CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries.

For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

CIMMYT seeks an ambitious finance professional to oversee its financial operations and services in Asia. High-quality and high-performance finance operations as an integral part of the Asian Operations Chapter will support CIMMYT’s primary process of supporting the Science and Innovation for a Food and Nutrition Secure World.

This position will lead effective decentralized financial accounting processes and respective finance country staff for CIMMYT’s Asian operations. The candidate develops, implements, and maintains financial policies, procedures, and systems in the Regions and oversees and leads a high-performing team of finance professionals.

This position will support the Regional Director and Management by providing strategic leadership, aligning country/ regional activities with institutional goals, facilitating coordination between HQ and country/regional offices, and making localized decisions to address specific challenges and opportunities. Oversight, monitoring/ assurance and compliance are essential aspects of this function.

Collaborate closely with other Regional Managers and focal points of the Operations Chapter to ensure the seamless adaptation and implementation of policies, procedures, and new system architecture (e.g., ERP and contract systems), focusing on process improvement while maintaining business continuity during the transition.

This position reports to the Regional Director of Asia and the Director of Finance at HQ.

Specific Duties and/or Responsibilities:

1.     Lead Financial Management of CIMMYT’s Operations in ASIA

–          Oversees financial accounting and month-end reporting for CIMMYT operations in Asia. Supervises finance staff at CIMMYT country offices in Asia, who report to the candidate functionally.

–          Monitors performance of Country Finance team operations through the development of a transparent set of KPIs.

–          Works closely with HQ Finance Manager to ensure worldwide development implementation and compliance of CIMMYT financial policies, procedures, practices, and the ERP.

–          Further develops and maintains an adequate level of financial governance by sustaining an adequate level of internal control framework.

–          Works with CIMMYT’s finance country managers to design and customize financial and administrative management structures where appropriate.

–          Responsible for the timely consolidation of all financial accounting operations in Asia into CIMMYT’s ERP.

–          Works with scientists and country finance managers to ensure scientific and administrative staff are trained and competent in financial policies, procedures, and systems.

–          Coordinates with the Regional Director the development and follow-up of the Country office’s work plan.

–          Supervises fluent process for cash flow monitoring and timely replenishment.

–          Reviews hosting agreements in Asia for financial aspects and finance processes, which host centers provide (or services given by CIMMYT to other CGIAR centers).

–          Budget review of CIMMYT’s country offices’ annual budget in coordination with the country managers.

2.     Leadership in developing efficient, effective, and service-oriented finance processes to benefit Scaling up and Impactful Research for Development activities.

–          Instills efficient Development Finance processes.

–          Takes a leadership position in effectively using CIMMYT’s new ERP implementation and maintenance in the region.

3.     Coordinates and contributes to the successful Combined Assurance model:

–          Coordinates timely Internal Audit & External Audit responses, including regional project audits.

–          Oversees the operational effectiveness of the Internal Controls over Financial Reporting (ICOFR) framework in the region.

–          Ensures and oversees that adequate segregation of duties and Restricted Access is maintained at the CIMMYT country office operations.

–          Contributes to the Enterprise Risk management framework covering the Asian operations.

4.     Business partner of the Regional Director and peer colleagues from the Asian Operations Chapter team.

–          Support the regional operations team by providing meaningful financial reports for data-driven decision making.

5.     Any other duties as instructed by the supervisor

Requirements

• Master’s degree in accounting or finance, complemented with an internationally recognized professional accounting designation, like: CPA, CA, ACCA, or CMA.
• At least 8 years of experience in similar roles or activities, ideally gained in private and Non-profit environments and covering activities in multiple countries.
• Experience managing funding agreements related to international development programs from donors like USAID, BMGF, GIZ, AFD & EU.
• Advanced level user of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, etc.).
• Knowledge and experience with ERP systems, preferably Microsoft Dynamics
• Project Management certification is a plus
• Proven experience in leading medium-sized teams
• Ability to work in a multicultural team across functional areas, in a stressful environment, and under pressure. The position requires strong supervisory skills of staff in different locations. Able to operate under an international matrix management structure.
• Fluent in English. French is a plus.
• The candidate must exhibit confidentiality, discretion, a sense of urgency, and commitment to his responsibilities and deadlines.
• This position requires regular travel to country offices within the region to conduct oversight and provide in-person support as needed.
• The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Project Management Communication, Decision-Making, Relationship Management, Strategic Thinking, Customer Orientation, and Time Management; in addition to these competencies, the selected candidate should demonstrate the following managerial competencies: Change Management, People Management, and Relationship with External Stakeholders

Benefits

The position is for an initial fixed-term contract of 12 months, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package, with a range of benefits including health insurance.

Candidates must apply online for IN24267 Regional Finance Manager

Screening and follow-up of applications will begin on January 7th, 2025.

Applications must include a CV with contact details (telephone and email address) of 3 work-related references along with the confirmation that Recruitment can contact them) and a cover letter.

Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.