Project Budget & Compliance Specialist

The International Potato Center (CIP) is looking for a dynamic Project Budget and Compliance (PBC) Specialist with excellent financial and analytical skills to oversee the management of budgets and financial compliance of CIP projects, from proposal to completion, globally.

About CIP: CIP is part of the CGIAR global research partnership committed to transforming food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis. CIP's mission is to develop and share science-based innovations in potato, sweetpotato, and other root and tuber crops. CIP partners with organizations in over 20 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to strengthen agri-food systems and provide economic, social, and nutritional benefits, especially for women and youth. We integrate social and biophysical sciences to address complex challenges in food and agriculture. For more information, please visit https://cipotato.org/about/.

About the position:

The Project Budget and Compliance (PBC) Specialist will report directly to the PBC Senior Manager and work in close collaboration with country leadership, project teams, and regional finance colleagues to support sound financial management, donor compliance, and strategic decision-making. The role will contribute to strengthening financial excellence and accountability across the India portfolio.

The position will be based at the CIP office in Agra.

Key responsibilities:

Monitor funding trends and manage capacity for the functional area to ensure compliance and delivery of financial services to the projects.

Monitor all the financial aspects according to the agreement, (internal ERP), IFRS and donor guidelines, including preparation of proposal budgets, set-up of projects in OCS, preparation and submission of all invoices, financial reports to donors, timely corrections to the general ledger, and maintenance of agreement master files.

Work with the project team to ensure that all donor related information is disseminated to project and, therefore, abide by donor rules and regulations.

Maintain appropriate relations with donors and make reports as necessary, ensuring compliance with any terms or conditions agreements.

Monitors compliance in the projects, including project audit reports and general financial and contracts issues related to projects.

Ensure accuracy and compliance of donor budget spending that includes monthly BvA, budget adjustment in accordance to approved project workplans and participate in quarterly financial validation of forecast implementation.

Obtain, review and validate partners financial reports ensuring compliance with terms and conditions set-out in the sub-agreements and process partners payment. Participate in annual partners expense certification process.

Develop policies and procedures related to projects accounting and projects financial management, as well as to contribute to those related to grants and contracts management.

Monitor Portfolio Health: Recovery of Indirect Costs (Overheads, Chargebacks, Personnel), Potential Risks (Exchange Rate adjustments, Budget Variances/Revisions, Audits tracks)

Prepares and submits timely and accurate donor reports (W1&W2, W3 and Bilateral Funding) requesting the necessary invoices. Stay current with donor regulations and the award requirements identified in the CIP compliance matrix, to prepare accurate and timely reports.

Maintains all applicable project records and files in accordance with internal controls, demonstrating compliance with donor requirements.

Prepares and submits timely and accurate portfolio report (Compliance, Health)

Comply with applicable health and safety CIP policies and procedures.

What are we looking for

Bachelor's degree in business administration, Financial Management, Operations or related field.

At least 6 years of professional experience.

Knowledge of the international development funding (Desirable).

Aptitude for understanding complex regulations and monitoring financial transactions and documentation for compliance.

Strong Knowledge of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) guidelines and BMGF projects implementation.

Strong Knowledge with USAID projects, FAR and ADS rules and regulations and OMB Circulars.

Accounting software packages (ERP Preferable)

Proficient in MS Office, especially in Excel.

Why should you consider this opportunity

CIP is a global and reputable international organization that has a strong, state-of-the-art R&D background.

CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improving nutrition and well-being, and gender equity for poor people in roots, tubers farming and food systems in the developing world.

CIP is a member of the CGIAR, a global partnership that unites international organizations engaged in research about food security. CGIAR research aims to reduce rural poverty, increase food security, improve human health and nutrition, and sustainable management of natural resources.

What are we offering

Great career opportunity in an international organization.

Generous compensation package commensurate with experience.

One-year term contract with the possibility of renewal.

Work in an equal and diverse workplace.

How to apply

Visit the following link: https://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/ and submit your cover letter and a full C.V. with your references. Screening of applications will begin shortly , and will continue until the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.