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Finance & Grant Manager (Lilongwe, Malawi)

  • Remote
    • Lilongwe, Central Region, Malawi
  • Project Positions

Job description

Terms of Reference: Finance & Grant Manager (Lilongwe, Malawi)

Programme Background 

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has established a Matching Grant Fund (MGF) to catalyse enhanced productivity and exports of macadamia and mango in terms of volume and value. The MGF is under the Malawi Trade and Investment Programme (MTIP), a five-year FCDO-funded initiative which aims to break Malawi’s cycle of low growth through driving exports. Specifically, the fund is targeted at; i) macadamia and mango mid-sized farms (MSF) with landholding from 3 to 40 ha with existing or planned export partnerships through off-takers; and ii) smallholder farmer (SHF) cooperative organisations involved in macadamia and mango production, with existing or planned export partnerships through off-takers.

Scope of Work

The Finance & Grant Manager is responsible for overseeing the financial management of grant programs, ensuring compliance with funding regulations, managing budgets, processing grant disbursements, monitoring financial performance of funded projects, and preparing comprehensive financial reports for the Fund, all while supporting the identification and evaluation of innovative projects in Malawi.

Key responsibilities:

Financial Transactions:

  • Ensure that all transactions are properly accounted for, and the financial systems are maintained under all procedures and controls.

  • Ensure accuracy and completeness of financial data and documentation.

  • Review and verify financial documents for compliance with organisational policies and procedures.

Budget Management:

  • Lead the annual budgeting process in conjunction with the executive team.

  • Monitor budget performance and provide regular financial forecasts.

  • Analyse financial data and trends to support strategic decision-making.

  • Collaborate with relevant departments to ensure adherence to budgetary guidelines.

Financial Reporting

  • Prepare and generate financial reports, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.

  • Provide regular financial reports to management, highlighting key financial metrics and trends.

  • Generate precise financial reports for internal and external stakeholders, including donors.

Bank and Cash Management:

  • Manage bank accounts and perform bank reconciliations.

  • Manage cash flow and forecasting; develop a reliable cash flow projection process and reporting mechanism.

  • Facilitate cash and fund transfers as required.

Grant Management:

  • Oversee grant administration, ensuring compliance with donor requirements.

  • Coordinate with program teams to ensure grant funds are utilised appropriately and in alignment with grant conditions.

  • Monitor grant progress, track expenses, and ensure compliance with grant requirements.

  • Prepare and submit required grant reports, budget proposals, financial reports, and documentation in a timely manner.

  • Maintain accurate records of grant-related activities.

Vendor and Supplier Management

  • Manage relationships with vendors and suppliers.

  • Review and process supplier invoices and payments.

Compliance and Risk Management:

  • Ensure compliance with all statutory legislation and regulations, including financial and grant-related compliance.

  • Develop and implement policies and processes, manuals, and templates to ensure that financial information and data are secure and compliant with regulations.

  • Implement financial policies and procedures; develop processes, to ensure compliance and effective financial management.

  • Identify and mitigate risks associated with grant-funded projects.

Audit and Controls:

  • Coordinate with auditors to facilitate internal and external audits, enhancing financial transparency and accountability.

  • Ensure compliance with financial regulations and reporting requirements.

  • Implement and maintain internal controls to safeguard assets and prevent fraud.

Stakeholder Communication:

  • Communicate financial metrics to senior management.

  • Maintain relationships with donors, funding agencies and programme partners.

 

Qualifications

The key requirements for the role are:

  • Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, or a related field. Professional certification (e.g., CPA, CFA) is a plus.

  • Proven experience in finance or accounting roles and grants management.

  • Strong understanding of financial regulations, grant compliance requirements, and best practices in financial management.

  • Proficient in financial software, databases, and MS Excel; experience with cloud-based financial systems is a plus.

  • Knowledge of donor compliance regulations

  • Experience in payroll management and collaboration with HR departments.

  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

  • Self-motivated with demonstrated ability to generate financial reports and meet set deadlines and with good integrity.

  • Team player with good interpersonal/communication, documentation, and facilitation skills and the ability to work under minimum supervision.

  • Strong communication and people skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues.

  • Ability to work remotely and manage tasks effectively in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.

 

ASI operates an inclusive approach to employment, with all candidates fairly considered. Malawi-based candidates are strongly preferred and women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

 

Timing and Duration

The position is full time and is intended to start on 1st April 2025, with an initial duration of 12 months.  

 

Ready to Apply?

To apply, submit your CV and a covering letter by 28th February 2025.

 

 

 

 

 

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