Cord is an international non-governmental organisation (iNGO) with administrative headquarters in the United Kingdom and operations across Africa and Asia. With over 50 years of experience in humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding work, Cord supports communities affected by conflict, exclusion, and inequality. Cord’s approach is grounded in the belief that people flourish where constructive relationships exist between governments, civil society, communities, and the private sector, creating space for dialogue, dispute resolution, and confidence building. This relationship-centred approach contributes to inclusive development, stronger governance, and the realisation of people’s rights.
Cord works through a small, committed, multidisciplinary team of national and international technical staff and delivers multi-donor, multi-partner programmes in close collaboration with local and international stakeholders. Cord acts as both an implementing and technical partner, with a strong focus on integrating peacebuilding and conflict-sensitive approaches across thematic areas, including child protection and human rights.
The Finance and Administrative Officer (Kenya) supports Cord’s multi-country programming by providing financial, administrative, and logistical support to regional project implementation. Reporting to the Regional Representative, the role works closely with the Multi-Country Project Officer (MCPO), the Peacebuilding Specialist, and consortium partners across multiple countries in Africa. Cord is a consortium partnerin a multi-country project implemented across Asia, Eastern and Western Africa, focused on mainstreaming peacebuilding approaches within child protection programming. The role contributes to effective and compliant project management and supports the delivery of planned activities in line with agreed objectives, timelines, and donor and organisational requirements.
Job title: Finance and Administrative Officer, Kenya
Responsible to: Regional Representative, Africa
Key internal relationships:
UK Head of Operations; UK Finance Manager; Finance and Administrative Officer (Cambodia); Project implementation staff and consultants
Key external relationships:
Finance staff of implementing partners; External auditors; Consultants, service providers, suppliers, Government administrative offices
Location: Nairobi, Kenya, with potential occasional international travel
Working hours: Monday to Friday (22.5 hours per week, flexible)
Contract type: Fixed-term contract to 31 December 2028
Role grade: Grade 7
Salary range: Basic salary: KES 241,845–268,716
Benefits: Affordable housing levy, pension, NSSF contribution
Other benefits: 33 days of leave (including public holidays and annual leave); Medical coverage; Training opportunities; Counselling provision; Communication allowance
JOB PURPOSE
The Finance and Administrative Officer (FAO) is responsible for managing Cord’s day-to-day financial and administrative processes, supporting effective project implementation through accurate financial management, compliance, and operational support, specifically:
- To deliver the bookkeeping and financial administration functions for Cord’s Africa-based operations, including processing and recording financial transactions, maintaining cash and bank accounts, and ensuring accurate and complete financial records.
- To support the Regional Representative and project management team with financial monitoring of project expenditure, including budget tracking (BvA), expenditure analysis, and supporting the preparation of donor financial reports related to Cord-managed costs.
- To support project audits and the implementation of good financial practice and audit recommendations, ensuring compliance with Cord policies and donor requirements.
- To provide administrative and logistical support to the Regional Representative and project team, including support for staff travel, workshops, and regional activities involving Cord staff and coordination with consortium partners in other countries.
- Provide administrative support to establish and maintain Cord’s Africa Regional Office, including registration support, banking arrangements, and office operations.
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES
Bookkeeping and Financial Administration (Africa Regional Operations – Kenya)
- Record all Cord-managed financial transactions related to regional project and Kenya operations, maintaining complete and accurate supporting documentation in line with Cord policies, donor requirements, and good practice.
- Process payments, receipts, advances, and reimbursements, ensuring appropriate authorisation and correct coding.
- Maintain and reconcile bank accounts and petty cash systems for the Africa Regional Office.
- Prepare regular bank and cash reconciliations and ensure timely resolution of discrepancies.
- Maintain accurate financial records (both hard copy and digital) and manage the local finance filing system.
- Maintain and regularly update the asset register for the Africa Regional Office and projects.
- Ensure that all verified and authorised financial vouchers are accurately entered and uploaded into Cord’s accounting system in line with organisational accounting procedures and timelines.
- Prepare and submit the monthly end checklist to Cord HQ.
Supporting Project Financial Management
- Support the Regional Representative and project management team with financial monitoring of project expenditure, including budget tracking and review of Budget versus Actual (BvA) reports.
- Support expenditure analysis to ensure spending remains aligned with approved budgets and workplans.
- Assist in the preparation of donor financial reports and budget forecasts related to Cord-managed costs, in coordination with Cord HQ and technical colleagues.
Audit and Development of Good Practice
- Support preparation for external and internal audits, including compiling documentation and responding to audit queries related to Cord’s financial transactions.
- Support the implementation and follow-up of audit recommendations, strengthening financial controls and compliance.
- Proactively promote awareness of Cord’s financial procedures and good practice among staff.
Administration, Logistics, and Office Support
- Provide administrative and logistical support to the Regional Representative and project team, including support for staff travel, workshops, and regional activities.
- Support the establishment and ongoing administration of Cord’s Africa Regional Office in Kenya, including coordination of registration processes, local compliance, banking arrangements, office setup, and day-to-day office operations.
- Coordinate with Cord HQ and Asia, as required, to support effective regional operations.
- Perform other relevant duties as assigned by the Regional Representative, Africa
Safeguarding Responsibilities
- Ensure the safety of Programme Participants, people who come into contact with the organisation and team members from any harm, abuse, neglect, harassment and exploitation including sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) to achieve the programme’s goals of safeguarding implementation. Act as a key source of support, guidance and expertise on safeguarding for establishing a safe working environment.
- Practice, promote and endorse the culture of safeguarding among team members and ensure the implementation of safeguarding standards in every course of action.
- Follow the safeguarding reporting procedure in case any reportable incident takes place and encourage others to do so.
Required and Desirable Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
Education, Skills, and Abilities
Required
- Relevant qualification in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- Proven ability to develop and manage budgets and accounting systems.
- Proven ability to use financial software and accounting systems; experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is desirable.
- Strong numerical, analytical, and organisational skills, with high attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and under pressure, with minimal day-to-day supervision.
- Ability to develop, implement, and follow financial and administrative systems and procedures.
- Ability to support colleagues in developing their financial and administrative capacity, as required.
- Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
- Ability to work effectively in a complex, diverse, and sometimes insecure environment.
- Fluent in English, spoken and written.
Desirable
- Experience working with multiple currencies, or a strong working knowledge of multi-currency financial management in an international or regional context (strongly preferred).
- Experience working in an INGO or donor-funded environment, particularly with institutional donors.
- Familiarity with donor financial compliance and audit requirements.
- Experience supporting regional or multi-country programmes.
Personal Qualities
Required
- Commitment to Cord’s values, ethos, safeguarding and peacebuilding approach.
- High standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct.
- Honest, reliable, and accountable in handling financial responsibilities.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
- Positive, supportive, and solutions-oriented approach to working with colleagues.
- Willingness to learn, reflect, and engage in ongoing professional development.
- Sensitivity to gender and inclusion issues and respect for diverse contexts.
- Commitment to supporting an active and engaged civil society**.**
Desirable
- Enthusiasm and adaptability, with an interest in engaging with programme activities beyond core finance functions.
- Patience and persistence in building relationships with a range of stakeholders.
How to apply
We encourage interested applicants to apply early, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position may be filled before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.
All applications must be sent to kenya@cord.org.uk. Please submit a motivation letter (maximum of 2 pages) and a detailed CV, addressed to Carlos Gallardo, Regional Representative for Africa. Kindly include “Finance and Administrative Officer – Kenya” in the subject line.
The closing date for applications is 30 May 2026, 5:00 PM (Kenya time). Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Cord is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.