FINANCE MANAGER

Job description

 1.0.       INTRODUCTION – WWF ZAMBIA

WWF is an independent conservation organization, with over 38 million followers and a global network active through local leadership in over 100 countries, WWF Zambia was established in 1962. Our mission is to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which people live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world’s biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.

 At its core, WWF Zambia envisions a future where both people and nature thrive. The organization works across key thematic areas: Biodiversity, Food Systems and Green Economy and Climate Action. WWF Zambia operates in three key landscapes: the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, the Kafue System, and the Upper Zambezi. These landscapes are critical for sustaining biodiversity, supporting livelihoods, and enhancing climate resilience. Driven by science, advocacy, and multi-sector partnerships, WWF Zambia catalyzes impactful solutions that ensure communities benefit from healthy ecosystems while safeguarding vital habitats for future generations. 

 WWF is hiring for the role listed below:

 2.0.             FINANCE MANAGER – 01 POSITION  

Location               :        Lusaka

2.1.    MAJOR FUNCTIONS

The Finance Manager leads the financial management function of WWF Zambia and serves as a strategic business partner to the Operations Director, Country Director, Conservation Directorate, Planning and Performance Directorate, and Programme Management teams. The position is responsible for ensuring effective financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, treasury management, grants financial oversight, risk management, internal controls, statutory compliance, and organisational financial sustainability.

The Finance Manager provides leadership in strengthening financial stewardship, supporting strategic resource allocation, improving operational efficiency, ensuring donor compliance, and enabling informed decision-making through timely financial analysis and reporting. The role also contributes to organisational performance management, resource mobilisation efforts, risk management, and continuous improvement of financial systems and processes. 

2.2.    MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 Strategic Financial Leadership and Stewardship

•  Lead the implementation of WWF Zambia’s financial management strategy in support of the Country Strategic Plan and Operational Strategic Plan (OSP);
• Provide strategic financial advice to the Operations Director, Country Director, Leadership Team, and programme managers on organisational performance and resource utilisation;
• Support organisational decision-making through financial analysis, scenario modelling, forecasting, and performance insights;
• Lead the development and monitoring of financial sustainability strategies, cost recovery mechanisms, and unrestricted income management;
• Ensure efficient allocation and utilisation of organisational resources in line with strategic priorities;
• Contribute to organisational risk management, governance, and business continuity planning;
• Participate actively in Leadership Team meetings and organisational performance reviews.

 Financial Planning, Budgeting and Forecasting

• Lead the preparation and consolidation of annual organisational budgets and multi-year financial plans;
• Coordinate development of programme, project, landscape, and departmental budgets;
• Lead quarterly forecasting and financial re-planning processes across the Country Office;
• Monitor budget performance and provide timely variance analysis and management recommendations;
• Ensure alignment between operational plans, programme implementation plans, and financial resources;
• Support proposal development processes through review and quality assurance of donor budgets and cost recovery calculations;
• Develop financial scenarios and funding projections to support strategic decision-making.

 Financial Reporting and Business Performance Management

• Ensure timely preparation and submission of monthly(internal), quarterly, annual, donor, and WWF Network financial reports;
• Produce high-quality management accounts and financial performance dashboards for decision-making particularly to CLT;
• Lead financial analysis of programme performance, burn rates, expenditure trends, and cost recovery;
• Monitor financial health indicators and organisational performance metrics;
• Provide actionable financial insights to support programme delivery and operational efficiency;
• Ensure accurate and timely reconciliation of all balance sheet accounts;
• Maintain integrity, completeness, and reliability of financial data and records

 Grants Financial Management and Donor Compliance

• Provide strategic oversight of project and grant financial management across the Country Office;
• Work closely with the Grants Manager and Project Finance Lead to ensure integrated grants management processes;
• Ensure compliance with donor financial regulations, grant agreements, and WWF policies;
• Review donor budgets, financial reports, cost allocations, and expenditure eligibility;
• Monitor grant implementation performance and identify financial risks requiring management attention;
• Ensure timely donor financial reporting and fund requests;
• Support project close-outs, donor audits, and grant reconciliations;
• Strengthen organisational capacity in donor financial management and compliance.

