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Grants Finance Officer
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BACKGROUND
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It harnesses the experience, resources, and reach of its more than 1,400 Member organisations and the input of thousands of experts. IUCN is the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it.
Operating in more than 160 countries, IUCN supports conservation and sustainable development initiatives through scientific research, policy development, field programmes, partnerships, and grant-making mechanisms that enable investments in biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable development.
The Global Programme Operations Unit (GPOU) provides high-quality financial, operational, administrative, and grants management services that support the effective implementation of IUCN's global programme portfolio. The Unit works closely with programme teams, regional offices, donors, implementing partners, and grant recipients to ensure effective financial stewardship, compliance, accountability, and operational excellence.
The Grants Finance Officer plays a key role in supporting the financial management, compliance, monitoring, and administration of IUCN grant-making programmes. The position provides financial oversight throughout the grant lifecycle, including grant design, applicant assessment, budget review, due diligence, grant award, monitoring, reporting, audit coordination, and closure.
Working closely with programme managers, regional finance teams, grant recipients, donors, implementing partners, and corporate service functions, the Grants Finance Officer helps ensure that grant funds are managed effectively, risks are appropriately identified and mitigated, donor requirements are met, and financial reporting is accurate, timely, and compliant with IUCN policies and procedures.
Operating in more than 160 countries, IUCN supports conservation and sustainable development initiatives through scientific research, policy development, field programmes, partnerships, and grant-making mechanisms that enable investments in biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable development.
The Global Programme Operations Unit (GPOU) provides high-quality financial, operational, administrative, and grants management services that support the effective implementation of IUCN's global programme portfolio. The Unit works closely with programme teams, regional offices, donors, implementing partners, and grant recipients to ensure effective financial stewardship, compliance, accountability, and operational excellence.
The Grants Finance Officer plays a key role in supporting the financial management, compliance, monitoring, and administration of IUCN grant-making programmes. The position provides financial oversight throughout the grant lifecycle, including grant design, applicant assessment, budget review, due diligence, grant award, monitoring, reporting, audit coordination, and closure.
Working closely with programme managers, regional finance teams, grant recipients, donors, implementing partners, and corporate service functions, the Grants Finance Officer helps ensure that grant funds are managed effectively, risks are appropriately identified and mitigated, donor requirements are met, and financial reporting is accurate, timely, and compliant with IUCN policies and procedures.
JOB DESCRIPTION
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the supervision of the Senior Finance Officer, the Grants Finance Officer will be responsible for the following:
1. Grants Financial Management and Oversight
• Provide financial management support to assigned grant-making programmes and serve as the principal finance focal point for designated programme teams.
• Support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of financial management systems, procedures, and controls for grant-making operations.
• Monitor grant portfolios to ensure compliance with approved budgets, donor requirements, grant agreements, and IUCN policies and procedures.
• Support financial planning, forecasting, budget monitoring, expenditure analysis, and grant portfolio performance reviews.
• Ensure accurate and timely recording of grant-related financial information within relevant financial and grants management systems.
• Monitor grant expenditure, commitments, and fund utilisation, identifying emerging financial risks and recommending corrective actions where necessary.
• Support the timely closure of grants and grant-making programmes, ensuring completion of all financial and contractual obligations.
2. Grants Administration and Compliance
• Ensure compliance with donor regulations, grant agreements, internal policies, and applicable financial and administrative procedures throughout the grant lifecycle.
• Maintain effective oversight of grant documentation, financial records, agreements, reporting schedules, and audit requirements.
• Coordinate and monitor grant-related contractual processes, including internal agreements, grant agreements, implementing partner contracts, consultancy agreements, and amendments.
• Support the preparation, review, and maintenance of grant operational manuals, guidance documents, templates, and procedures.
• Provide guidance to programme teams and grantees on financial policies, procedures, eligibility rules, and reporting requirements.
• Ensure that grant management processes are implemented consistently and transparently across assigned programmes.
3. Financial Due Diligence and Risk Management
• Conduct financial due diligence assessments of grant applicants and prospective grantees prior to grant award.
• Review organisational capacities, financial systems, governance structures, internal controls, and financial health of applicant organisations.
• Identify financial, operational, compliance, and fiduciary risks associated with grant recipients.
• Develop and recommend risk mitigation measures and monitoring plans for identified risks.
• Monitor grantee compliance throughout implementation and escalate significant concerns as appropriate.
• Contribute to the strengthening of risk management frameworks and due diligence methodologies for grant-making programmes.
4. Budget Review and Financial Reporting
• Review and assess grant application budgets to ensure realism, cost-effectiveness, eligibility, and compliance with donor and IUCN requirements.
