The African Council on Foreign Relations (ACFR) is a pan-African membership think-tank social enterprise that performs independent research, advocacy, studies, training, and consultancy on social, international, political, foreign policy, business, and economic issues. ACFR strives to create a platform to bring business, government, private sector, and social sector actors together to share perspectives, develop constructive ideas and opportunities, and promote Africa’s interest on the global stage.
Our mission: To conduct and produce innovative research that powers innovative solutions to the most difficult challenges Africa encounters at the continental and international levels.
Our Vision: To be the most trusted think tank that serves, anticipates and solves Africa’s biggest challenges on the global stage.
For more information, please visit https://afcfr.com/.
Position
The Head of Finance and Fundraising will be a strategic thought-partner, and report to the President and
CEO. The successful candidate will be a hands-on and participative manager and will lead and develop an
internal team to support the following areas: finance, business planning and budgeting, fundraising,
human resources, administration, and IT.
The Head of Finance and Fundraising will play a critical role in partnering with the senior leadership
team in strategic decision-making and operations as the African Council on Foreign Relations continues
to enhance its quality programming and build capacity. This is a tremendous opportunity for a finance
and operations leader to maximize and strengthen the internal capacity of a well-respected, high-impact
organization
Responsibilities
Financial Management
- Analyze and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicate
monthly and annual financial statements; collate financial reporting materials for all donor
segments, and oversee all financial, project/program and grants accounting. - Coordinate and lead the annual audit process, liaise with external auditors and the finance
committee of the board of directors; assess any changes necessary. - Oversee and lead annual budgeting and planning process in conjunction with the ED; administer
and review all financial plans and budgets; monitor progress and changes; and keep senior
leadership team abreast of the organization’s financial status. - Manage organizational cash flow and forecasting.
Implement a robust contracts management and financial management/ reporting system; - ensure that the contract billing and collection schedule is adhered to and that financial data and
cash flow are steady and support operational requirements. - Update and implement all necessary business policies and accounting practices; improve the
finance department’s overall policy and procedure manual. - Effectively communicate and present critical financial matters to the board of directors.
Human Resources, Technology and Administration
- Further develop the African Council on Foreign Relations’ human resources and administration,
enhancing professional development, compensation and benefits, performance evaluation,
training, and recruiting. - Ensure that recruiting processes are consistent and streamlined.
Establish and manage a comprehensive training program to educate employees regarding staff
tools, policies, and procedures. - Work closely and transparently with all external partners including third-party vendors and
consultants. - Oversee administrative functions as well as facilities to ensure efficient and consistent
operations as the organization scales.
Fundraising and Grants
- Developing and implementing strategies: Creating a comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet
organizational goals, and implementing it. - Researching potential funding sources: Identifying individuals, corporations, foundations, and
government agencies that may be interested in funding, and researching them - Building relationships: Developing and maintaining relationships with current and prospective
donors, and effectively communicating the organization mission and programs to them - Planning and executing events: Organizing fundraising events and campaigns, such as walks,
auctions, contests, and galas, and overseeing teams of volunteers - Managing the fundraising team: Leading, inspiring, and developing the fundraising team, and
ensuring a collaborative approach to fundraising across the organization - Providing training and support: Offering fundraising training and support to staff members and
volunteers - Tracking progress: Managing fundraising databases and other software systems, and tracking
and reporting on the progress of fundraising efforts - Securing funding: Preparing grant proposals, reports, and other documents to secure funding
- Managing a budget: Ensuring goals are being met, and managing a budget
Qualifications
- Minimum of a BA, ideally with an MBA/CPA or related degree
- At least seven to 10 years of overall professional experience; ideally six-plus years of broad
financial and operations management experience - The ideal candidate has experience of final responsibility for the quality and content of all
financial data, reporting and audit coordination for either a division or significant program area,
and has preferably overseen a human resources function previously - Ability to translate financial concepts to – and to effectively collaborate with — programmatic
and fundraising colleagues who do not necessarily have finance backgrounds - A track record in grants management
- Technology savvy with experience selecting and overseeing software installations and managing
relationships with software vendors; knowledge of accounting and reporting software - Commitment to training programs that maximize individual and organizational goals across the
organization including best practices in human resources activities - A successful track record in setting priorities; keen analytic, organization, and problem-solving
skills that support and enable sound decision-making - Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with an ability to prioritize, negotiate,
and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholder - A multi-tasker with the ability to wear many hats in a fast-paced environment
- Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and dedication to the mission of African Council on
Foreign Relations.
