CIFOR Hiring Finance Officer (2 Post)

2

The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) are seeking qualified and dedicated professionals for the position of Finance Officer – Grants. This opportunity is open for two duty stations: Nairobi, Kenya and Bogor, Indonesia. If you are a finance professional with a passion for sustainable development, natural resource management, and delivering high-quality financial support in international development, this role presents an exceptional career path within a world-renowned research organization.

CIFOR and ICRAF are world leaders in applying scientific evidence to policy and practice in forestry, agroforestry, and landscape restoration. Together, under the CGIAR umbrella, they promote sustainable land use, climate resilience, food security, and biodiversity. With over 65 years of combined expertise, the institutions provide scientific solutions that address global environmental challenges while fostering economic development and equity.

As a Finance Officer – Grants, you will play a key role in ensuring the sound financial management and compliance of restricted grants. You will be part of a dynamic and multicultural team that works closely with researchers, program managers, donors, and partner organizations around the world.

Position Title: Finance Officer – Grants
Reference Number: 2493
Job Category: Local Position
Job Status: In-progress
Number of Positions: 2 (Two)
Duty Stations: Bogor, Indonesia and Nairobi, Kenya
Application Deadline: 31 July 2025
Application Mode: Online via CIFOR-ICRAF career portal
Employer: CIFOR-ICRAF
Website: https://www.cifor-icraf.org

Position Summary

The Finance Officer – Grants will provide expert financial services to ensure high-quality, accurate, and timely reporting that aligns with CIFOR-ICRAF’s internal policies and donors’ requirements. The role is instrumental in facilitating sound financial planning, budget monitoring, internal control implementation, and donor compliance across a diverse portfolio of restricted grants. Working closely with the Program Management Unit (PMU), Country Teams, and Research Themes, the officer will enhance efficiency, transparency, and financial accountability within the organization.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Budget Monitoring and Expense Tracking

• Maintain comprehensive records of project documentation and coordinate with finance staff and project leaders to ensure compliance with all grant agreements.
• Act as a liaison among donors, collaborators, and internal teams to clarify financial issues and provide real-time updates on budget and expenditure status.
• Conduct periodic reviews and verifications of restricted project expenditures to ensure conformity with budgets and donor expectations.
• Coordinate with the PMU on developing Letters of Agreement (LoAs), project setup and closure, and real-time system tracking.

2. Annual Budget Development and Updates

• Partner with Principal Investigators (PIs) to ensure accurate staff time allocation within financial systems.
• Collaborate with PIs on budgeting for partner organizations, consultancy, travel, publications, and supplies.
• Review and consolidate the annual and rolling budget projections of assigned grants to reflect up-to-date financial positions.

3. Donor Financial Reporting

• Prepare and submit financial reports tailored to donor requirements, based on the terms specified in grant agreements.
• Ensure timely submission of both draft and finalized financial reports via the grants management system.
• Validate donor reports prepared by assigned country offices prior to internal approval.
• Prepare and issue donor payment requests or invoices in line with the agreed schedules.
• Address and resolve any donor queries related to submitted financial documentation.

4. Budget Revisions for Ongoing Grants

• Act as the lead finance resource for grant amendment budget preparations.
• Analyze and revise budgets in consultation with PIs and regional finance teams.
• Guarantee the inclusion of full overhead recovery in accordance with CIFOR-ICRAF’s cost structures.
• Ensure all budget lines are correctly classified and align with donor stipulations.

5. Grant Agreement Review

• Perform thorough reviews of financial clauses and related sections of new and amended grant agreements to ensure compliance and accuracy.

6. Internal Financial Reporting

• Regularly update internal reports summarizing restricted projects’ performance against multi-year budgets.
• Monitor and report monthly staff time allocation and support long-term staff planning over a three-year horizon.

7. Project-Specific Audit Coordination

• Facilitate the selection and engagement of external auditors for project-specific audits as mandated by donors.
• Act as the point of contact during audit processes, ensuring timely provision of documentation and responding to audit queries.
• Review preliminary audit reports and assess compliance of partner audit findings against donor expectations.

8. Daily and Monthly Financial Operations

• Track donor receivables and payables, coordinate with Treasury teams, and advise project leaders on under- or over-expenditure trends.
• Identify and allocate incoming funds using accurate coding systems.
• Monitor compliance of time allocation against project budgets and ensure appropriate recording and adjustments in timesheets.
• Collect and manage timesheets for projects that require them as mandatory support documents.

9. Partner Financial Oversight and Monitoring

• Work with the PMU to review partner agreements and budgets.
• Ensure financial compliance of partner organizations receiving restricted grant funds, including adherence to both donor and internal financial protocols.
• Analyze partner spending trends and share insights with project managers for improved financial planning and accountability.
• Monitor partner reports, reconcile project balances, and facilitate the recovery of any unspent funds.

10. Other Responsibilities

• Perform additional financial tasks as assigned by the Senior Finance Officer – Grants, Finance Manager – Grants, Team Leader – Finance, or Director of Corporate Services.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• A university degree in accounting and possession of professional certification such as CA, CPA, CIA, or CMA.
• Minimum of five years’ relevant experience in financial and accounting roles.
• Solid background in project or cost accounting.
• Demonstrated experience in using ERP systems; experience with Agresso Unit4 and Vision XL is an advantage.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and other relevant office applications.
• Strong command of English (both written and spoken) is essential.
• For the Nairobi position, fluency in French is also a requirement.

Terms and Conditions

• The position is classified as Locally Recruited Staff (LRS), with compensation offered in local currency and commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• The appointment will be for one year, with a possibility of renewal depending on performance, ongoing relevance of the role, and funding availability.
• The successful candidates will be based at CIFOR-ICRAF’s offices in Bogor, Indonesia or Nairobi, Kenya.

Work Environment and Organizational Values

CIFOR-ICRAF offers a vibrant and diverse work environment that values teamwork, innovation, inclusivity, and scientific excellence. As part of a CGIAR institution, the organization upholds the highest standards of accountability, transparency, and ethical practice. The Finance Officer will join a multicultural team and work in collaboration with global partners committed to sustainable development and climate resilience.

CIFOR-ICRAF strongly encourages applications from women professionals and promotes gender equity across its operations. The organization is committed to fostering a respectful workplace culture that embraces diversity and inclusion in all forms.

Why Work with CIFOR-ICRAF?

• Opportunity to contribute to globally impactful research projects in climate change, food security, and environmental conservation.
• Be part of a mission-driven organization with a collaborative, supportive, and intellectually stimulating environment.
• Career development opportunities in a leading research institution under the CGIAR umbrella.
• Chance to work with diverse, high-performing teams across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Application Details

Interested candidates are invited to apply online through the CIFOR-ICRAF career portal:

Apply Now:

Deadline for Applications: 31 July 2025

Please ensure that you submit your application by the stated deadline. All applications will be acknowledged; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next steps in the recruitment process.