Senior Programme Finance Officer

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It harnesses the experience, resources, and reach of its more than 1,400 Member organisations and the input of thousands of experts. IUCN is the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it.
Operating in more than 160 countries, IUCN supports conservation and sustainable development initiatives through scientific research, policy development, field programmes, partnerships, and grant-making mechanisms that enable investments in biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable development.

The Global Programme Operations Unit (GPOU) provides high-quality financial, operational, and administrative services that enable the effective design, implementation, monitoring, and delivery of IUCN's global conservation programme and project portfolio.
The Unit supports programme teams throughout the project lifecycle, including financial planning and analysis, budget development, donor compliance, contracting, procurement, project administration, financial reporting, and portfolio performance management. GPOU also leads business process improvements and systems initiatives aimed at strengthening financial stewardship, operational efficiency, and institutional accountability across the Secretariat.

The Senior Programme Finance Officer plays a key role in supporting the financial management and administration of assigned programme and project portfolios.
The position serves as a trusted finance business partner to programme managers and project teams, ensuring sound financial planning, donor compliance, effective resource utilisation, and accurate financial reporting. The incumbent will contribute to the development of financial tools, monitoring frameworks, management reports, and operational procedures that support evidence-based decision-making and effective programme delivery.

Working closely with Programme Finance Managers, Project Managers, regional finance teams, and implementing partners, the Senior Officer, Programme Finance supports project implementation across the full project cycle, from proposal development and contract negotiation through implementation, reporting, audit, and project closure.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Manager, Programme Finance and Operations, the Senior Officer, Programme Finance will undertake the following responsibilities:

1. Programme Financial Management

• Serve as the finance focal point for designated programme portfolios, providing proactive financial guidance and support to programme managers and technical teams.
• Support the preparation, consolidation, review, and monitoring of programme budgets, annual work plans, forecasts, and financial projections.
• Monitor expenditure trends, commitments, and budget utilisation, analysing variances and identifying financial risks, opportunities, and corrective actions.
• Support programme resource planning and cost recovery management, ensuring the appropriate allocation and recovery of direct and indirect costs.
• Prepare financial analyses, dashboards, and management reports that support programme performance monitoring and informed decision-making.
• Ensure the integrity, accuracy, and completeness of financial data across corporate systems and reporting platforms.
• Promote compliance with organisational financial procedures, time recording requirements, cost allocation methodologies, and internal control standards.
• Identify and escalate financial risks, compliance concerns, and operational issues in a timely manner.
  
  2. Project Financial Management and Donor Compliance
• Support project managers throughout the project lifecycle, including proposal development, budget preparation, implementation, reporting, audit coordination, and project closure.
• Review project budgets and financial plans to ensure alignment with donor regulations, contractual requirements, and IUCN policies and procedures.
• Support the financial management of projects funded by institutional donors, including the European Union (EU), BMUV/BMZ, bilateral and multilateral agencies, government institutions, foundations, and private sector partners.
• Prepare, review, and validate donor financial reports, ensuring accuracy, completeness, audit readiness, and timely submission.
• Monitor contractual financial obligations, reporting schedules, co-financing commitments, and budget utilisation across assigned projects.
• Coordinate project audits and financial verifications, including the preparation of supporting documentation, audit schedules, management responses, and follow-up actions.
• Ensure compliance with donor agreements, grant conditions, and organisational financial policies.
• Support financial oversight of implementing partners and subcontractors, including budget reviews, financial reporting, and compliance assessments.
• Collaborate closely with regional finance teams and programme staff to ensure consistency and quality in project financial management practices.
  
  3. Contract Management, Procurement, and Internal Compliance
• Support the financial review of contracts, grant agreements, consultancy agreements, and procurement processes.
• Verify the adequacy of project budgets, funding availability, and financial provisions before submission for internal approval.
• Coordinate with Legal, Procurement, Finance, and Programme teams to facilitate efficient contract and procurement workflows.
• Ensure adherence to IUCN policies, internal controls, delegated authorities, and donor-specific procurement requirements.
• Maintain comprehensive and audit-ready financial and contractual records in accordance with organisational standards and record-management requirements.
  
  4. Financial Systems, Reporting, and Process Improvement
• Ensure accurate and timely maintenance of financial information within corporate systems, including NAV/Business Central, Project Portal, and related platforms.
• Develop and enhance financial monitoring tools, reporting templates, dashboards, and analytical resources.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of process improvements aimed at increasing efficiency, transparency, and data quality.
• Support system testing, user acceptance processes, and the rollout of new financial and operational tools.
• Provide guidance and support to programme staff on financial procedures, reporting requirements, and system utilisation.
  
  5. Coordination, Capacity Building, and Business Partnering
• Foster strong working relationships with programme teams, regional offices, implementing partners, and corporate service functions.
• Provide day-to-day financial advice and guidance to project managers and technical staff.
• Support capacity-building initiatives by delivering training, coaching, and knowledge-sharing activities on financial management, donor compliance, and internal procedures.
• Promote best practices in project financial management and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across the Secretariat.
  
  6. Other Responsibilities
• Contribute to cross-functional initiatives and special projects undertaken by GPOU and the wider Secretariat.
• Perform any other duties consistent with the nature and level of the position as assigned by the Senior Manager, Programme Finance and Operations, the Head of Global Programme Operations, or other senior finance leadership.
• Actively contribute to a collaborative, service-oriented, and results-driven team culture.
  
  The above job description outlines the primary responsibilities and duties of the position. However, IUCN staff members are expected to demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in response to evolving organisational priorities. Staff may therefore be required to undertake additional responsibilities that are reasonably aligned with the scope, level, and purpose of the position. Any significant and permanent changes to responsibilities will be reflected through consultation with the employee and the Human Resources Management Group.