Project Finance Manager

Background

Cowater International is a global international development consultancy firm that works with partners to deliver technical assistance to governments and the private sector across Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific. In New Zealand, the core technical areas include climate change mitigation and adaptation, renewable energy, the blue economy, water and sanitation, disaster resilience, and agriculture, with a focus on the Pacific, South Asia, and the Caribbean. The firm works with donors such as MFAT, ADB, the World Bank, FCDO, GAC, DFAT, the EU, and others. Cowater has ongoing projects in Ethiopia funded by FCDO, including the Tax Transformation Programme (TTP) and the Ethiopia Investment Advisory Facility 2 (EIAF2), and is recruiting a Finance Officer to support financial management at project level.

Summary of the Position

The selected candidate will develop a strong understanding of FCDO and other donor financial processes and apply this knowledge to review and improve financial management systems across the programme. They will work closely with the Cowater Finance Manager and Programme Managers to ensure financial practices comply with Cowater and FCDO guidelines.

Key Responsibilities

Budgeting, Forecasting and Invoicing

• Supporting the Cowater Finance Manager in preparing monthly project and corporate cashflow forecasts
• Assisting in project budget monitoring and control to ensure expenditures remain within allowed variance thresholds
• Supporting the development of budget control mechanisms to monitor performance against budget by result
• Assisting in preparation of monthly invoices to the client and updating forecasts

Bank and Petty Cash Management

• Maintaining records of bank transactions
• Monitoring project bank accounts and preparing bank movement schedules and reconciliations
• Preparing monthly or periodic bank reconciliation statements
• Maintaining custody of petty cash and performing monthly reconciliations

Payables Accounting – Suppliers and Consultants

• Managing liaison with suppliers to ensure timely invoicing and payments
• Receiving and verifying invoices and payment requests from suppliers and contractors
• Facilitating timely processing and approval of payments
• Preparing payment requisitions for approved invoices

Procurement and Supply Chain Management

• Managing procurement, logistics, and support services under supervision of Programme Managers and Finance Manager
• Ensuring compliance with Cowater and client procurement rules
• Assisting field teams in sourcing quotations from vendors
• Reviewing procurement quotes and preparing analyses for selection
• Preparing purchase requisition forms and obtaining approvals
• Maintaining complete procurement documentation trails

Financial Reporting

• Supporting preparation of monthly and quarterly financial reports for HQ and clients
• Assisting in annual corporate and programme financial reports for audit purposes
• Identifying and escalating fiduciary risks with mitigation recommendations

Payroll Accounting

• Overseeing payroll calculations, deductions, and withholdings for local staff
• Managing liaison with consultants on timesheets and expense claims
• Supporting HR/Ops in addressing payroll inquiries

General Administrative, Financial and Compliance Duties

• Maintaining electronic and hardcopy financial records and uploading documents to SharePoint
• Posting financial data into accounting systems and updating records as needed
• Ensuring compliance with Cowater and FCDO financial procedures and manuals
• Supporting audits and operational requirements
• Managing vehicle hire contracts and supporting team operations when required

Reporting Lines

The Project Finance Manager reports to the Programme Managers.

Performance Management

Performance objectives will be jointly defined by the Cowater Finance Manager and Programme Managers. Annual reviews will assess progress against TORs, objectives, teamwork, and communication effectiveness.

Duty Station

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Duration and Level of Effort

The role runs until 31st March 2027, with possible extension to December 2028. The maximum level of effort is 180 days, with no more than 18 days per month.

Language

Fluency in spoken and written English with strong communication skills is required.

Requirements

• At least 5 years’ experience in financial management and field operations in mid- to large-scale projects in developing country contexts
• Academic or professional qualification in accounting or financial management
• Proficiency in accounting software such as QuickBooks and Excel
• Experience in procurement, HR, and office management
• Ability to design and maintain digital and paper financial filing systems
• Strong diplomatic communication skills with staff and partners
• Ability to solve complex problems and proactively mitigate risks
• Ability to manage stressful situations professionally
• Understanding of office management principles
• Strong English communication skills
• Experience with FCDO projects is an advantage

Skills Required:

• Accounting / Finance