Finance Manager Consultant  

COOPI is looking for a  Finance Manager Consultant in Ethiopia 

COOPI has been operating in Ethiopia since 1995, implementing humanitarian and development programmes to address the needs of vulnerable communities affected by conflict, displacement, natural hazards, and climate-related shocks. Over the years, COOPI has responded to a wide range of emergencies, including internal displacement, recurrent droughts and floods, desert locust infestations, and the COVID-19 pandemic, while supporting longer-term recovery and resilience-building initiatives. 

COOPI operates across several regions of Ethiopia, including Oromia, Afar, Amhara, Tigray, Somali, and Addis Ababa. Its interventions focus on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL), Shelter and Settlements, Energy, and Environmental Protection, combining life-saving humanitarian assistance with sustainable solutions that strengthen communities' capacity to withstand and recover from crises. 

COOPI's activities are supported by institutional and private donors, including the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), the Italian Ministry of the Interior, the European Commission's Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), and private donors.      

Purpose of the role 

The main objective is to strengthen the financial management, administrative compliance, and reporting capacity of the project finance team, ensuring full adherence to donors' guidelines (in particular AICS and ECHO) and internal organisational standards. 

Responsibilities 

Technical Support for AICS and ECHO Reporting: 

• Review and provide technical assistance in preparing interim and final financial reports in compliance with donors rules. 

Capacity Building of Local Staff: 

• Provide targeted, one-on-one coaching and mentoring to the Project Finance Manager and administrative staff. 

• Strengthen local capacities in financial management, eligibility of expenses, and cost-allocation principles specific to donor regulations. 

Reorganisation of the Finance Team & Processes: 

• Evaluate current workflow structures within the project finance team. 

• Streamline administrative processes to eliminate bottlenecks, improve internal controls, and enhance coordination between program and finance departments. 

Training on Budget Follow-ups & Burn Rates: 

• Develop and conduct training sessions on effective budget follow-up (BFU) mechanisms. 

• Implement tools and routine checks for timely supervision of burn rates, ensuring proactive identification of budget variances and variance justification. 

Requirements  

ESSENTIAL 

• Education: Advanced degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field; 

• Minimum of 5–7 years of professional experience in financial management of international development projects; 

• Demonstrated, hands-on experience managing and reporting on AICS and ECHO-funded projects; 

• Proficiency in English; 

• Strong knowledge of accounting software and advanced Excel; 

• Excellent organisational skills; 

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills; 

• Aptitude for building positive relationships with co-workers; 

• Ability to work in a multicultural environment, under pressure and in difficult security contexts; 

• Proven background in organisational capacity building, staff training, and workflow reorganisation. 

DESIRED 

• Previous professional experience in Ethiopia and knowledge of local context; 

• Previous experience with COOPI or with other international NGOs.  

We reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the application closing date, once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please note that only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

 
COOPI Cooperazione Internazionale is an Italian secular and independent humanitarian organisation fighting against all forms of poverty to improve the world. Founded in 1965, today COOPI is present in 27 countries in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and the Middle East, with both emergency and development projects carried out by expatriate staff – an average of over 200 people per year – and national staff. The main institutional funders are the European Union – ECHO and INTPA – USAID, UN agencies, the Italian Government, local authorities and other European Governments.