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 for basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, and millets. The organization operates primarily in the Global South, fostering partnerships that enhance the livelihoods of resource-poor farmers and contribute to a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system. CIMMYT is committed to 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, making it a pivotal player in global agricultural research and development. 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-making 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 facilitate the delivery of standardized program finance services, ensuring that financial operations align with organizational goals and donor requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as the senior finance business partner to assigned programs and scientific leadership, ensuring alignment with financial strategies and objectives.
• Provide comprehensive financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and portfolio analysis to support programmatic goals.
• Lead financial oversight throughout the grant lifecycle, including the development of proposals, implementation of projects, donor reporting, and the closeout of grants.
• Identify and manage financial risks, funding gaps, and compliance issues to safeguard the organization’s financial integrity.
• Mentor and guide junior finance staff, fostering their professional development and enhancing the overall capacity of the finance team.
• Support the delivery of standardized program finance services, ensuring consistency and efficiency in financial operations across programs.

Required Qualifications:
• A Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field is required. • A professional accounting qualification is preferred, demonstrating a high level of expertise in financial management. • Candidates should possess 8–10 years of experience in financial management, particularly in donor-funded programs, budgeting, forecasting, and business partnering. • Strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities, and effective stakeholder management are essential. • Proficiency in financial modeling and experience in supporting complex multi-project portfolios and ERP-based financial environments are highly desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field. A professional accounting qualification is preferred, indicating a solid foundation in financial principles and practices.

Experience:
The position requires 8–10 years of relevant experience in financial management, particularly within donor-funded programs. Candidates should have a proven track record in budgeting, forecasting, and business partnering, with experience in managing complex financial environments and multi-project portfolios.

Languages:
A high level of proficiency in English (C1) is mandatory for this position, ensuring effective communication and collaboration with international stakeholders. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

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 consideration. Foreign national candidates must possess the legal documentation required to work in Mexico. This position will remain open until filled, and CIMMYT is committed to fostering a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity.