Head of Program Finance

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center, is a non-profit, international organization established to address global agricultural challenges. Its mission is to enhance the productivity and sustainability of maize and wheat production systems, particularly in the Global South. CIMMYT works with a diverse range of partners to improve the livelihoods of resource-poor farmers and to contribute to a more resilient agrifood system. The organization operates in multiple countries, focusing on applied agricultural science and fostering partnerships to achieve its goals. CIMMYT is committed to gender equality and diversity in its workforce, promoting a multicultural environment.

Job Overview:
The Head of Program Finance will lead the Program Finance Management Unit (PFMU) at CIMMYT, overseeing the delivery of institutional program finance services. This role is crucial for providing strategic financial leadership and ensuring effective financial planning and management across various programs. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with Program Directors and senior management to enhance financial controls, compliance, and decision-making processes. The position requires a proactive approach to workforce planning and capability development, aiming for continuous improvement within the Program Finance framework. The role is based at CIMMYT's headquarters in Texcoco, State of Mexico, and is integral to the organization's mission of improving agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the Program Finance Management Unit (PFMU) and develop an effective 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 and standardization across programs to enhance operational efficiency.
• Lead workforce planning initiatives and capability development programs to build a high-performing finance team.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within Program Finance to optimize processes and outcomes.

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 financial portfolios.
• Strong skills in strategic finance, stakeholder management, governance, forecasting, and people leadership are essential.
• Experience in international, research, development, or donor-funded environments, particularly within ERP-based organizations, is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in a relevant field such as Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or Economics. Additionally, a professional accounting qualification (CPA, ACCA, CA, CMA, or equivalent) is preferred, indicating a high level of expertise in financial management and accounting principles.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 12 to 15 years of progressive experience in finance leadership roles. This experience should include working with donor-funded programs and managing complex financial portfolios. Candidates should demonstrate strong strategic finance capabilities, stakeholder management skills, and governance experience, particularly in international or development contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization. Proficiency in Spanish is highly desirable, given the location of the position and the organization's focus on the Global South. Additional languages may be beneficial but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered as an initial fixed-term contract for three years, with the possibility of extension based on performance and the availability of funding. CIMMYT offers an internationally competitive salary and benefits package, which includes a housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children's education, paid vacation, annual home travel airfare, contributions to a retirement plan, and generous relocation assistance. 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, encouraging women and diverse candidates to apply.