Finance Director

;GOAL has an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance professional to join our GOAL South Sudan team as a Finance Director (THRIVE Project). We are keen to hear from individuals with a background in finance management in an NGO environment and have experience supporting larger FCDO funded projects in a similar context.

About Us:

GOAL has responded to the world’s major humanitarian crises since its founding in 1977, working with vulnerable communities in 14 countries across the globe with a dedicated team of personnel. While GOAL continues to be an agile first-responder to humanitarian crises, it is also committed to working with vulnerable communities to help them survive crises and support them on the road to recovery.GOAL has been working in South Sudan since 1985 with a focus on health, nutrition, WASH, food security and livelihoods. GOAL is continually adapting and responding to the context to support the communities where we work. Currently GOAL works in Twic County in Warrap state, Abyei/Agok in Abyei administrative Area, Renk & Ulang Counties in Upper Nile state, & Kajo Keji County in Central Equatoria state.The THRIVE programme aims to bolster resilience in conflict and climate affected communities in Greater Upper Nile (GUN). Targeting eight priority counties in Upper Nile, Unity and Jonglei States over four years, THRIVE will reach approximately 120,000 households with gender-responsive and inclusive livelihoods development, market system strengthening, financial inclusion, women’s economic empowerment, climate adaptation, and social cohesion activities. THRIVE is a project which is Led by GOAL, in partnership with Mercy Corps, CAFOD, and VSF-Suisse, and other local implementing partners.

About the Role:

The Finance Director will oversee the financial management and operations of the THRIVE Project, ensuring the necessary financial systems and infrastructure are in place for smooth project implementation. As the primary finance partner to the Project Director, Steering Committee, and Senior Management Team, they will provide leadership and strategic financial guidance. They will ensure compliance with FCDO regulations and the labour, tax, and financial laws of the host countries. Additionally, they will contribute to the project’s strategic and operational planning while monitoring financial performance through in-depth analysis. The Finance Director will also work closely with the GOAL Finance Unit to uphold strong internal controls across the THRIVE Project.

Key Responsibilities:

Partner Financial Management

• Ensure timely financial reporting and compliance with GOAL HQ and FCDO.
• Develop and maintain financial policies and procedures.
• Support partners in donor reporting and budget alignment.
• Provide financial analysis and expenditure monitoring.
• Conduct monthly reconciliations and financial reviews.

Risk Assessment & Management

• Conduct due diligence and financial assessments for partners.
• Ensure compliance with GOAL and FCDO policies.
• Draft and manage partner contracts.
• Oversee audits and compliance checks.

Capacity Building

• Conduct organizational capacity assessments and training.
• Develop and implement capacity-building plans for partners.
• Monitor and address compliance issues.
• Train finance personnel in partnership management.

Documentation

• Maintain accurate financial and partnership records.
• Keep grant management and partner databases updated.

Staff Leadership & Development

• Ensure proper staffing and team organization.
• Manage, mentor, and evaluate the finance team.
• Oversee recruitment, training, and performance management.

Skills & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business with CPA certification.
• 7+ years of finance management experience, including 4 years in a leadership role managing FCDO or institutional donor projects.
• Strong analytical, strategic planning, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in financial systems, budgeting, and reporting for large projects.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and mentoring skills.
• Experience with budgeting and financial reporting requirements on FCDO funded projects.
• Familiarity with FCDO rules and regulations including applicable laws
• Chartered Accountant certification (CPA, ACMA, ACA, ACCA) preferred

At GOAL we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please just contact our Recruitment Team at;recruitment.hq@goal.ie;;

GOAL commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:GOAL is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment for all employees.;We foster an inclusive culture where all voices are heard and valued, we are particularly eager to receive applications from women (and other underrepresented groups).;We know that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

All employees share in the responsibility for fulfilling GOAL’s commitment to equal employment opportunity and equal treatment. GOAL does not discriminate against any employee or volunteer; or any applicant for employment or volunteering on the basis of age, gender identity, ancestry, political opinion, civil status, medical condition, ethnic background, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Accountability within GOAL

A commitment to GOAL values and GOAL’s integrity framework is critical to working with GOAL. Any candidate offered a job with GOAL will be expected to adhere to the following key areas of accountability: 1) Comply with GOAL’s policies and procedures with respect to safeguarding, code of conduct, health and safety, confidentiality, do no harm principles and unacceptable behaviour protocols; 2) Report any concerns about the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult or any wrongdoings within our programming area; 3) Report any concerns about inappropriate behaviour of a GOAL staff or partner.

Safeguarding

Children and vulnerable adults who come into contact with GOAL as a result of our activities must be safeguarded to the maximum possible extent from deliberate or inadvertent actions and failings that place them at risk of abuse, sexual exploitation, injury and any other harm. One of the ways that GOAL shows this on-going commitment to safeguarding is to include rigorous background and reference checks in the selection process for all candidates.

General Terms and Conditions

This Job Description only serves as a guide for the position available. GOAL reserves the right to change this document.