Finance Director - Africa CDC

Job Overview

The Finance Director position at Africa CDC, located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is a senior leadership role responsible for guiding the Finance Directorate to achieve strategic financial objectives that align with Africa CDC's broader goals. Reporting to the Director General, this role supervises both direct and indirect reports and ensures the efficient management of financial operations across divisions.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the directorate's strategic vision, ensuring alignment with the organization's overall plan.
• Lead, supervise, evaluate, and motivate a diverse team to achieve timely and effective results.
• Oversee policies, strategies, and programs to ensure implementation complies with African Union directives.
• Manage annual targets with robust monitoring and evaluation approaches.
• Provide leadership for the African Epidemic Fund and other Special Accounts and Trust Funds, ensuring governance and proper disbursement.
• Design innovative financing mechanisms such as blended finance and risk-sharing instruments aligned to strategic frameworks.
• Foster cooperative relations with internal departments and external partners, including member states.
• Coordinate meetings and maintain stakeholder relationships to support program goals.
• Prepare comprehensive financial, budget execution, and audit reports.
• Develop and implement financial policies, manage budgets, risks, and compliance adherence including International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).
• Daily management of human resources, budgets, employee relations, and ensure a positive and collaborative working environment.
• Develop and update standard operating procedures and ensure business continuity through risk management.

Specific Duties

• Oversee financial strategic planning, performance evaluation, and risk management.
• Develop responsive financial and budgetary systems per international accounting standards.
• Conduct regular financial analyses and prepare annual financial statements.
• Manage accounting, auditing, internal control, and compliance processes.
• Ensure compliance with financial laws and improve organizational spending efficiency.
• Manage relationships with external financial entities.
• Support policy development and budget coordination across departments.
• Promote sound financial practices and adherence to AU financial rules and IPSAS.
• Drive continuous improvement and cost-effectiveness in service delivery.
• Lead training programs related to budgeting, programming, and project design.
• Ensure all funds are securely managed and promptly recovered.
• Develop integrated programs, projects, and oversee overall organizational activities.
• Ensure alignment of financial policies and controls with African Union standards.
• Execute any additional tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Management.
• At least 15 years of relevant experience, including 8 years at managerial level and 5 years in a direct supervisory capacity.
• Membership in an internationally recognized professional accounting body (e.g., CA, CPA, ACCA, CIMA) is required.
• Additional education or experience in public health administration or program management is advantageous.
• Proven expertise in financial operations, budgeting, forecasting, audits, compliance, and risk management.
• Demonstrated ability to implement strategies enhancing financial performance and stakeholder value.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong knowledge of accounting software and corporate financial principles.
• Familiarity with IPSAS and international financial standards.
• Experience with financial reporting, data analysis, and use of business intelligence tools.
• Excellent communication, leadership, planning, organizational, and mentoring abilities.
• Computer literacy, with knowledge of SAP-ERP advantageous.
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural environments and foster collaboration.
• Proficiency in at least one of the African Union's official languages with additional languages considered a plus.

Leadership and Core Competencies

• Strategic focus and organizational capability development.
• Change leadership and strategic risk management.
• Building partnerships and driving accountability culture.
• Learning orientation and impactful communication.
• Conceptual thinking, knowledge sharing, results-driven, and fostering innovation.

Contract and Remuneration

The appointment is for a fixed term of three years, with the first year being probationary. Following successful performance, the contract is renewable for two additional years. The base salary is approximately USD 78,138 annually (Grade D1 Step 1), with additional benefits including post adjustment (46% of base), housing allowance of about USD 26,208 per year, and education allowances covering tuition up to USD 10,000 per eligible child for internationally recruited staff or up to USD 3,300 per child for local staff.

Additional Information

• The African Union promotes gender equality and encourages qualified women to apply.
• Applicants must be citizens of AU Member States.
• Mandatory submission of the African Union CV template is required.