, International Finance Lead, Head of Finance, Programme Finance Manager, Accountant – INGO, Financial Controller, Grants & Compliance Manager, Remote Finance Manager.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Who are we?

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home. The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

About the job

The Grants Management Manager (GMM) is responsible for leading the Programme Support Unit (PSU). As a key member of the Programme Department, the GMM oversees programme development and the ongoing management of the country grant portfolio, proposals and implementation are high-quality, evidence based and conducted in accordance with donor and DRC regulations. This includes overseeing timely reporting, overall accountability to donors and supporting the implementation of DRC’s localisation strategy. The position reports to the Head of Programme and collaborates closely with Support Services Managers, Technical Coordinators, the Senior Management Team and Area Offices on all grants-related matters, donor compliance, and partnerships.

Responsibilities:

Programme Development and Fundraising

• Develop a Country Programme Funding strategy and updated donor mapping, keeping abreast of funding trends and donor strategies, paying special attention to diversifying the funding portfolio.
• Develop donor engagement strategies, working closely with the HoP, Programme team and with input from the area offices.
• Support the HoP in maintaining active and regular communication with donors, ensuring timely response to communications and coordinating with relevant country team members on high-quality feedback.
• Coordinate Go/No Go meetings for new funding opportunities.
• Lead the proposal development process -including budget development - engaging with Technical Coordinators, Area Offices and other relevant departments to ensure the development and submission of quality proposals.
• In collaboration with MEAL team, ensure that proposal development is informed by reliable organisational data and learning.
• Coordinate the provision of trainings in proposal development and reporting for grants and program teams, including relevant field staff.

Grants Management and Reporting

• Provide thorough contract reviews and support negotiations with donors ahead of contract signing.
• Ensure high-quality contract management - in close cooperation with SMT- anticipate and identify potential risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Lead on donor communication and prepare modification requests and other contractual documentation, as required.
• Coordinate and facilitate meetings for grant kickoff/opening, review and closing, including monitoring progress against timelines and action points. Support troubleshooting for any identified challenges during project delivery.
• Monitor the Grants Module on Dynamics and other internal documentation systems (including SharePoint) to ensure they are updated, working with HQ focal points and the Grants Management Specialist to address any issues.
• Work closely with Finance to support the submission of high-quality finance reports that align with narrative submissions
• Participate in new staff inductions by providing an overview of grants functions, active grants and relevant project documents.
• Provide ad hoc support and guidance to Programme staff on grants management-related issues.
• Conduct visits to field locations as possible/needed.

Compliance Monitoring and Quality Assurance

• Act as the Grants/Contract Management Donor Compliance Focal Point in the CO, ensure understanding of contractual obligations and regulations, seeking support from HQ, as needed.
• Develop and maintain up-to-date and in-depth knowledge of donor requirements and ensure that contractual obligations (including visibility requirements) and reporting deadlines are known and met by Programme, MEAL and Operations teams.
• Lead on contract amendments, including cost /no-cost extensions and project revisions, in coordination with relevant internal stakeholders.
• Actively participate in Global Grants Community Meetings to stay up-to-date with DRC Grants Management Best Practices as well as new regulations and requirements from donors.

People Management

• Lead the PSU, fostering a positive work environment
• Develop performance and development plans for the PSU, taking into consideration business continuity, staff turnover and localisation.
• Foster a culture of engagement and collaboration with the PSU, promoting knowledge sharing, respect for diversity and inclusion, effective communication and respect for staff duty of care

External Communication and Representation

• Participate in external coordination and fundraising-related engagements, fostering positive relationships with donors and other key stakeholders
• Support the development and implementation of the strategic communication plan, including evidence-gathering, drafting and reviewing donor focused communications pieces (e.g. case studies, context briefs, press releases).
   

Any ad-hoc tasks assigned by the Head of Programme

About you

To be successful in this role you must have:

Experience and technical competencies: 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• At least 4 years of experience in grants management including budget development, preferably with an international NGO or other donor-funded organization
• At least 1 year experience in people management and leadership roles.
• Knowledge and experience working with multiple sectors including Protection, Economic Recovery, Infrastructure/WASH, Emergency, and Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding.
• Commitment to integrate gender, conflict sensitivity and accountability into programming
• Experience working in complex, changing environments with a proven ability to adapt
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant software, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Reliable, patient and able to work independently, with developed leadership capabilities.

Education/qualifications:

• Univeristy Degree

Languages:

Fluency in English (speaking, writing, reading) is essential.

We Offer:

• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with DRC salary scale

Application process:

Application process: Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking on the below link. All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in the same language.