The PFCO is responsible for ensuring that the project's financial management and compliance processes meet both ICARDA's internal standards and external donor requirements. The role ensures sound financial planning and control, compliance monitoring, stewardship of project resources and coordination with national and regional partners. The position also supports capacity development and internal accounts controls at both ICARDA and partner levels. The PFCO of the project ensures the integrity of financial planning, oversight of project expenditures, risk mitigation, and accurate donor reporting. The position safeguards financial accountability across ICARDA and partner institutions while supporting strategic decision-making through robust analysis and controls.
Responsibilities:
Serve as the financial gatekeeper for all project-related expenditures and financial transactions.
Maintain oversight of fund flow, cost control, cash flow forecasts, and financial risk exposure.
Validate all financial inputs from ICARDA and project partners against project milestones, procurement plans, and donor rules.
Support decision-making with strategic financial insights and scenario analysis.
Actively advise the Project Director on resource allocation, burn rates, and fiscal performance.
Develop consolidate, update and maintain the project’s detailed annual and multi-year budgets and financial forecasts.
Lead periodic budget vs actuals reviews and variance analyses.
Coordinate and support technical teams during work-planning to align budgets preparation with work plans and deliverables.
Ensure financial operations strictly comply with both Gates Foundation and UAE government requirements.
Prepare and submit timely donor financial reports aligned with milestone deliverables.
Maintain donor-compliance guidelines and ensure adherence across all project implementation units at ICARDA and partner organizations.
Design and implement internal control mechanisms tailored to the project’s requirements to fulfil funders’ expectations.
Provide training to ICARDA and partner staff on budgeting, compliance, and donor financial policies.
Provide guidance on financial controls, policies, and donor rules.
Act as a focal point finance-related technical queries from consortium stakeholders.
Work with ICARDA’s Finance, Project and Grant Management Unit and IT teams to optimize and ensure ERP/grant systems (e.g., Unit4) meet project needs.
Recommend process improvements and digital tools to enhance transparency, reporting, and decision-making.
Support development of financial dashboards and key performance indicators for management.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field. A master’s degree and/or professional certification (CPA, ACCA) is a strong asset.
Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in project finance or grants management, preferably with international development or research organizations. Experience with major donors (especially Gates Foundation or Gulf-based funders) is an advantage.
Solid knowledge of budgeting, financial analysis, and donor financial reporting.
Familiarity with IFRS and audit procedures.
Proficiency in financial systems (e.g., ERP) and Excel; Power BI and Unit4 are a plus.
Strong communication skills in English and Arabic.
Good judgment, attention to detail, and a problem-solving mindset.
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and external partners.
Willingness to travel occasionally to partner sites, Cairo HQ, and field locations (30%).
