The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) are proud to open an exciting opportunity for experienced finance professionals to join our dynamic global team. We are currently recruiting for two positions of Finance Officer – Grants, to be based in Bogor, Indonesia and Nairobi, Kenya. This role is critical in enhancing the quality, accuracy, and compliance of our financial operations, particularly those related to restricted grants, donor reporting, and financial coordination.
CIFOR-ICRAF envisions a just and sustainable world where trees in all landscapes contribute to environmental resilience and community well-being. With a combined legacy of over six decades, our institutions have cultivated a vast body of knowledge around forests and agroforestry systems. As non-profit science organizations and proud members of the CGIAR, we lead research that addresses the interlinked crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity. Our commitment is rooted in scientific innovation, strategic partnerships, and impactful stakeholder engagement.
If you are a finance professional who thrives in a multicultural, mission-driven environment and values impact-oriented work, this could be the next big step in your career.
Position Title: Finance Officer – Grants
Reference Number: 2493
Category: Local Position
Job Status: In-progress
Duty Stations: Bogor, Indonesia and Nairobi, Kenya
Application Deadline: 31 July 2025
Organization: CIFOR-ICRAF
Reports to: Senior Finance Officer – Grants / Finance Manager – Grants / Team Leader – Finance / Director Corporate Services
Position Overview
The Finance Officer – Grants will be responsible for delivering comprehensive financial support services, ensuring compliance with internal financial policies and external donor regulations. This role is integral to maintaining financial discipline across all stages of project management, including budgeting, donor reporting, grant monitoring, and partner collaboration.
The Finance Officer will collaborate closely with internal teams such as the Program Management Unit (PMU), country teams, research themes, and partner organizations to streamline financial reporting and uphold compliance with grant agreements. This position also plays a key role in maintaining robust internal control mechanisms.
Two positions are available for this role—one to be stationed in Bogor, Indonesia, and the other in Nairobi, Kenya. The Nairobi-based candidate must be fluent in both English and French.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
1. Monitoring Budget and Actual Expenses of Restricted Grants
- Maintain accurate documentation and records for each project.
- Work closely with project leaders, donors, and partners to ensure financial implementation aligns with project agreements.
- Review and validate expenditures to ensure adherence to budget limits and donor stipulations.
- Liaise with PMU to manage Letters of Agreement (LoA), project setup, budget updates, and project closure processes.
2. Annual Budget and Rolling Budget Updates
- Collaborate with Principal Investigators to determine and update staff time allocations.
- Support the budgeting process for partnerships, travel, consultancy, and other project expenses.
- Review and assess the annual grant budgets within the assigned teams.
3. Donor Reporting
- Prepare donor-specific financial reports in line with both CIFOR-ICRAF standards and the requirements stipulated in Grant Agreements.
- Ensure timely submission of draft and final reports via the grants management system.
- Prepare payment requests and invoices according to donor agreements and track fund disbursements.
- Address donor inquiries and feedback regarding submitted reports.
4. Budget Revisions and Amendments for Ongoing Projects
- Act as a resource for budget revisions related to project amendments.
- Discuss and review revised budgets with PIs and country teams.
- Ensure accurate representation of overheads and adherence to donor budget structures.
5. Review of Grant Agreements
- Evaluate financial sections and relevant clauses of new and amended grant agreements for accuracy and compliance.
6. Internal Reporting
- Update monthly summaries of multi-year projects, including budget and expense tracking.
- Maintain accurate monthly staff allocation records and contribute to three-year staff planning.
7. Special Audits of Restricted Projects
- Facilitate the appointment of auditors for donor-mandated audits.
- Support external audits by providing requested documentation and responses to queries.
- Review audit findings and draft reports, ensuring alignment with donor and organizational requirements.
8. Daily and Monthly Operations
- Monitor donor receivables and payables, ensuring prompt collections and appropriate follow-up on slow spending.
- Collaborate with the Treasury team to explain variances in monthly summaries involving large outstanding balances.
- Ensure time allocation aligns with budgets, and collect mandatory timesheets from involved staff.
9. Financial Monitoring of Grant Partners
- Review financial components of partner agreements in collaboration with PMU.
- Monitor budget adherence, spending trends, and compliance by partner organizations.
- Analyze partner financial reports, track fund balances, and ensure unused funds are reclaimed where applicable.
10. Additional Tasks
- Perform any other duties as assigned by senior finance officers or the Director of Corporate Services to ensure the smooth functioning of financial operations.
Required Education, Skills, and Experience
- A university degree in accounting and professional certification such as CA, CPA, CIA, or CMA.
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in financial and accounting services, especially in project or cost accounting.
- Familiarity with ERP systems, particularly Agresso Unit 4 and Vision XL, is a significant advantage.
- Proficiency in using Microsoft Office and other relevant software applications.
- Excellent command of written and spoken English. For the Nairobi-based position, fluency in French is also mandatory.
Terms and Conditions
- This is a Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) position with compensation based on local market conditions and individual qualifications.
- The initial appointment will be for one year, with the potential for extension based on performance and available funding.
- Duty stations for this role are Bogor, Indonesia and Nairobi, Kenya.
- CIFOR-ICRAF is committed to gender diversity and equal opportunity. We particularly encourage applications from qualified women professionals.
- The organization fosters a multicultural work environment that upholds respect, teamwork, and gender equality as foundational principles.
About CIFOR-ICRAF
CIFOR-ICRAF is a merger of two leading research centers: the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF). Together, we focus on building solutions through the sustainable use of trees and landscapes in addressing urgent global challenges. Our research programs span across multiple continents, contributing to the global agenda on climate, food systems, and biodiversity.
As part of the CGIAR partnership, our mission goes beyond research—we work to create tangible change in ecosystems and communities. We believe in science that empowers, partnerships that enable, and policies that deliver equity and sustainability.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply online by visiting the CIFOR-ICRAF career portal:
https://www.cifor-icraf.org/about/work-with-us/
Applicants are required to submit their CV and cover letter highlighting how they meet the qualifications and responsibilities of the role. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Application deadline: 31 July 2025
To learn more about CIFOR-ICRAF and our work, visit our website: https://www.cifor-icraf.org
CIFOR-ICRAF is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Do not miss this opportunity to join a global leader in research for development. Take the next step in your professional journey with CIFOR-ICRAF.
