Head of Finance (IPE 53 - Fixed Term - TZN - Operations)

Req #194

About WWF-Tanzania

Want to make a positive difference to the future of people and our one shared home, the Earth? Working at WWF could be your opportunity of a lifetime. All around the world, people are waking up to the devastating impacts of climate change and nature loss. The situation today is worse than the darkest predictions of just ten years ago, pushing billions of people to the edge and threatening lives and livelihoods. At WWF, we are facing our biggest crisis – and our biggest ever opportunity – to create a better future for people and nature. With over 60 years of experience and an active presence in more than 100 countries, we work to achieve both on-the-ground and global policy action, from protecting and restoring species and their habitats, to transforming markets and policies toward sustainability. Our people come from hugely diverse backgrounds and with a variety of expertise, ranging from conservation science and advocacy to HR and finance. We welcome applications from anyone who believes they can help us tackle this enormous global challenge and drive the urgent conservation impact needed to restore our planet.

What We Do

We are an independent conservation organization, striving to sustain the natural world for the benefit of people and the ecosystem. From individuals and communities to businesses and governments, we are part of a growing global movement calling for bolder action on climate and nature, demanding that world leaders set nature on the path to recovery by 2030. WWF works to address the most dominant drivers of nature loss through system-wide changes in how food and energy are produced and consumed, and in how financial systems are structured. By implementing change in every country, we aim to drive visible and positive impacts on the ground, helping to restore nature in the most critical places around the world, from the Amazon to the Coral Triangle. Engaging everyone means addressing the barriers to participation faced by some groups in society, including local communities. Conservation will only be sustainable if it is owned by, and benefits, local people. That’s why Indigenous Peoples and local communities must be at the centre of action on climate and nature. WWF is committed to using its resources and global network to support these communities in creating together the most effective solutions where they live. Humanity is still in time, we have a clear pathway to solve this crisis. At WWF, we call on everyone to join the global movement, change how we live, and take action now.

Position: Head of Finance

Reports to: Country Director, Tanzania Country Office

Supervises: All Tanzania Country Office Finance Staff

Location: Dar-es-Salaam

Grade: 53

Mission of the Department

To ensure a high performing Tanzania Country Office with efficient operating systems, professional and skilled staff, and strong financial resources, delivering conservation impact on issues and in places that are key for WWF’s Network Initiatives and other global conservation priorities.

Major Functions

• Supervises and coordinates the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and systems for all financial support services in Tanzania Country Office, including accounting, financial reporting, auditing, budgeting, internal controls, and adherence to guidelines developed by WWF International and WWF Africa Regional Office
• Provides support to the Country Director to develop and implement the Tanzania Country Office Operational Plan, and to raise funds for Tanzania Country Office;
• Makes quarterly financial reports to the Director, Finance & Operations-Africa and advises him/her on opportunities for improvement as well as potential risks.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

A. Operational Planning

• Supports the Country Director in the development and implementation of a Tanzania Country Office Operational Plan;
• Coordinates the preparation of annual operational / project budgets and forecasts for Tanzania Country Office, in accordance with the annual planning cycle and in close collaboration with project staff;
• Assists in the preparation and review of all Tanzania Country Office project proposals to be submitted for funding;
• Ensures that all project budgets are fully funded.

B. Financial Reporting

• Ensures that all Tanzania Country Office field offices have appropriate financial and administrative structures in place, with qualified staff;
• Ensures that timely and appropriate financial information is provided to Tanzania Country Office management, WWF Africa Regional Office, WWF International, and other WWF offices as required;
• Develops and delivers on a timetable for data transfer from all Tanzania Country Office offices, to ensure timely preparation of consolidated financial reports;
• Directs the preparation and distribution of all project financial reports;
• Prepares, administers, and controls approved consultancy contracts / agreements and sub-grants;
• Ensures that all Tanzania Country Office offices properly monitor and fulfil contractual obligations;
• Ensures that external and internal audits are properly organised, and that there is proper and timely follow-up of audit recommendations;
• Liaises with WWF Africa Regional Office on calls for funds for Tanzania Country Office projects;
• Coordinates transfers of funds to Tanzania Country Office offices;
• Carries out periodic evaluations of Tanzania Country Office financial reports, systems, procedures, and internal controls;
• Supervises all Finance staff in all Tanzania Country Office offices;
• Ensures that all Finance staff in Tanzania Country Office have clearly-defined objectives, indicators of achievement, and quarterly/annual workplans.

C. Policies, procedures, and systems

• Ensures that all Tanzania Country Office field offices apply the WWF International Field Office Procedures as set out in the appropriate manuals, and, where appropriate, coordinates the preparation of local versions of these procedures;
• Ensures that all Tanzania Country Office field offices operate in strict application of laws and regulations in force, and that policies and procedures are adapted, where necessary, to reflect these laws and regulations;
• Ensures that all Tanzania Country Office field offices are equipped with the appropriate WWF International approved systems – particularly accounting, spread sheet, and word processing software – and that these are updated in a coordinated and timely manner, in consultation with the the Head of Finance-Africa
• In collaboration with the Head of People & Culture, liaises with government on matters pertaining to:
  • the Host Country Agreement;
  • work permits;
  • WWF privileges and obligations.

Profile

Required Qualifications

• A degree in accounting, and Full accounting qualification i.e. CPA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent;
• Master’s Degree in Finance or MBA
• At least 8 years (post chartered accountancy qualification) experience in these areas.
• Demonstrated skills in developing, managing, and evaluating financial and administrative plans and policies;
• Experience working with government and donors;
• A thorough knowledge of, and dexterity with ERP software (Oracle);
• Well, “horned” Experience working with international organizations involved in environmental and/or community issues would be an advantage.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership skills and abilities;
• The ability to work under pressure;
• Excellent inter-personal skills, including the ability to develop and maintain strong relationships at all levels, within Tanzania Country Office and, as required, with external stakeholders;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English;
• Adherence to WWF’s values, which are: Courage, Respect, Integrity, and Collaboration

Supervisory Responsibilities

The Head of Finance is responsible for the supervision of all Tanzania Country Office finance staff. Direct day-to-day management will be exercised over staff based in Tanzania. The Head of Finance will involve himself/herself as appropriate in the hiring, development, and evaluation of all Tanzania Country Office finance staff.

Working Relationships

Internal

Interacts and works closely and on a regular basis with finance and administrative staff in all Tanzania Country Office offices, as well as with other Tanzania Country Office senior managers and project staff. Coordinates and interacts as appropriate with all staff members, WWF ROA, WWF International, and other WWF offices.

External

Interacts as required with governmental institutions, donors, and other stakeholders, in collaboration with the Country Director as appropriate.

Please upload your covering letter and CV in English. Priority will be given to applications with both documents indicated. Deadline for applications: 27th May 2025 Work permit restrictions may apply. Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early. At WWF, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where every individual feels valued and respected. We believe that a diverse workforce will help us to achieve our mission to stop the degradation of the Earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to providing fair and unbiased consideration for all candidates regardless of their background. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply and join us in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.