Program Finance Management Unit (PFMU) Lead

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to addressing future challenges today. Established to enhance the quantity, quality, and reliability of production systems for basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and related crops, CIMMYT employs applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South. The organization focuses on building strong partnerships to improve the livelihoods and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while striving for a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

Job Overview:
The Program Finance Management Unit (PFMU) Lead is a pivotal role within CIMMYT, responsible for overseeing institutional program finance service delivery and providing strategic financial leadership across various programs. This position collaborates closely with Program Directors and senior management to ensure effective financial planning, forecasting, portfolio performance monitoring, and donor financial management. The PFMU Lead is tasked with enhancing financial controls, compliance, standardization, and decision-making processes, while also leading workforce planning, capability development, and continuous improvement initiatives within the Program Finance framework. The role is critical in ensuring that financial operations align with CIMMYT's mission and objectives, thereby contributing to the overall success of the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the Program Finance Management Unit (PFMU) and develop an institutional program finance service delivery model.
• Provide strategic financial leadership and business partnering support to Program Directors and senior management.
• Oversee financial planning, forecasting, and portfolio performance monitoring to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Manage donor financial relationships and governance to maintain compliance and transparency.
• Strengthen financial controls, standardization, compliance, and financial decision-making processes across all programs.
• Lead workforce planning and capability development initiatives to enhance the skills and effectiveness of the Program Finance team.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within Program Finance to optimize processes and enhance service delivery.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field is required.
• A professional accounting qualification such as CPA, ACCA, CA, CMA, or equivalent is preferred.
• A minimum of 12–15 years of progressive finance leadership experience, particularly in donor-funded programs and managing complex portfolios.
• Strong skills in strategic finance, stakeholder management, governance, forecasting, and people leadership are essential.
• Preferable experience in international, research, development, or donor-funded environments, particularly within ERP-based organizations.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field. Additionally, a professional accounting qualification (CPA, ACCA, CA, CMA, or equivalent) is highly preferred, indicating a strong foundation in financial principles and practices.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have 12–15 years of progressive finance leadership experience, specifically in managing donor-funded programs and complex financial portfolios. This experience should include a proven track record of strategic finance management, stakeholder engagement, and governance, as well as the ability to lead teams effectively in a dynamic environment.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of CIMMYT's work. Additional languages may be beneficial, particularly those relevant to the regions in which CIMMYT operates.

Additional Notes:
This position is initially fixed-term for three (3) years, with the possibility of extension based on performance and the availability of funds. CIMMYT offers an internationally competitive salary and benefits package, which includes a housing allowance, a car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children's education, paid vacation, annual home travel airfare, contributions to a retirement plan, and generous support for relocation shipments. Applications must include a CV with contact details of three work-related references and a cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be considered, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer that promotes a multicultural work environment valuing gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity, encouraging women to apply.