Finance Director - Vijana2Thrive Project

Swahilipot Hub Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 2016 by Mahmoud Noor, dedicated to nurturing youth talents in technology and creative arts. Through youth-led programs and collaborative community spaces for co-working, networking, and learning, the Hub continues to empower young people along Kenya’s coast and beyond.
Position Overview

• The Finance Director provides strategic financial leadership for the Vijana2Thrive Project, ensuring sustainability, transparency, and accountability across all project activities while guiding the finance team and safeguarding donor resources.

Scope of Role

1. Align Vijana2Thrive’s financial strategies with the program vision — strengthening governance, compliance, resource stewardship, and long-term sustainability for youth-focused outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Vijana2Thrive financial strategies that drive long-term sustainability and growth.
• Oversee end-to-end financial operations, governance, and performance reporting for the project.
• Ensure effective allocation and utilization of financial resources across all program components.
• Establish and maintain robust risk management and compliance controls in line with donor and statutory requirements.
• Lead financial planning, forecasting, scenario modeling, and cost-efficiency initiatives.
• Serve as the primary financial liaison for the Mastercard Foundation and other stakeholders, delivering timely reports and due diligence.
• Coordinate internal and external audits, ensuring adoption of recommendations and continuous improvement.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and capacity building to Finance Managers and the wider finance team.
• Design sustainability and innovative financing plans that extend impact beyond donor funding.
• Undertake any other duties assigned by the Executive Director to advance project objectives.

Key Areas of Focus

• Strategic Financial Leadership: Design and execute strategies that enhance sustainability, efficiency, and measurable impact.
• Analytical & Decision-Making Strength: Interpret financial data, develop scenarios, and guide executive choices.
• Governance & Compliance: Build strong internal control frameworks aligned with donor and statutory obligations.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate effectively with donors, auditors, partners, and leadership teams.
• Leadership & Team Development: Mentor and motivate finance staff for high performance and accountability.
• Integrity & Accountability: Uphold transparency and fiduciary responsibility for donor resources.
• Innovation & Sustainability: Develop financing mechanisms to sustain impact beyond donor cycles.
• Financial Management: Expert use of budgeting and reporting standards (IPSAS/IFRS).
• Donor-Funded Project Management: Manage large, multi-year donor portfolios (Mastercard Foundation experience an advantage).
• Risk & Audit Management: Establish risk frameworks and ensure audit readiness.
• Procurement & Contract Oversight: Lead due diligence and contract management.
• Systems Proficiency: Expertise in ERP and accounting systems (Odoo, QuickBooks, Sage, SAP) and advanced Excel.
• Financial Forecasting: Apply modeling and performance-based budgeting to inform strategic decisions.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or Economics.
• Professional certification (CPA (K), ACCA, or CFA) – mandatory.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive finance experience, with at least 5 years at senior management/director level.
• Proven success managing multi-million-dollar donor-funded budgets (Mastercard Foundation experience preferred).
• Strong experience in strategic planning, audit and risk oversight, and financial system development.
• Track record of building efficient financial teams and engaging with funders and government partners.
• Additional training in donor compliance, governance, or risk management (ISO 31000, CIMA) is desirable.

Skills

• Deep commitment to youth empowerment and inclusive economic growth.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in dynamic, innovation-driven environments.
• Thought leadership in sustainable and blended financing for development.

Application Details

1. Submit: Detailed CV and Cover Letter (consultants or firms may also apply) Email: hr@swahilipothub.co.ke
2. Subject line: Finance Director Application – Vijana2Thrive Submissions due by end of day, 14th November 2025.