Pharo Foundation (“the Foundation”) is a mission-driven, impact-oriented organisation that designs, funds, and operates economic development programmes towards a vibrant, productive, and self-reliant Africa. Over the next decade, our goal is to create maximum impact towards three critical missions:

1. Education: ensure that all students have an opportunity to access a high-quality and affordable education and become productive citizens in a rapidly changing world.

2. Water: ensure that people and communi4es across Africa have access to a safe and affordable source of water.

3. Productivity: eliminate health, financial, and structural barriers to employment and productivity for working people.

The Foundation also operates Pharo Ventures which is the for-profit arm of its operations with sustainable businesses in Ethiopia and Somaliland geared towards job creation and economic empowerment.

With over 700 employees in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Somaliland, we are a diverse, multicultural, and passionate organisation. We have our headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, and a liaison office in London, UK, which is home to our parent organisation, Pharo Management.

The Sr Finance Officer will play a pivotal role in overseeing the financial operations of all program offices, schools, and PDCS, under the Pharo Foundation. Reporting directly to the Head of Finance, this position will provide comprehensive financial management, analysis, and support to ensure that financial resources align with the Foundation's strategic objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Planning & Analysis:

• Collaborate with the Head of Finance to develop and manage annual budgets for all program offices, schools, and PDCS, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

• Conduct regular financial forecasting and variance analysis, providing insights and recommendations to support informed decision-making.

• Evaluate financial implications for program proposals and changes, including those related to PDCS initiatives.

Financial Reporting:

• Prepare and present detailed monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow analysis for programs, schools, and PDCS.

• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting in compliance with internal standards and donor requirements.

• Support the Head of Finance in presenting financial information to senior management and the board.

Compliance & Governance:

• Ensure compliance with local laws, regulations, and organizational financial policies across programs, schools, and PDCS.

• Coordinate audits, addressing findings and implementing recommendations promptly.

• Assist in developing and enforcing financial policies to enhance internal controls.

• Review expenses monthly and provide feedback to Finance officers and Budget Holders.

• Closely follow-up balance sheet accounts and ensure their clearances.

• Upload budget in Power BI, make necessary adjustments.

Grant Management:

• Manage financial aspects of grants, including budgeting, tracking, and reporting on expenditures for programs, schools, and PDCS.

• Collaborate with program teams to ensure adherence to donor financial reporting requirements.

• Support the Head of Finance in liaising with donors for financial updates and reports.

Capacity Building:

• Develop and conduct financial training for program staff across programs, schools, and PDCS to improve financial literacy and budget management.

• Provide ongoing support and guidance on financial policies, procedures, and best practices.

• Foster a culture of financial accountability across all program offices, schools, and PDCS.

Team Leadership:

• Supervise and mentor finance staff within program offices, schools, and PDCS, promoting professional development.

• Create a collaborative environment that encourages teamwork and continuous improvement.

• Set performance expectations for finance team members and conduct regular evaluations.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with the Head of Finance and senior management to align financial strategies with organizational goals.

• Act as a liaison between finance, program teams, and PDCS to facilitate communication and collaboration on financial matters.

• Participate in organizational planning sessions, providing financial insights to support strategic initiatives.

Job Requirements

Qualification Requirements

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field; Master’s degree or professional certification (e.g., CPA, ACCA) preferred.

Experience:

•  Minimum 8-10 years of relevant experience in finance management, preferably in the nonprofit sector with a focus on education or development programs.

Personal Attributes

• Integrity: High ethical standards and integrity in managing financial resources and information.

• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and adapt to changing circumstances and priorities.

• Proactive Mindset: Initiative in identifying financial issues and proposing effective solutions.

• Interpersonal Skills: Strong relationship-building abilities with diverse stakeholders, fostering collaboration and trust.

• Resilience: Capacity to manage pressure and challenges effectively, maintaining a positive attitude.

How to Apply

Review of applications will begin as soon as they are received, and only complete applications will be reviewed. If an outstanding applicant is identified early in the search process, we reserve the right to appoint before the deadline. For this reason, we encourage interested and suitably qualified candidates to apply at the earliest possible opportunity.  

Application Requirements

1. A detailed CV 

2. Cover letter - In your cover letter, please state where you heard about this position or saw it advertised for example through our website, jobs board, etc. 

3. An essay of 500 words (maximum) that outlines:

Describe a challenging financial situation you have encountered in your previous roles. How did you address the issue, what strategies did you implement, and what was the outcome?

4. An updated list of at least (4) referees with their name, title, current email addresses and phone numbers as follows; two supervisors, two peers, two direct reports. 

Interested and qualified applicants Can Apply through THIS LINK