Finance, People and Operations Manager
Employment type: Full-time, continuing core position
Duty station: Addis Ababa, with occasional travel to NGI programme locations
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
About Nigat Global Initiative
Nigat Global Initiative (NGI) is an Ethiopian civil society organisation working towards a world where freedom thrives.
NGI works to end exploitation, restore dignity and create job opportunities through trafficking prevention and protection, survivor reintegration, livelihoods and employment, safe migration, youth development, advocacy and systems change.
NGI is entering an important stage of institutional growth. We are strengthening our systems, expanding our programme portfolio and building a high-performing organisation capable of delivering evidence-based programmes across Ethiopia in partnership with government institutions, donors, civil society organisations and international actors.
Purpose of the role
The Finance, People and Operations Manager will lead the systems that keep NGI financially sound, operationally efficient, legally compliant and ready to deliver its programmes effectively.
The postholder will provide management oversight across finance, grants finance, budgeting, human resources, administration, procurement, logistics, contracts, office management and internal controls.
The Manager will ensure that NGI’s resources are used responsibly, staff systems are fair and functional, operational support is timely, and the organisation is able to grow without compromising accountability or quality.
This is a senior and highly practical role. NGI is seeking a person who combines strong technical knowledge with sound judgement, integrity and the ability to build simple systems that staff can use consistently.
Key responsibilities
Financial management and reporting
- Lead NGI’s financial planning, budgeting, cash-flow management, financial reporting and financial compliance.
- Oversee the preparation, review and monitoring of organisational and project budgets.
- Ensure that financial transactions are properly authorised, documented, recorded and reconciled.
- Review monthly financial reports, budget variances, cash forecasts and expenditure trends, and provide clear management advice.
- Ensure that financial records are complete, accurate, well organised and available for internal and external review.
- Oversee bank reconciliations, payments, payroll coordination, advances, retirements and financial filing.
- Maintain appropriate segregation of duties and effective internal financial controls.
- Support the CEO with reliable financial information for decision-making.
- Work closely with the Senior Finance Officer to strengthen financial quality assurance and oversight.
- Coordinate audit preparation, audit follow-up and implementation of agreed recommendations.
Grants finance and donor compliance
- Lead grant financial management, including budget monitoring, expenditure tracking, financial reporting and financial compliance. Work with the Programme Manager to ensure that financial reports align with approved budgets and programme implementation.
- Work closely with the Programme and Grants Manager to align programme plans, budgets, expenditure and reporting.
- Prepare or oversee donor financial reports and supporting documentation, and coordinate with the Programme Manager to reconcile financial and narrative reporting before submission.
- Ensure that grant expenditure is eligible, reasonable, properly allocated and supported by adequate documentation.
- Support grant start-up, budget revisions, financial reviews, close-out and donor due diligence.
- Contribute to proposal budgeting, cost recovery, staffing plans and financial risk assessments.
- Maintain a clear record of donor requirements, reporting deadlines, budget restrictions and compliance obligations.
- Ensure that project and unrestricted funds are properly distinguished and managed.
Human resources and people management
- Lead the administration and continuous improvement of NGI’s human resource systems.
- Ensure that staff contracts, personnel files, leave records, onboarding documents and other HR records are complete and properly maintained.
- Coordinate recruitment processes, including job descriptions, vacancy announcements, interview arrangements, reference checks and appointment documentation.
- Support the CEO and supervisors in performance management, probation reviews, staff development and employee relations.
- Coordinate payroll and staff benefits in collaboration with the Finance and Grants Officer.
- Promote fair, consistent and legally sound application of NGI’s HR policies.
- Support the implementation of staff orientation, safeguarding, code of conduct and mandatory policy briefings.
- Help strengthen staff wellbeing, professional development and a respectful organisational culture.
- Identify HR risks and advise the CEO on appropriate and timely action.
Operations, administration and logistics
- Lead office administration, procurement, logistics, travel arrangements, asset management and general operational support.
- Ensure that programme and field teams receive timely, cost-effective and compliant operational support.
- Manage procurement processes, supplier relationships, quotations, purchase documentation and vendor records.
- Maintain appropriate systems for office equipment, assets, inventory, vehicles and other organisational resources.
- Coordinate travel, accommodation, field logistics, meetings and other operational arrangements.
- Ensure that the office environment is functional, safe, professional and adequately supported.
- Develop practical systems for routine administration, approvals, filing and communication.
- Support the establishment and operation of project offices or field arrangements when required.
- Ensure that operational decisions are properly documented and consistent with NGI policies and approved budgets.
Policies, compliance and risk management
- Maintain and periodically review NGI’s finance, HR, procurement, administration and operations policies.
- Identify weaknesses in internal systems and lead practical improvements.
- Maintain an organisational risk register covering financial, operational, HR, compliance and safeguarding-related risks.
- Ensure that NGI complies with applicable Ethiopian requirements and relevant donor obligations.
- Work with the Legal and Compliance Advisor on contracts, policies, employment matters and regulatory issues.
- Support the CEO in preparing for Board reviews, due diligence processes and institutional assessments.
- Promote a culture of accountability, confidentiality, ethical conduct and responsible stewardship.
Leadership and management reporting
Provide regular management updates to the CEO on finance, staffing, operations, compliance, risks and decisions required.
- Present clear recommendations and practical solutions rather than only reporting challenges.
- Coordinate effectively with the Senior Programme and Grants Manager and other functional leads.
- Supervise and support finance, administration, HR and operations staff as assigned.
- Contribute to organisational planning, staffing decisions, budgeting and strategic decision-making.
- Represent NGI professionally with banks, auditors, suppliers, government offices, donors and partners when delegated.