Head of Finance
About CIVICUS
CIVICUS exists to defend people power. As a growing global alliance of over 17,000 members in over 180 countries, we work together to monitor violations of basic civic freedoms, call out the perpetrators of violations and strengthen the power of people to organise by supporting a more accountable, effective and innovative civil society. We strive to promote excluded voices, especially from the global south.
About the Role
The Head of Finance provides strategic and operational leadership for CIVICUS’ financial management. The role combines strategic thinking and hands on delivery and requires a leader who can thrive in a dynamic mission driven and solutions focussed environment with high levels of accountability and transparency.
The Head of Finance is responsible for managing CIVICUS’s finance team, organisational financial strategy, budgeting and planning, financial reporting, audit management, risk oversight and compliance with funder, statutory, and regulatory requirements. The role encompasses mentoring and supervising finance staff, ensuring robust financial systems and controls are in place, and providing high-quality financial insights to support effective programme delivery and organisational decision making.
Working closely the Chief Operations Officer (COO) the Head of Finance is responsible for embedding sound financial management across the organisation, ensuring stewardship, accountability, transparency and long-term financial sustainability.
Key Requirements
- A recognised professional qualified accountant (ACCA, CPA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent) with at least seven years post qualification experience, including at least 3 years in a Head of Finance role.
- Senior level experience in a finance leadership role within an organisation of similar scale and complexity.
- Strong written and verbal English skills.
- Experience in the non-profit sector.
- Extensive experience in establishing and administering financial processes for restricted donor funding within the not for profit sector.
- Comprehensive knowledge of institutional donor regulations and financial compliance standards, including those of the European Union, US Foundations and European government agencies.
- Ability to analyse, evaluate, and summarise financial records for accuracy and compliance with procedures, rules, and regulations, while effectively communicating financial information to non-financial team member in a clear and understandable manner.
- Extensive experience in creating and leading training interventions for non-finance teams to enhance organisation financial management and adherence to financial standards.
- Proven ability to build and lead high-performing, geographically dispersed teams by empowering employees, delegating responsibilities effectively, clearly defining roles, and promoting individual and team accountability.
- Sound understanding of human rights and social justice principles.
- Proven experience in driving innovation through the implementation of automated financial systems, process improvements, and technology solutions to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and financial reporting.
- Knowledge of one or more UN languages other than English is desirable.
How to Apply
The closing deadline for applications is on the 14th August 2026 at 11:59pm SAST.
Application instructions:
- Applicants are advised not to use autofill when completing the application form for this job. To avoid errors, please fill out the form manually without using autofill.
- AI-generated CVs/resumes and cover letters are not permitted. All application materials must be written by the applicant and accurately reflect the applicant’s skills, qualifications, and experience. Applications that contain AI-generated materials will not be considered.
Your application should comprise of:
- A full CV, including educational and professional qualifications, a full employment history showing the more significant positions, responsibilities held, and relevant achievements
- A cover note of not more than one page outlining your motivation for applying for the role.
Short listed candidates will be contacted 3 weeks after the closing date to schedule interviews.
We appreciate and consider each application submitted. However, given the large volume of applications received, we find it impossible to respond to each applicant immediately. You will hear from us within three weeks only if you’re shortlisted for the next steps. We will update all applicants once the position has been filled.
CIVICUS reserves the right to withdraw any of our vacancies at any time.