Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Job description

ABOUT WEST LUNGA CONSERVATION PROJECT AND OUR CULTURE
The West Lunga Conservation Project (WLCP) is a Zambian Registered Public Benefit Organisation working in the West Lunga Ecosystem (WLE) in the Northwestern Province of Zambia.  The mission of the organisation is to rehabilitate the ecological functions of the West Lunga Ecosystem and restore the complex of wildlife species that have become locally extinct or endangered, whilst preserving the integrity of the hydrological ecology and indigenous woodlands. This is a partnership project with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), Traditional Leaders and Community Governance Institutions.

The organisation works to achieve three main objectives:
a)       The natural resources of the WLE are well managed, with reducing drivers of ecosystem degradation;

b)      Effective conservation-based economies are developed, providing economic incentives for local communities to reduce drivers of ecosystem degradation and protect the WLE;

c)       Strong governance structures and partnerships are established to underpin effective and sustainable natural resource management.

WLCP are seeking professionals that align themselves with the goals of the organisation and will support the achievements of these objectives in conjunction with the existing team and our partners.

Find out more about us at: www.westlunga.org

A. JOB PURPOSE
The CFO is responsible for the financial leadership of the organization. This includes overseeing financial planning, budgeting, reporting, risk management, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. The position is a key strategic partner to the Park Manager and senior leadership team, providing insights and guidance to ensure the long-term financial health and management through applicable software systems of the organization.

B. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic Financial Management

Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with the organisation’s goals
Provide financial insights and projections to support long-term planning and decision-making

2. Financial Planning and Analysis

Prepare annual budgets and financial forecasts.
Monitor and analyse financial performance, identifying trends and areas for improvement

3. Reporting

Ensure timely and accurate financial reports for internal and external stakeholders in accordance with donor requirements
Oversee preparation of statutory financial statements and liaise with external auditors
Manage the fixed asset register and update accordingly
Reporting through financial management systems and software
 Ensure all supporting documentation is correctly compiled and filed

4. Cash Flow and Treasury Management

Manage the organization’s cash flow to ensure financial stability
Oversee investment strategies and capital structure

5. Compliance and Risk Management

Ensure compliance with all financial regulations, tax laws, and internal policies, including reporting for Zambian statutory regulations
Identify financial risks and implement mitigation measures

 6. Team Leadership

Lead and develop the finance team, ensuring high performance and professional growth
Foster a culture of accountability, integrity and excellence

7. Stakeholder Engagement

Liaise with investors, banks, auditors, regulators, and other key stakeholders
Represent the finance function at board meetings and other strategic forums
Prepare financial models and visual aids for meetings and reporting
Collaborate with management with the preparation of grant proposals and fund-raising initiatives

C. SPECIFIC JOB REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Professional accounting qualifications (e.g. ZICA, ACCA, CPA, CA etc)
Member of the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA)
Minimum 10 years of relevant financial experience, including senior leadership roles and a strong focus on audit procedures
Proven capability to manage SAGE Evolution will be added advantage.
Experience in conservation, park management and / or wildlife sector preferred
Strong knowledge of financial regulations and best practices
Non-profit donor reporting and grant knowledge preferable

D. TECHNICAL AND BEHAVIOURAL SKILLS

1.0 TECHNICAL

Strong experience with financial management, budgeting, procurement, stores management and financial / project tracking tools
Proficient in computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, Office, etc)
High degree of proficiency with SAGE Evolution
Able to develop and manage training manuals and SOPs
Self-motivated, innovative and able to develop and manage office administrative systems, team development
Excellent record keeping and report writing skills

2.0 PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Adaptable to a complex working environment with multiple stakeholders across diverse cultures and with numerous pressure points.
Bring a strategic perspective to the West Lunga Conservation Project.
Highly competent, organized and performance oriented.
Ability to work independently and remotely whilst also being part of the WLCP management team and help to develop the institutional culture.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and team leadership.
Good integrity, trustworthy and with respect to subordinates and superiors.
Hard working and willing to work long and irregular hours
Have a high level of personal and professional integrity
Maintain confidentiality

E. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Email your CV, one page cover letter and contact details for three references to: info@westlunga.org on or before 2nd September 2025
Indicate the subject line of the email: Job Application WLCP –Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted