Term of Reference (TOR) for Finance Systems Strengthening & Capacity Building Consultant

Term of Reference (TOR) for Finance Systems Strengthening & Capacity Building Consultant

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (with flexible / hybrid engagement)

Duration: 3 months (short-term consultancy)

Level: Senior Consultant

Type of Contract: Consultancy (short-term)

Reports to: Executive Director (with close collaboration with Finance Manager)

Application Deadline: 11/01/2026

Payment: 214,000 ETB gross payment for the whole period

1. Background

Nutrition 4 Education and Development (N4ED) is an Ethiopian civil society organization working to build resilient, equitable communities where women, children, and families can thrive with dignity. Through a holistic and rights-based approach, N4ED delivers programs across three integrated pillars: Early Childhood Development & Family Well-being, Women’s Economic Empowerment, and Social Empowerment & Protection.

As N4ED continues to grow and manage multiple donor-funded and community-based programs, the organization has already initiated efforts to strengthen its financial management systems and internal controls. However, to ensure these systems are fully operational, sustainable, and consistently applied across projects and teams, N4ED seeks targeted senior-level technical support. The organization now aims to further strengthen internal financial capacity, reinforce accountability mechanisms, and align financial systems with both donor requirements and grassroots operational realities, while preserving flexibility and responsiveness in program implementation.

2. Purpose of the Assignment

The purpose of this consultancy is to strengthen N4ED’s financial management systems, internal capacities, and accountability mechanisms through targeted technical support, hands-on capacity building, and system refinement.

The consultant will support N4ED in reinforcing its existing financial systems by:

• Strengthening the skills and competencies of the finance and accounting team through practical internal trainings
• Reviewing existing financial processes to identify gaps, risks, and areas for improvement
• Developing and refining financial tools, templates, and procedures aligned with donor compliance and organizational needs
• Supporting the operationalization of recommendations emerging from ongoing capacity-building initiatives
• Enhancing the efficiency, transparency, sustainability, and trustworthiness of N4ED’s financial management systems

The assignment seeks to ensure that N4ED’s finance system remains robust and compliant, while also being adapted to grassroots programming realities and multi-donor operational contexts.

3. Scope of Work and Key Responsibilities

The consultant will be responsible for the following areas:

A. Financial System Review and Risk Analysis

• Review N4ED’s existing financial management systems, procedures, internal controls, and documentation practices.
• Identify gaps, loopholes, risks, and inefficiencies related to budgeting, accounting, cash management, reporting, and compliance.
• Assess alignment with donor requirements, Ethiopian regulations, and CSO financial best practices.

B. Internal Capacity Building and Coaching

• Design and deliver targeted internal trainings for the finance and accounting team based on identified needs.
• Provide hands-on coaching and mentoring to strengthen practical application of financial procedures.
• Support staff in understanding and applying donor compliance requirements, reporting standards, and internal controls.

C. Financial Tools, Templates, and Procedures

• Develop, refine, or standardize financial templates and tools, including but not limited to:
• Budget preparation and monitoring tools
• Financial reporting templates
• Cash management and reconciliation tools
• Expense tracking and supporting documentation formats
• Procurement and payment tracking tools
• Ensure tools are user-friendly, practical, and adapted to field-based and grassroots operations.

D. Support to Ongoing Capacity Building Initiatives

• Review outputs and recommendations from existing financial capacity-building programs supported by N4ED.
• Support the translation of these recommendations into practical tools, procedures, and templates.
• Assist N4ED in responding effectively to capacity-building requirements and expectations.

E. Sustainability, Transparency, and System Strengthening

• Propose measures to strengthen financial transparency, accountability, and audit readiness.
• Recommend practical approaches to improve system sustainability and institutional memory.
• Balance financial rigor with operational flexibility to support effective program implementation.
• Advise on mechanisms that enhance internal and external trust, including donor confidence and organizational credibility.

F. Handover and Institutionalization

• Provide clear guidance to management and the finance team on using and maintaining improved systems.
• Support documentation and handover to ensure continuity after the consultancy period.
• Recommend next steps for continuous improvement of the finance system.

4. Deliverables

By the end of the 3-month assignment, the consultant is expected to deliver:

• A review summary highlighting key gaps, risks, and recommendations
• A set of improved and standardized financial tools and templates
• Internal training materials and documentation used during capacity-building sessions
• Practical recommendations to strengthen sustainability, transparency, and donor compliance
• A short final report summarizing activities, outcomes, and next steps

5. Required Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced degree or professional qualification in Finance, Accounting, Auditing, Business Administration, or related fields.
• Proven senior-level experience (minimum 7 years preferred) in financial management for NGOs, CSOs, or donor-funded projects.
• Strong knowledge of donor compliance requirements, financial reporting, and internal control systems.
• Demonstrated experience in capacity building and staff training within finance or accounting teams.
• Experience developing or strengthening financial systems, tools, and procedures.
• Strong understanding of Ethiopian financial and regulatory contexts.
• Ability to work with grassroots-oriented organizations and adapt systems to operational realities.
• High ethical standards, strong analytical skills, and a commitment to transparency and accountability.

Skills Required:

• Accounting / Finance
• Sales / Marketing / Business / Management