• Collaborate with programme technical teams during proposal evaluations to assess financial viability and budget quality.
• Review grantee financial reports and supporting documentation, providing feedback and recommendations as required.
• Support the preparation and consolidation of donor financial reports and management reports for grant-making programmes.
• Monitor reporting deadlines and ensure the timely submission of financial reports by grant recipients and programme teams.
• Produce financial analyses and portfolio reports to support programme management and decision-making.
5. Audit Coordination and Assurance
• Coordinate grant-related audits, financial verifications, and compliance reviews.
• Support the preparation and organisation of financial documentation required for audits and donor reviews.
• Liaise with auditors, programme teams, grantees, regional finance staff, and other stakeholders throughout audit processes.
• Track audit findings and support implementation of corrective actions and recommendations.
• Promote audit readiness across grant-making programmes through effective record keeping and compliance monitoring.
6. Systems, Processes, and Capacity Building
• Ensure accurate maintenance of grants-related information within organisational systems including NAV/Business Central, Project Portal, Grants Portal, and other relevant platforms.
• Contribute to the development and enhancement of grant management systems, tools, dashboards, and reporting mechanisms.
• Support process improvement initiatives aimed at increasing efficiency, transparency, compliance, and financial accountability.
• Deliver training and capacity-building support to programme staff, grant recipients, and other stakeholders on grants financial management and compliance requirements.
• Promote best practices in grant financial management throughout the Secretariat.
Other Responsibilities
• Contribute to cross-functional initiatives and special projects undertaken by GPOU and the wider Secretariat.
• Undertake other responsibilities reasonably assigned by the Senior Finance Officer, Head of Global Programme Operations, or senior management.
• Support the achievement of broader departmental objectives and contribute to a collaborative and service-oriented team culture.
Under the supervision of the Senior Finance Officer, the Grants Finance Officer will be responsible for the following:
1. Grants Financial Management and Oversight
• Provide financial management support to assigned grant-making programmes and serve as the principal finance focal point for designated programme teams.
• Support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of financial management systems, procedures, and controls for grant-making operations.
• Monitor grant portfolios to ensure compliance with approved budgets, donor requirements, grant agreements, and IUCN policies and procedures.
• Support financial planning, forecasting, budget monitoring, expenditure analysis, and grant portfolio performance reviews.
• Ensure accurate and timely recording of grant-related financial information within relevant financial and grants management systems.
• Monitor grant expenditure, commitments, and fund utilisation, identifying emerging financial risks and recommending corrective actions where necessary.
• Support the timely closure of grants and grant-making programmes, ensuring completion of all financial and contractual obligations.
2. Grants Administration and Compliance
• Ensure compliance with donor regulations, grant agreements, internal policies, and applicable financial and administrative procedures throughout the grant lifecycle.
• Maintain effective oversight of grant documentation, financial records, agreements, reporting schedules, and audit requirements.
• Coordinate and monitor grant-related contractual processes, including internal agreements, grant agreements, implementing partner contracts, consultancy agreements, and amendments.
• Support the preparation, review, and maintenance of grant operational manuals, guidance documents, templates, and procedures.
• Provide guidance to programme teams and grantees on financial policies, procedures, eligibility rules, and reporting requirements.
• Ensure that grant management processes are implemented consistently and transparently across assigned programmes.
3. Financial Due Diligence and Risk Management
• Conduct financial due diligence assessments of grant applicants and prospective grantees prior to grant award.
• Review organisational capacities, financial systems, governance structures, internal controls, and financial health of applicant organisations.
• Identify financial, operational, compliance, and fiduciary risks associated with grant recipients.
• Develop and recommend risk mitigation measures and monitoring plans for identified risks.
• Monitor grantee compliance throughout implementation and escalate significant concerns as appropriate.
• Contribute to the strengthening of risk management frameworks and due diligence methodologies for grant-making programmes.
4. Budget Review and Financial Reporting
• Review and assess grant application budgets to ensure realism, cost-effectiveness, eligibility, and compliance with donor and IUCN requirements.
• Collaborate with programme technical teams during proposal evaluations to assess financial viability and budget quality.
• Review grantee financial reports and supporting documentation, providing feedback and recommendations as required.
• Support the preparation and consolidation of donor financial reports and management reports for grant-making programmes.
• Monitor reporting deadlines and ensure the timely submission of financial reports by grant recipients and programme teams.
• Produce financial analyses and portfolio reports to support programme management and decision-making.
5. Audit Coordination and Assurance
• Coordinate grant-related audits, financial verifications, and compliance reviews.
• Support the preparation and organisation of financial documentation required for audits and donor reviews.
• Liaise with auditors, programme teams, grantees, regional finance staff, and other stakeholders throughout audit processes.
