Finance Business Partner

Overall Purpose of the Job

The Finance Business Partner (FBP) provides financial planning, analysis, budgeting, reporting and business partnering support to country programmes, projects and Global Support Hub stakeholders. Working closely with Country Leads, Country Finance Managers, Project Directors and Finance colleagues, the role supports sound financial management, donor compliance and effective decision-making across assigned countries and donor-funded projects.

The incumbent provides financial insight, analysis and recommendations to support planning, forecasting and performance management activities. The role contributes to the consistent application of financial policies, processes and reporting standards, while supporting stakeholders to identify and address financial risks, variances and operational challenges.

The Finance Business Partner operates within established organisational policies, procedures and donor requirements, and collaborates with stakeholders across the organisation to support financial sustainability, reporting accuracy and programme effectiveness.

Key Performance Areas

Country Programme Financial Analysis and Management Support

• Support Country Leads and Country Finance Managers in the preparation, monitoring and maintenance of country and project budgets.
• Review budget performance, expenditure trends and forecasts, and provide financial analysis and recommendations to support operational decision-making.
• Assist country teams in maintaining accurate and up-to-date financial information within organisational planning and reporting systems.
• Monitor actual expenditure against approved budgets and identify variances, risks and areas requiring management attention.
• Conduct financial reviews with country finance teams and support the identification of appropriate corrective measures where required.
• Support the preparation and maintenance of expenditure forecasts and financial projections.
• Develop and maintain financial reports, dashboards and planning tools that support effective programme and project management.
• Provide cross-functional guidance, technical support and coaching to Country Finance Managers and finance staff across assigned countries to promote consistency in financial management practices and reporting standards.
• Facilitate collaboration and information sharing amongst country finance teams and escalate significant risks, issues or concerns to senior finance leadership as appropriate.
• Support the assessment of finance capacity and capability within country teams and contribute recommendations for improvement and development.
• Assist with the preparation and review of monthly, quarterly and ad hoc country and project financial reports.
• Maintain effective working relationships with Country Finance Managers and key stakeholders to support accurate financial reporting and informed decision-making.

Project and Award Management and Reporting

• Support Project Directors and project teams in the financial management of donor-funded awards and projects.
• Monitor project expenditure against approved budgets, funding agreements and donor requirements, highlighting potential risks or concerns.
• Analyse project spending trends and provide recommendations to support sound financial management and utilisation of donor funding.
• Assist in monitoring cash receipts, expenditure and revenue recognition in accordance with organisational and donor requirements.
• Support compliance with financial provisions of donor agreements and organisational policies.
• Assist with financial components of award start-up, implementation and close-out processes.
• Review donor financial reports for completeness, accuracy and alignment with donor requirements prior to submission.
• Support responses to donor financial requests, financial reviews and audits.
• Collaborate with Grants and Compliance teams to help ensure donor regulations and financial requirements are consistently applied.
• Maintain appropriate financial records and supporting documentation for assigned projects and awards.
• Provide guidance and support to country finance teams during periods of transition, staff vacancies or operational change.

Organisation-wide Reporting and Analysis

• Consolidate and analyse financial information from countries, projects and functional areas to support organisational reporting and planning processes.
• Prepare financial analyses, commentary and reporting packs for review by senior finance leadership.
• Support organisational budgeting, forecasting and financial planning activities through the provision of accurate data and financial insights.
• Identify financial trends, risks and opportunities and communicate findings and recommendations to relevant stakeholders.
• Support workforce planning and reporting by working with Human Resources and finance colleagues to maintain accurate staffing and level-of-effort information.
• Assist in analysing the financial implications of programme, operational and organisational changes.
• Contribute financial information and analysis required for management reporting, donor reporting and planning processes.
• Support the maintenance, improvement and integrity of financial reporting tools, systems and data.
• Provide financial information and analytical support to stakeholders to assist decision-making and planning activities.

Proposal Development

• Support proposal development processes through the preparation, review and analysis of project budgets and cost estimates.
• Review donor funding opportunity requirements and identify financial considerations, assumptions and budget implications.
• Provide financial input and recommendations to support proposal budget development.
• Assist Country Finance Managers and programme teams with developing proposal budgets that align with donor requirements and organisational guidelines.
• Support the development, maintenance and application of costing and pricing models.
• Contribute financial analysis to support assessments of budget feasibility, sustainability and alignment with existing funding and operational plans.
• Participate in discussions with programme teams, implementing partners and stakeholders regarding proposal budgets and financial assumptions.

Qualifications, Experience and Competencies

Must-Have

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Management or a related field.
• Professional accounting qualification (CIMA, CA(SA) or equivalent) preferred.
• Minimum 5-7 years' relevant experience in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting and financial analysis.
• Experience supporting donor-funded programmes and grants.
• Experience working with multiple projects, funding streams and stakeholder groups.
• Experience working in a multinational NGO, development or similar environment advantageous.
• Advanced Excel and financial systems proficiency.
• Experience preparing management reports and financial forecasts.

Competencies:

• Strong financial analysis and problem-solving capability.
• Ability to interpret financial information and present findings clearly to finance and non-finance stakeholders.
• Sound business and commercial acumen.
• Strong planning, organisation and prioritisation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a matrix environment and build collaborative relationships across functions and geographies.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to operate effectively within changing priorities and deadlines.
• High levels of accuracy, attention to detail and professional judgement.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and service-oriented business partnering.

Reporting and Team Structure

• Reports to: Manager: Financial Planning and A