Finance Manager

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is the implementing agency of the Federal Republic of Germany for technical and international cooperation. It offers flexible, sustainable and effective solutions in political, economic and social change processes. Most of the work of GIZ is commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). GIZ also operates on behalf of other German ministries as well as public and private bodies in Germany and abroad. These include the European Commission, the United Nations, the World Bank and governments of other countries.

The Programme “Strengthening Good Financial Governance in Zambia (GFG)” is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the European Union (EU), and previously the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Its objective is to strengthen public financial management in Zambia. The programme “Just and Climate Resilient Urban Development and Decentralization in Zambia” aims to strengthen institutional capacities at the municipal level to promote just and climate resilient urban development. The aim is to ensure that selected cities in Zambia are better able to implement innovative approaches to urban development. At the same time, the impact of climate change and social justice are being addressed.

The Finance Manager is responsible for supporting the execution of the financial management processes in accordance with GIZ policies and rules to ensure accountable and transparent management of the two programmes funds as part of the Finance and Administration team. In this context, the projects are looking for a suitable candidate to fill the position of Finance Manager for both projects.

Finance Manager – Band 4 (based in Lusaka)  

REF: GIZ_FM_GFG_UD4D

Main Tasks

Compliance Advice

Provide professional, target-oriented guidance to Program Director (PD) and Component Leads (CL) to ensure compliance with processes and rules (PuR) in the administrative and commercial management of the project
Support the preparation, execution, and follow-up of external audits and internal controls
Assist in revising the project’s financial processes as needed to ensure compliance and efficiency

Coordination with HQ on Finance and Regulatory Issues

Act as the key point of contact between the project and headquarters for finance and regulatory matters
Ensure smooth communication regarding any finance-related issues, including compliance with internal financial regulations and external regulatory requirements.
Collaborate with HQ to resolve any financial or regulatory issues that arise during the project lifecycle

Expenditure Plan Management

Collaborate with the PD and CLs to update and monitor expenditure plans and support CLs in reporting on their operational budgets on a monthly basis.
Track project costs, expenditures, and receivables to ensure financial targets are met within existing constraints

Financial Reporting

Produce regular financial reports and manage onsite reporting
Oversee cost per output monitoring and forecasting (KOMP), ensuring that the financial performance aligns with project goals
Lead monthly finance monitoring meetings to review financial status, discuss key issues, and update stakeholders on any necessary actions or adjustments

Reporting to Co-Financiers

Prepare and submit reports to co-financiers, ensuring that financial details, progress, and outcomes are effectively communicated
Maintain ongoing communication with co-financiers to ensure alignment and compliance with their requirements

Other Tasks

Oversee financial and budget planning for the project, including the procurement of goods, services, grants, and financing contracts
Provide expert advice to project staff regarding contractual matters, ensuring that all legal and financial aspects are properly managed
Support project staff and facilitate coordination and communication with GIZ country office in contractual matters
Help with preparing the final invoice for completed project phases, ensuring that all deliverables and contractual terms are reflected accurately
Assist in calculating and preparing change offers, ensuring adjustments are correctly accounted for
Where appropriate and reasonable, the position holder is willing to perform tasks outside the scope of the job description

Qualifications and Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accountancy or finance
Master’s degree in accountancy or finance is an added advantage
Professional qualification in ACCA/CA or CIMA
Must be a registered member of the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA)
Applicants are expected to have their academic certificates certified by Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA)

Professional experience

Minimum of five (5) years’ relevant experience in financial management, ideally of aid-financed projects with various clients and in-depth implementation knowledge in the financial management of (EU) co-financed projects
Several years of experience in project expenditure monitoring, financial and budget planning and the implementation of service, grant and financing contracts

Other knowledge and additional competences 

Very good implementation skills in common digital financial applications (SAP knowledge an asset)
Proven skills in terms of precision of work results and discipline, resilience
Must possess very good communication and social skills
Readiness to share challenges proactively and openly as well as willingness to receive constructive feedback
Willingness to work in international teams

The successful candidate will be expected to start employment with GIZ, on a fixed term contract.

Application deadline: 25 May 2025

Please understand, that we can only accept and process applications via our E-recruiting system. Applications should meet the following criteria:

Cover letter quoting the reference: REF: GIZ_FM_GFG_UD4D must be uploaded using font type Arial, size 11. In the first paragraph, please outline your motivation for applying for the position. In the second paragraph, outline your experience in the position.
CVs must be submitted in PDF not exceeding three (3) pages. Do not indicate your marital status, religion, political affiliation or insert your photo.
Certificates, qualifications, etc. must not be attached to the application.
Traceable references of previous engagements must be provided.

GIZ is a signatory of the Diversity Charter. Recognition, appreciation and inclusion of diversity in the company are important to us. All employees shall be valued – regardless of gender and gender identity, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, disability, social background or age.

GIZ would like to increase the proportion of employees with disability. People with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.