• Track audit findings and support implementation of corrective actions and recommendations.
• Promote audit readiness across grant-making programmes through effective record keeping and compliance monitoring.
6. Systems, Processes, and Capacity Building
• Ensure accurate maintenance of grants-related information within organisational systems including NAV/Business Central, Project Portal, Grants Portal, and other relevant platforms.
• Contribute to the development and enhancement of grant management systems, tools, dashboards, and reporting mechanisms.
• Support process improvement initiatives aimed at increasing efficiency, transparency, compliance, and financial accountability.
• Deliver training and capacity-building support to programme staff, grant recipients, and other stakeholders on grants financial management and compliance requirements.
• Promote best practices in grant financial management throughout the Secretariat.
Other Responsibilities
• Contribute to cross-functional initiatives and special projects undertaken by GPOU and the wider Secretariat.
• Undertake other responsibilities reasonably assigned by the Senior Finance Officer, Head of Global Programme Operations, or senior management.
• Support the achievement of broader departmental objectives and contribute to a collaborative and service-oriented team culture.
REQUIREMENTS
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• Technical Competencies • Strong knowledge of grant financial management, budgeting, financial monitoring, cost eligibility assessment, donor compliance, and financial reporting. • Sound understanding of grant-making processes and grant lifecycle management. • Knowledge of financial controls, fiduciary risk assessment, internal control frameworks, and audit requirements. • Ability to review and interpret grant agreements, donor regulations, and contractual requirements. • Strong analytical and financial problem-solving skills with the ability to identify trends, risks, and areas requiring corrective action. • Core Competencies • Excellent organizational and planning skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines. • Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and quality. • Ability to work independently while maintaining effective collaboration across multidisciplinary and geographically dispersed teams. • Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain financial matters to non-financial audiences. • Proactive, results-oriented, and solution-focused approach to work. • High standards of integrity, professionalism, confidentiality, and accountability. • Demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration, and respect for others. • Education • University degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field. • A recognized professional accounting qualification (e.g. ACCA, CPA, CIMA, CA, or equivalent) is highly desirable. • Additional qualifications in grants management, project management, auditing, compliance, or risk management would be an advantage. • Professional Experience • Minimum five (5) years of relevant professional experience in finance, grants management, project finance, donor-funded projects, or financial administration within an international organization, NGO, development agency, foundation, or similar environment. • Demonstrated experience supporting grant-making programmes and managing grants throughout the grant lifecycle. • Experience conducting financial due diligence, risk assessments, and compliance reviews of partner organizations or grant recipients. • Experience reviewing and assessing project and grant budgets. • Experience preparing or reviewing donor financial reports and coordinating grant-related audits. • Familiarity with bilateral and multilateral donor regulations and reporting requirements. • Experience working with multiple stakeholders, including programme teams, grant recipients, implementing partners, consultants, and donors. • Experience working in multicultural and geographically dispersed environments. • Knowledge of conservation, international development, humanitarian, or environmental sectors would be an asset. • Language Skills • Excellent command of written and spoken English is essential. • Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish is highly desirable. • Additional language skills relevant to IUCN's global operations would be considered an asset. • Computer and Technical Skills • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including financial analysis, complex formulas, pivot tables, data validation, and financial reporting. • Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. • Experience using ERP and financial management systems, preferably Microsoft Dynamics NAV and/or Business Central. • Familiarity with grants management platforms, project management systems, and workflow management tools. • Strong capability in financial data analysis, reporting, and dashboard development. • Experience working with databases, reporting tools, and business intelligence applications (e.g. Power BI) would be an advantage. • Ability to quickly learn and effectively use new systems and digital tools. • Preferred Profile A finance professional with strong grants management experience who combines technical financial expertise, donor compliance knowledge, risk assessment capabilities, and strong stakeholder engagement skills to ensure the effective stewardship of grant funds and the successful delivery of IUCN's conservation programmes. |
SALARY
The gross annual salary for this position is between CHF 86'330 and CHF 107'913, subject to deductions for social security contributions and second-pillar pension, and before tax. While this is an indicative amount effective as of the current date, changes may occur as per IUCN's compensation practices without prior notice. The same applies to other organisations hosted by IUCN.
APPLICATIONS
Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button.
Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.
Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: https://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/
About IUCN
IUCN is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. It provides public, private and non-governmental organisations with the knowledge and tools that enable human progress, economic development and nature conservation to take place together.
Created in 1948, IUCN is now the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and around 16,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. Its broad membership enables IUCN to fill the role of incubator and trusted repository of best practices, tools and international standards.
IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples organisations and others can work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.
Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. Combining the latest science with the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve people’s well-being.
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