Senior Finance Manager

General

APOPO is seeking a highly skilled and results-driven Senior Finance Manager who can hit the ground running and bring immediate value to our expanding operations, particularly in Ukraine. This is a high-impact role requiring proven expertise in managing complex donor-funded finances in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.

APOPO is an innovative, international non-profit organization that uses the exceptional sense of smell of animals to detect landmines, tuberculosis, and other hazards. For over 27 years, APOPO has helped save lives and create sustainable change around the world. Learn more at www.apopo.org.

About the position

As Senior Finance Manager, you will ensure that APOPO’s financial activities align with donor requirements, internal policies, and international standards. You will play a critical role in financial compliance and reporting, supporting grant management, and strengthening systems and internal controls across APOPO’s expanding program in Ukraine and other regional locations.

You will collaborate closely across departments and countries to ensure financial accountability, mitigate risks, and support strategic decision-making through sound financial insights. You will also contribute to building the financial capacity of local teams and driving continuous improvement in financial systems and practices.

We are looking for a proactive and experienced professional who can quickly take ownership of financial oversight, lead systems improvements, and ensure robust donor compliance. This position requires a strong understanding of the donor landscape and experience working in dynamic, donor-funded environments.

This is an EU-based position with frequent travel to Ukraine and other regional offices. Flexibility in working hours is essential due to the geographic spread of APOPO’s operations.

Your profile

To be successful in this role, you should bring the following qualifications, skills, and experience:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in financial and/or grant management, including at least 3 years in the NGO or non-profit sector.
• Strong experience with donor-funded project management and reporting (e.g., UN, PM/WRA, EU, FCDO).
• Previous experience in the mine action sector or similarly regulated, donor-driven sectors is highly desirable.
• Experience with multi-country or regional financial oversight is highly desirable.
• Prior experience in financial management of mine action programs is an asset.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of international financial regulations, donor compliance, and accounting standards.
• Proficiency in budgeting, financial analysis, and reporting tools.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to implement and maintain effective internal controls.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage complex financial processes.
• Proficiency in financial software systems.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a global, multicultural team.

Languages

• High proficiency in spoken and written English.

Key responsibilities

Financial reporting and documentation

• Ensure accurate booking of financial transactions and maintain financial systems across programs.
• Prepare and verify financial reports, including budget-to-actual analyses.
• Maintain organized records of donor agreements and financial communications.

Donor compliance and risk management

• Interpret donor contracts and monitor compliance with internal and external requirements.
• Liaise with donors and partners and address financial queries.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement internal controls to reduce financial risks.

Grant management

• Provide oversight of financial management across grants and support budget development.
• Ensure proper documentation of expenses and alignment with donor requirements.
• Track financial progress and reporting across the grant pipeline.

Audits

• Facilitate internal and external audits in collaboration with finance teams and auditors.
• Provide required documentation and follow up on audit findings.

Capacity building and training

• Train local finance staff on financial policies, compliance standards, and best practices.
• Serve as a resource for financial compliance inquiries across the organization.

System improvement and efficiency

• Improve financial systems and processes for better alignment with donor and organizational needs.
• Lead implementation of financial software tools across APOPO program offices.

Budget creation and proposal management

• Support the drafting of grant proposals and ensure financial feasibility.
• Collaborate with program teams to create accurate and donor-compliant budgets.

Organizational values and safeguarding

• Promote APOPO’s values and uphold safeguarding and ethical standards in all activities.
• Contribute to an inclusive, diverse, and safe work environment for all.

What we offer

• A competitive salary and benefits package based on your location.
• A dynamic, collaborative, and multicultural work environment.
• A role with real responsibility and autonomy.
• The opportunity to contribute to life-saving, community-impacting projects.
• A dedicated and mission-driven team focused on innovation and results.