JOB DETAILS:

Main Functions

The Financial Specialist will provide technical expertise to develop and implement financial
policies and procedures to the NPHI’s financial operations and governance framework. The
Scholar will ensure that financial processes align with international best practices and Country’s  financial regulations

Specific Responsibilities

• Conducting assessments of existing financial policies and procedures
• Developing a comprehensive financial management manual for the NPHI, that includes budgeting, accounting, disbursement and auditing, ensuring compliance with Member State’s regulations, international best practices and donor compliance requirements if applicable.
• Ensuring compliance with Member State’s regulations international .
• Working with finance teams to incorporate, institutionalize and strengthen budgeting, reporting, disbursement and auditing procedures.
• Providing training and capacity building for financial teams.
• Establish and embed internal controls to mitigate financial risk, prevent fraud, and strengthen transparency and accountability across all financial transactions.
• Develop or incorporate a financial risk management plan, including internal controls.
• Engaging key stakeholders to ensure financial sustainability and accountability
• Advise senior leadership on strategies for improving financial sustainability, including resource mobilization planning, cost-recovery strategies, and donor engagement.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• Master’s or doctoral degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Professional certification (CPA, ACCA, or CFA) is an advantage.
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in financial management, auditing, or policy development.
• Experience developing and implementing financial systems, policies, and manuals in accordance with national regulations and international best practices is an advantage.

Required Skills

• Experience in financial planning, budgeting, and risk management within the public sector or development contexts.
• Knowledge of public financial management systems in Africa.
• Experience engaging with government agencies and policymakers.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex financial information into accessible formats for non-finance audiences.
• Understanding of international accounting and financial reporting standards (e.g. IPSAS, IFRS) and their application in government or donor-funded programs.
• Ability to conduct financial gap analysis and propose strategic solutions.
• Strong understanding of public financial policies and compliance frameworks.
• Ability to draft high-quality financial manuals and strategic documents.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and coordination skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and emotional intelligence – including the flexibility to remain on standby and deploy at short notice into unfamiliar or rapidly evolving situations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to operate in multicultural environments.
• Capacity to work independently with a high degree of initiative, while maintaining effective collaboration within multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.
• Excellent knowledge of at least one African Union Working language (English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, Swahili).
• Knowledge of two or more other African Union working languages would be an added advantage.