Finance project officer

Organizational Context
The Policy Center for the New South (PCNS), in partnership with international and multilateral institutions, implements research, policy dialogue and international cooperation initiatives and manages externally funded resources supporting large-scale projects and high-level events.
In this context, PCNS seeks to recruit a Finance Project Officer to ensure sound financial management, strict compliance with institutional partner requirements, and effective financial oversight.
Purpose of the Position
Under the supervision of the Finance & Procurement Manager, the Finance Project Officer is responsible for the financial planning, monitoring, reporting and control of externally funded projects and events, and serves as the primary financial focal point for international and multilateral partners, from budget preparation at call for proposals stage through financial closure.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management and Budgeting
•Prepare, monitor and control project & event budgets in accordance with approved financing agreements.
•Establish and maintain project-based financial monitoring tools aligned with partner requirements.
•Monitor commitments, disbursements and budget balances, identify financial risks and variances, and propose corrective measures.

Contractual Management and Partner Compliance
•Analyse grant agreements and financing contracts, with particular attention to financial provisions.
•Ensure compliance with partner rules on eligibility of expenditures, procurement, reporting and budget reallocation.
•Prepare budget revisions, amendments and requests for partner approval when required.
•Ensure proper filing, traceability and retention of financial and contractual documentation.

Financial Reporting, Audits and Partner Liaison
•Prepare periodic and final financial reports and forecasts in accordance with agreed templates and guidelines.
•Produce financial statements, expenditure justifications and supporting schedules.
•Act as the official financial counterpart and primary point of contact for international and multilateral partners, including for reporting, financial reviews and audits.
•Coordinate external financial audits and follow up on audit findings, ensuring timely implementation of corrective actions.

Support to Project Teams and Process Improvement
•Provide financial guidance to project teams on applicable financial rules and procedures.
•Contribute to the harmonization and standardization of financial management practices across projects.
•Participate in the continuous improvement of internal systems for multi-partner project management.

Required Qualifications and Experience
•Education: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in finance, accounting, management, audit or a related field.
•Professional Experience: At least three (3) years of proven experience in the financial management of large-scale, internationally funded projects, including budgeting, financial monitoring, reporting and audit preparation, in compliance with institutional partner requirements.
•Language Requirements: Full professional proficiency in English and French is mandatory.
•Strong expertise in project-based financial management.
•In-depth knowledge of international partner financial rules and eligibility requirements (EU, World Bank or equivalent).
•Excellent command of financial and office software, particularly Excel.
•High level of accuracy, integrity and professional ethics.
•Strong analytical skills and sound judgment.
•Ability to work in a demanding, multicultural and compliance-driven environment.
•Strong organizational skills and strict respect for deadlines.
 

Given the volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview