Samuel Hall, an independent social enterprise specializing in research and analysis on migration and displacement, is inviting applications for the position of Project Finance Officer. This position offers a unique opportunity for a finance professional to contribute to meaningful research and development projects by ensuring sound financial management, transparency, and accountability across donor-funded programs.
The successful candidate will play a key role in managing the financial health of multiple projects, providing strategic guidance to project managers, maintaining compliance with donor and institutional policies, and strengthening the organization’s overall financial systems. The role is based in Nairobi, Kenya, on a full-time basis for an initial period of one year, with the potential for contract renewal depending on performance and funding availability.
This position reports directly to the Finance Director, with a dotted reporting line to relevant Project Managers. It will involve occasional travel of up to 20 percent, depending on project locations and operational requirements.
Overview of the Role
The Project Finance Officer will be responsible for ensuring that all financial activities related to projects are planned, executed, and reported in line with organizational and donor standards. This includes financial planning, monitoring, reporting, and compliance, all aimed at maintaining the highest standards of transparency and integrity. The officer will also serve as a strategic partner to project teams, supporting decision-making processes through accurate financial analysis and advisory input.
The position requires a detail-oriented professional who can manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
1. Financial Management and Planning
The Project Finance Officer will lead financial planning processes across assigned projects, ensuring that all budgets and expenditures are properly aligned with organizational goals and donor expectations. The officer will:
- Develop, review, and manage detailed budgets for grant-funded projects and contracts, ensuring that cost structures are consistent with approved financial frameworks.
- Track financial performance against approved budgets and work plans, identifying and reporting any deviations in a timely manner to prevent overspending or underutilization of funds.
- Generate accurate financial forecasts and provide financial insights to project managers and senior management for informed decision-making.
- Contribute to project proposal development by providing cost estimates, budget narratives, and input on financial feasibility.
- Oversee the maintenance of up-to-date budget files, ensuring that budget adjustments and modifications are accurately documented.
- Support the Finance Director in the preparation of annual organizational budgets by consolidating project-level inputs and forecasts.
Through effective financial planning and management, the officer will help ensure that Samuel Hall’s projects remain financially sustainable and that donor resources are utilized efficiently.
2. Compliance, Reporting, and Operations
Ensuring strict adherence to donor regulations, internal financial policies, and statutory requirements is a key part of the role. The Project Finance Officer will:
- Ensure compliance with all financial and contractual obligations under each grant or partnership agreement, including donor-specific reporting formats and timelines.
- Prepare high-quality, accurate, and timely financial reports for submission to donors, management, and relevant stakeholders.
- Maintain comprehensive and organized financial documentation, ensuring that all supporting evidence for expenditures and transactions is readily accessible for audits and reviews.
- Support internal and external audit processes by coordinating with auditors, preparing required schedules and documentation, and implementing recommended corrective actions.
- Oversee payroll compliance for staff funded under specific grants, including ensuring that statutory deductions such as KRA, NSSF, NHIF, and HELB contributions are accurately calculated and remitted on time.
- Manage project advances, reimbursements, and other financial transactions in accordance with internal controls and authorization procedures.
- Monitor exchange rate fluctuations and recommend appropriate adjustments where necessary to maintain financial stability across projects involving multiple currencies.
In this capacity, the officer will help maintain Samuel Hall’s reputation for financial accountability and strengthen its compliance systems across all donor-funded initiatives.
3. Stakeholder Coordination and Process Improvement
The Project Finance Officer will act as a financial liaison between the finance department, project managers, donors, and external partners. The role involves facilitating clear communication and fostering collaborative relationships that enhance operational efficiency. Key tasks will include:
- Serving as the principal point of contact for financial matters related to assigned projects, addressing queries from project teams, donors, and partners.
- Providing financial analysis and recommendations during project review meetings, planning sessions, and donor negotiations.
- Collaborating with program and operations teams to ensure that financial considerations are integrated into all stages of project design and implementation.
- Supporting the continuous improvement of financial processes, systems, and reporting tools to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and timeliness.
- Identifying financial risks and opportunities within projects and recommending measures to strengthen internal controls and mitigate potential losses.
- Promoting knowledge sharing across teams by training project managers and staff on budgeting, compliance, and financial reporting requirements.
The officer’s contribution to cross-departmental coordination will help ensure that financial management is seamlessly embedded into Samuel Hall’s overall project delivery processes.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will bring a blend of financial expertise, donor compliance knowledge, and strong analytical skills to the organization. The role requires an individual who can operate with integrity, demonstrate sound judgment, and communicate complex financial information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
The organization seeks a professional with:
- A degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Professional certification such as CPAK, ACCA, or CIMA.
- A minimum of five to seven years of progressive experience in financial management, preferably within the non-profit or development sector.
- Proven experience in managing donor-funded projects and grants, including reporting, budgeting, and audit coordination.
- Familiarity with major international donors such as USAID, FCDO, the European Union, and the Gates Foundation.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and working knowledge of accounting or ERP software such as Xero or Zoho.
- A solid understanding of donor regulations, audit procedures, and financial reporting standards (IFRS, US GAAP, and local Kenyan accounting standards).
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills, with a high level of attention to detail.
- A proactive approach to work, with the ability to prioritize multiple assignments under minimal supervision.
This combination of technical competence and collaborative ability will enable the officer to contribute meaningfully to Samuel Hall’s mission of providing actionable research insights grounded in transparency and accountability.
Organization Overview
Samuel Hall is a global research and policy organization that produces evidence-based insights to address complex issues in migration, displacement, and development. The institution works across challenging environments to deliver data-driven recommendations that inform decision-makers and drive policy innovation.
Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, with additional offices in Afghanistan, The Netherlands, and Germany, Samuel Hall’s research is rooted in primary data collection and field-based methodologies. The organization partners with international agencies, non-governmental organizations, governments, and private sector entities to deliver studies that promote social inclusion, resilience, and human rights.
The Project Finance Officer will be part of a multidisciplinary team of researchers, analysts, and support professionals committed to producing rigorous and impactful work.
Additional Details
- Position: Project Finance Officer
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Employment Type: Full-time, one-year contract (renewable based on performance and funding)
- Reporting to: Finance Director, with a dotted line to Project Manager(s)
- Travel Requirement: Up to 20 percent, depending on project needs
- Start Date: As soon as possible
- Compensation: Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience
The organization offers a professional and collaborative work environment that values integrity, innovation, and continuous learning. Team members are encouraged to take initiative, share knowledge, and contribute to process improvements that strengthen organizational performance.
Application Instructions
Interested candidates who meet the requirements are invited to submit their applications, including a detailed CV and a motivation letter, by October 10th, 2025.
Applications should be sent via the provided application link.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If no feedback is received within two weeks after the closing date, applicants should consider their application unsuccessful.
