Finance and Grants Officer

About Action Against Hunger USA

Action Against Hunger is a global leader striving to eradicate hunger. The organization implements innovative solutions, advocates for impactful change, and assists 24 million people each year with evidence-based hunger prevention and treatment programs. Operating in more than 50 countries, the organization employs 8,300 staff members who collaborate with communities to tackle root causes of hunger such as climate change, conflict, inequality, and emergencies. The aim is a hunger-free world for all.

Action Against Hunger USA functions as an independent NGO within the international network and conducts operations in eight countries including Zambia. It manages over $100 million in programs with a permanent workforce of around 1,800 staff located across New York City, Washington D.C., Nairobi, and field offices, with expected expansion prospects.

Position Summary

The Finance and Grants Officer will ensure seamless day-to-day handling of financial transactions and procedures in Zambia. Reporting directly to the Support Services Manager, this role also coordinates with the Senior Management Team and Regional Finance Specialist as needed. The officer's responsibilities involve executing accurate financial management, budget oversight, and adherence to organizational and donor policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain high-quality accounting standards and promote compliance with organizational accounting protocols among staff in Zambia and country offices.
• Manage monthly financial commitments, recharges, and verify accuracy of accounting entries and bank reconciliations by the 5th of each month.
• Set budgets and accounting parameters within the accounting software; process payments punctually following payment policies.
• Update cost-sharing tools and review balance sheet accounts regularly with detailed schedules.
• Compile and submit complete and accurate monthly accounting bundles timely to the HEARO Finance team and respond to finance-related queries quickly.
• Maintain well-organized documentation and archive all finance-related records securely as per guidelines.
• Serve as primary contact during internal and external audits by providing requested information and monitoring adherence to audit recommendations.
• Oversee cash management by enforcing finance procedures and policies, identifying fraud risks, and ensuring proper cash handling and forecasting.
• Participate as bank liaison for cash collection, exchange, cheque deposits, and other banking operations on behalf of the organization.
• Coordinate budget preparation and budget follow-ups, monitor spending against approved budgets, and provide timely alerts on budget variances.
• Manage grants financial processes, including preparing for audits, maintaining compliance with donors, and filing all grant-related documents timely.
• Conduct internal audits regularly to prevent fraud and provide training on financial controls and fraud prevention for staff.
• Engage with internal teams such as logistics, program managers, and coordination teams to harmonize financial and operational activities.

Internal and External Relationships

• Reports directly to the Finance Manager and supervises the Finance Intern.
• Collaborates with logistics and program teams at the country level.
• Maintains communication with suppliers, banks, financial institutions, and tax authorities.

Reporting and Compliance

• Contribute to weekly situational reports and various cash forecasts.
• Produce weekly accountancy and monthly account closure reports using Sylogist software.

Gender Equality and Safeguarding

• Promote a work environment upholding equality, fairness in evaluation and promotion, respect for diversity, and safeguarding policies against abuse and discrimination.

Eligibility and Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Management, Finance, or related field is required; advanced degrees such as MBA or ACCA certification are advantageous.

Experience and Skills

• Minimum of two years’ experience in administration, HR, finance, or logistics.
• Demonstrates strong organizational and planning capabilities with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills including negotiation, influence, teamwork, and constructive feedback.
• Capability to manage stress effectively and balance diverse programmatic and operational demands.
• Advocate for organizational values of professionalism, transparency, neutrality, and non-discrimination.
• Prior experience within Action Against Hunger or other international NGOs and exposure to donor-funded programs is preferred.
• Experience supervising staff is an added benefit.