The IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation (IUCN Med) delivers a portfolio of donor-funded programmes and projects across the Mediterranean region, including activities in North Africa. Effective project financial management, timely donor reporting and strong partner compliance are essential to ensure sound delivery and accountability.

1. Reporting lines and working relationships
Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Head of Finance, IUCN Med, the Finance Officer (Project Finance) will:
• Report directly to the Head of Finance (SP).
• Work in parallel with the existing P1 Finance Officer, with a complementary division of tasks as assigned by the Head of Finance.
• Coordinate day-to-day financial follow-up with project managers and programme staff.
• Support and liaise with implementing partners/subgrantees on financial management, reporting and compliance.
• Coordinate with the Finance Assistant on transaction processing, reporting, audit, and documentation flows.

2. Major responsibilities

• Ensure high-quality financial management of projects in full compliance with IUCN policies and donor requirements.
• Support the preparation of accurate and timely financial reports to donors, including periodic and final financial statements.
• Contribute to the implementation of robust internal controls, effective budget monitoring, and proactive financial risk management across the project portfolio.
• Support internal and external audit processes and ensure timely follow-up and implementation of audit recommendations.
• Provide financial oversight and support to implementing partners and subgrantees, including due diligence assessments, contracting processes, financial report review and capacity strengthening.

3. Specific duties

3.1 Financial reporting, compliance and controls
• Support the implementation and continuous improvement of finance and accounting processes in coordination with the Head of Finance and Global Finance, ensuring compliance with IUCN policies and donor rules, and applicable statutory requirements in Spain.

• Prepare, review and submit interim and final donor financial reports in line with donor templates and contractual requirements, ensure accuracy, completeness, consistency with project records, and audit-readiness of all supporting documentation.

• Conduct regular budget monitoring and financial forecasting for assigned projects; advise project managers on budget utilization, burn rates, variances and emerging financial risks.

• Review supporting documents for expenditures (both IUCN and partner expenditures), ensuring eligibility, adequate supporting evidence, correct coding, and proper allocation to projects and budget lines.

• Contribute to monthly and year-end closing processes for assigned project accounts, including accruals, reconciliations, financial checklists, and supporting schedules, in accordance with internal deadlines and reporting requirements.

3.2 Audits and assurance
• Support and facilitate internal reviews and external audits related to projects, including donor-specific audits and statutory audits, where relevant.

• Act as the focal point for auditors for assigned projects, ensuring timely provision of supporting documentation and effective coordination with programme teams and implementing partners.

• Monitor and track audit findings and recommendations, and support the timely implementation of agreed corrective actions, in line with established deadlines.

3.3 Implementing partner and subgrant financial management
• Support due diligence and financial capacity assessments of prospective implementing partners and subgrantees, including review of financial systems, internal controls, and compliance risks.

• Contribute to the development of financial components of partner and subgrant agreements, including budgets, reporting templates, payment schedules, and provisions related to cost eligibility and documentation requirements.

• Review partner financial reports and supporting documentation; perform desk reviews and spot checks as required; follow up on deficiencies and agree on corrective actions.

• Provide practical guidance and, when relevant, training to partners on budgeting, cost eligibility, procurement documentation, internal control and financial reporting (in French and/or English as applicable).

• Coordinate the certification of partner expenditures where required by donors, including communication with external auditors engaged for partner expenditure verifications.

3.4 Budgeting and pipeline support
• Contribute to the preparation and revision of project budget, ensuring compliance with IUCN costing principles, internal financial policies, and donor regulations.

• Provide financial inputs for proposals, concept notes and budget negotiations, as requested by the Head of Finance, ensuring accuracy, and alignment with organizational standards.

4. Important note

These Terms of Reference describe the main responsibilities and expected deliverables of the role. In an evolving and dynamic organization, staff members are expected to demonstrate flexibility and undertake other duties reasonably assigned by their supervisor. Should additional responsibilities become a regular component of the position, the ToR will be reviewed and updated accordingly in consultation with the supervisor, the staff member and Human Resources.