 Internal Controls, Risk Management and Compliance

• Maintain a robust internal control environment across all WWF Zambia operations;
• Ensure compliance with WWF Network Standards, Field Operations Manual, financial policies, donor requirements, and applicable legislation;
• Lead periodic reviews of financial controls and risk mitigation measures;
• Coordinate implementation of fraud prevention, anti-corruption, and ethical business practices;
• Monitor organisational financial risks and develop mitigation strategies;
• Ensure compliance with taxation, statutory reporting, employment-related financial obligations, and regulatory requirements;
• Support enterprise risk management processes and control assessments.

 Treasury, Cash Flow and Financial Operations

• Oversee treasury management, banking relationships, cash flow planning, and liquidity management;
• Ensure timely processing of payments, payroll, receivables, and financial transactions;
• Monitor foreign exchange exposure and recommend mitigation measures where necessary;
• Ensure effective management of working capital and donor fund utilisation;
• Oversee cash management practices across projects and field operations;
• Ensure accurate maintenance of financial systems and accounting records.

 Audit, Assurance and Continuous Improvement

• Coordinate external audits, donor audits, internal audits, and compliance reviews;
• Ensure timely implementation of audit recommendations and management actions;
• Strengthen organisational accountability through continuous monitoring and quality assurance processes;
• Promote continuous improvement of financial systems, processes, and controls;
• Contribute to financial policy reviews and updates as required.

 People Leadership and Team Development

• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop finance staff to achieve high performance and professional growth.
• Establish clear performance objectives and accountability mechanisms for supervised staff;
• Promote a culture of customer service, collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement;
• Build financial management capacity among budget holders and programme managers;
• Ensure succession planning and capability development within the finance function;
• Foster teamwork and effective collaboration across departments and landscapes.

 Resource Mobilisation and Strategic Partnerships

• Support development of funding proposals through financial modelling, budgeting, and compliance review;
• Provide financial due diligence support for new funding opportunities and partnerships;
• Contribute to donor engagement discussions related to financial management and stewardship;
• Strengthen confidence among donors and partners through strong financial accountability practices.

 Other Duties

• Ensure supervised staff perform according to approved job descriptions and work plans;
• Provide technical guidance and support to staff and programme teams;
• Perform periodic assessments of departmental effectiveness and service delivery;
• Undertake any other duties assigned by the Operations Director or Country Director

 2.3.    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• University Degree in Finance, Accounting, Commerce, Business Administration, Economics, or related field;
• Professional accounting qualification such as ACCA, CIMA, CPA, CA Zambia, or equivalent;
• Membership of the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA);
• Minimum 10 years progressive experience in finance and accounting, with at least 5 years in a senior finance leadership position;
• Demonstrated experience managing complex donor-funded programmes and grants;
• Experience in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, compliance, and risk management;
• Experience working in international NGOs, development organisations, or similarly complex institutions;
• Strong understanding of donor regulations including EU, USAID, FCDO, GCF, GEF, KfW, SIDA and other major development partners;
• Experience using enterprise financial systems and business intelligence reporting tools.

2.4.    REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

• Strong strategic financial leadership and business partnering capability;
• Excellent analytical, planning, forecasting, and problem-solving skills;
• Demonstrated ability to influence decision-making at senior management level;
• Strong understanding of internal controls, governance, risk management, and compliance;
• Excellent communication and presentation skills;
• Strong people leadership, coaching, and team development capability;
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a complex environment;
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability;
• Commitment to WWF’s values of Courage, Integrity, Respect and Collaboration.

 Working Relationships

 Internal

 Works closely with the Operations Director, Country Director, Conservation Director, Planning Performance and Strategic Engagement Director, Grants Manager, Chief Accountant, Project Finance Lead, Landscape Managers, Programme Coordinators, Resource Acquisition Manager, MEAL team, Procurement and Administration team, People and Culture team, WWF Africa Regional Office, and other WWF Network offices.

 External

Maintains productive relationships with donors, auditors, financial institutions, regulatory authorities, consultants, implementing partners, government institutions, service providers, and other stakeholders as required.

 3.0.    EMBODIMENT OF WWF GLOBAL BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

 Interested persons should have interest and align themselves with the WWF’s organization core values which are: Courage, Integrity, Respect & Collaboration

 APPLICATIONS

Applications, consisting of a cover letter, a detailed CV outlining relevant qualifications and experience, and at least three (03) referees (including a current or previous employer), together with copies of academic and professional qualifications certified by the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA), should be submitted via email to wwfcareers@wwfzam.org.

 Please indicate the position you are applying for in the subject line of your email.

The closing date for applications is 2nd September, 2026 at 18:00 hours.

Applications received after the closure date and time will not be considered and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.