Project Financial Officer, ESGBV (Abuja, Nigeria)

Context

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) is an intergovernmental organization with 35 member states hailing from different continents around the world. International IDEA aims to support sustainable democracy worldwide, doing so, inter alia, by working with both new and long-established democracies to strengthen the institutions and culture of democracy and enhance the rule of law. Located at the interface of research and practice, International IDEA serves as a forum for dialogue and uses comparative experience and analysis to identify good practices for democracy-building. It also produces knowledge tools and practical guides for democracy support. The Institute maintains a global network of experts, provides training materials, and offers strategic advice to democracy actors at the international, regional, and national levels. The Institute is headquartered in Stockholm with field offices in Africa and West Asia, Europe, Asia and the Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean.

International IDEA will be managing the “EU Support to End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (ESGBV) in Nigeria” programme. This programme aims to reduce Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Nigeria by strengthening laws and policies, expanding survivor-centered essential services and driving positive social-norm change. It will ensure that people in all their diversity with particular attention to women, girls and the most vulnerable have their rights promoted and protected from all forms of violence through legislation and effective enforcement, while improving the rule of law, tackling impunity, and enhancing access to justice through a more independent, effective, responsive, transparent and gender-sensitive justice sector. The programme also advances Sustainable Development Goals 5 (Gender Equality) and 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). The programme will work towards three anticipated Outcomes:

1. facilitate the strengthening, implementation, monitoring and enforcement of key legal and policy frameworks on the prevention of SGBV such as the Violence Against Person’s Prohibition (VAPP) Act, the response to SGBV and the protection of women, men, girls and boys in all their diversity;
   
2. improve and expand access to essential services (health, justice, protection and other related services) to recover from experienced violence, especially for survivors from rural communities, conflict-affected communities, persons with disabilities and for victims of technology facilitated GBV; and
   
3. build the capacity of and provide resources to women’s rights organizations, social movements and other civil society organizations to influence and advance progress on promoting favorable social norms to end SGBV.

The Project Financial Officer is responsible for providing oversight, quality assurance and support to a portfolio of projects and will act as a supportive focal point for advice on the management of grants and budgets. 

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Reviews and ensures completeness of project ledgers through regular review of project transactions:
2. Provides expert guidance and support to Project Manager and Finance colleagues in relation to the management of grants, and budgets;
3. Monitors adherence to donor agreement requirements within the framework of International IDEA’s internal policies and procedures, ensuring focus is on delivery of reporting, invoicing, and disbursement timelines;
4. Provides support and guidance on preparation and revision of annual budgets. Analyses project expenses as required and reports budget deviations;
5. Ensures that awards and project budgets are registered in the ERP system correctly; maintains files and archives and keeps accurate records of financial and grants actions;
6. Ensures any funding requests are prepared in conformity with International IDEA’s internal policies and procedures, donor requirements, including adequate costing of activities, human resource needs and administrative tasks;
7. Analyses and presents project reports in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicates monthly and annual financial statements; collates financial reporting materials for all donor segments, and oversees all financial, project/programme and grants accounting;
8. Guides overall compliance and quality control; Arranges independent audits;
9. Contributes to team-based activities, particularly regarding annual planning and reporting;
10. Carries out other duties and responsibilities as related to the post that may be assigned from time to time.
    
    Safeguarding
11. Shares responsibility and obligation to safeguard and protect populations with whom they work, including adults who may be particularly vulnerable and children;
12. Has a shared duty to safeguard from the following conduct by staff or partners: sexual exploitation and abuse; exploitation, neglect, or abuse of children, or adults at risk; and any form of trafficking of persons.

General Profile

• Analyzes performance and identifies issues and trends affecting project funding; recommends the use of appropriate programme tools and strategies;
• Develops financial proposals and technical tools to address identified programme needs in the specialized area of project funds accounting;
• Can work with minimal guidance and supervision;
• Adds value to team-based activities in their unit; collaborates with other entities of the Institute;
• Acts as a model or mentor for less experienced colleagues;
• Can be expected to travel globally to any geographical area involved in their projects;
• Follows internal procedures to ensure high standards of performance and compliance with Institutional guidelines;
• Acts in accordance with International IDEA’s Core Values; Respect, Integrity, and Professionalism;
• Integrates a rights-based approach, gender, and diversity perspective in all activities.

Reporting line

• Finance and Operations Manager, Nigeria

Education and Experience

• University degree in accounting, financial management, business management or other related discipline. Full or part professional qualifications in finance and accounting, for example, ACCA are considered an advantage;
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in accounting, financial management and compliance;
• Experience with financial reporting, budget development, forecasting, and monitoring financial performance is essential;
• A minimum of two (2) years experience in managing teams;
• Knowledge and experience using ERP systems (particularly Unit4) is essential;
• Knowledge of award and contract regulations and reporting requirements of EU and/or other major donors required;
• Experience working in an international context, e.g., in an intergovernmental organization, considered an advantage;
• Excellent knowledge in written and oral English is required.

Terms of Contract:

• This post is advertised subject to the confirmation of funding
• Local Post.
• Fixed term appointment for two (2) years.

Please note as this is a local post, International IDEA will bear no costs relating to the relocation of the selected candidate to the duty station. This position is open to those legally authorized to live and work in Nigeria for the duration of the contract. International IDEA is not able to support work permit applications. 

Applying for this position:

• Applications should be submitted online no later than 23:59 on 04 December 2025.
• Please note that all applications must be made in English.

Selection Process:

• Evaluation of qualified candidates will include a written test assessment and up to two (2) interviews.
• Candidates selected to proceed to the next stage of the process will be contacted once all applications have been carefully reviewed.
• All candidates will be notified of the status of their application via email once the process has been finalized.

International IDEA is an equal-opportunity employer which seeks to further diversify its staff in terms of gender, culture and nationality.