Senior Finance Business Partner

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. Established as a core CGIAR Research Center, CIMMYT focuses on improving the quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science. The organization operates primarily in the Global South, building strong partnerships to enhance the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers. CIMMYT is committed to creating a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries, while also working towards reducing poverty, enhancing nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food and nutrition security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and improving natural resources. For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

Job Overview:
The Senior Finance Business Partner role is crucial for supporting assigned programs and scientific leadership with comprehensive financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, portfolio analysis, and strategic decision support. This position entails providing end-to-end financial oversight throughout the grant lifecycle, which includes proposal development, implementation, donor reporting, and closeout processes. The role also involves identifying and managing financial risks, addressing funding gaps, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. Additionally, the Senior Finance Business Partner will mentor junior finance staff and support the delivery of standardized program finance services, ensuring that financial operations align with the organization's goals and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Finance Business Partner will serve as the primary financial advisor to assigned programs and scientific leadership. Key responsibilities include:

• Providing comprehensive financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and portfolio analysis to support program objectives.
• Leading financial oversight throughout the entire grant lifecycle, which encompasses proposal development, implementation, donor reporting, and closeout activities.
• Identifying and managing financial risks, addressing funding gaps, and ensuring compliance with relevant financial regulations and donor requirements.
• Mentoring and guiding junior finance staff to enhance their skills and support the delivery of standardized program finance services.
• Collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure effective financial management and reporting.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field. A professional accounting qualification is preferred. Additionally, candidates should have strong analytical, communication, stakeholder management, and financial modeling skills. Experience in supporting complex multi-project portfolios and working within ERP-based financial environments is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English, with an advanced level (C1) being mandatory.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field. A professional accounting qualification is highly preferred, as it indicates a deeper understanding of financial principles and practices that are essential for the role.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have 8–10 years of experience in financial management, particularly in donor-funded programs. This experience should encompass budgeting, forecasting, and business partnering, demonstrating a strong ability to navigate complex financial landscapes and support programmatic goals effectively.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, with an advanced level (C1) required to ensure effective communication and collaboration within the organization and with external stakeholders. While not mandatory, proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if it enhances communication with diverse partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package that includes support for continuous professional development. In addition to the provisions of the Mexican Labor Law, the benefits package includes a year-end bonus equivalent to 40 days, a vacation premium of 56%, life and medical insurance, supermarket coupons, a savings fund, and social benefits as per Mexican regulations (IMSS, SAR / Infonavit). It is important to note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for further steps in the recruitment process. Foreign national candidates must possess the legal documents required to work in Mexico. CIMMYT is committed to fostering a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity.