Finance Specialist
Starting Date / Initial Contract Details
1 October 2026. Fixed-term. 1 year.
Role Summary
The Finance Specialist ensures the quality and timely completion of month-end closing activities, maintains up-to-date knowledge of best practices in liquidity management, financial assurance in country program accounting processes, internal controls, and supports external statutory, donor, and internal audits, as well as Medair’s financial reporting. The role also promotes strong collaboration and effective partnerships with the Global Support Office finance teams (Finance Partner, Treasury, Corporate accounting), local Finance Managers and finance teams, and Heads of Country Programs.
Project Overview
The Medair GSO Finance Department supports Medair’s financial and investment decisions across the organisation. It acts as a financial gatekeeper and strategic advisor for daily operations, as well as medium- to long-term strategic decisions. The department also contributes to the continuous improvement of key finance processes and the implementation of fit-for-purpose Medair finance systems.
Workplace & Conditions
This is a Global Support Office (GSO) position based in Nairobi, Kenya.
Responsibilities
• Financial closing, reporting, and data quality: Ensure timely and accurate month-end closing, reconciliations, financial postings, statutory records, and management reports in line with Medair standards and deadlines.
• Cash management and financial sustainability: Review and approve country programme cash needs, support financial planning, and help ensure the financial sustainability of country programmes through close collaboration with GSO and country teams.
• Compliance, controls, and audit support: Support statutory, donor, and internal audits; follow up on audit observations; and review country finance compliance with policies, procedures, and internal control requirements.
• Operational sustainability and cover for the Kenya Office finance operation: Overview and support the Accounts Payable process, ensure proper controls and adherence to Kenyan statutory and regulatory requirements, and support the Kenya statutory audit and other finance tasks.
• Country finance support and capacity building: Provide expert advice, training, in-country support, short-term cover, and practical assistance to country finance teams and other stakeholders as needed.
Qualifications, Experience & Technical Competencies:
• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field, with strong knowledge of accounting, financial management, internal controls, compliance, and risk management. Professional certification (CPA (level 6 or above), ACCA, CMA, CIMA, or equivalent) is desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with the capacity to interpret financial information, identify trends and patterns, assess risks, and provide actionable insights to support decision-making.
• Advanced Excel expertise, including financial modelling, data analysis, reporting, dashboard development, and management of large datasets. Experience with ERP systems and financial reporting tools is mandatory.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate financial information clearly, collaborate effectively across teams, and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• High attention to detail and commitment to financial accuracy, compliance, and assurance over accounting processes. Hands-on approach with the ability to manage operational finance activities while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Behavioural Skills
• Applies critical thinking to financial and operational matters while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Builds strong relationships with stakeholders, communicates clearly, and presents information confidently to support decision-making. Works effectively in changing environments, takes ownership of results, and remains hands-on in operational activities when required.
• Prioritises effectively, meets deadlines, and actively seeks opportunities to enhance processes, efficiency, and service delivery.
Team Spiritual Life
Reflect the values of Medair with team members, local staff, people we serve, and external contacts. Work, live, and pray together in our Christian faith-based teams. Fully contribute to a rich spiritual team life, including team devotion, prayer, and words of encouragement.
Before you apply
Please ensure you are fully aware of the:
- Medair is committed to safeguarding the protection of beneficiaries, volunteers, staff and partners, and particularly children. Therefore, we do not employ staff whose background we understand to be unsuitable for working with children. Medair staff are required to give the utmost respect to, and comply with, Medair’s accountability policies and best practices.
- Medair Relief & Recovery Orientation Course (ROC) (which forms part of the recruitment selection process for field positions).
Application Process
To apply, go to this vacancy on our Medair page. Please do not make multiple applications. We will not review email applications. Only English-language applications / CVs will be reviewed. Advertised on JobUpfree.