Finance Officer

FINANCE OFFICER
JOB DETAILS
LOCATION: Zambia CONTRACT TYPE: FTC: 12 Months
JOB FAMILY: Programmes ONE OXFAM GRADE: D ZONE: 2
DEPARTMENT:
GLOBAL PROGRAMMES
TEAM: SAF Regional Cluster
SALARY: HOURS: (FTE)
This is a full time equivalent role. Hours worked will depend
on local law in the location where the incumbent is based
FLEXIBLE WORKING
‘We believe flexible working is key to building the Oxfam of the future, so we’re open to talking through the
type of flexible arrangements which might work for you. Needs to be considered country by country.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
We are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organization.

DEPARTMENT PURPOSE: To lead and enable the delivery of Oxfam’s Global Strategy in Southern
Africa by operating as a unified, regionally integrated team that drives systems change through partner-centred programming, strategic influencing, and knowledge-led practice. The department ensures an agile, digitally enabled and cost-efficient operating model that maximises impact, strengthens regional
coherence, and positions Oxfam as a catalyst, convenor and trusted partner across the region.

TEAM PURPOSE: We are part of a broader movement for justice in Southern Africa and work in solidarity
with partners, allies, and the communities we serve. Our role is to enable locally led change by
strengthening the capacity, voice and influence of local actors to shape the systems and institutions that
govern power and resources.
Through partnerships, convening spaces, and evidence-based influencing, we contribute to thought
leadership and collective action on gender and social justice, accountable governance, and alternative
economic systems. We prioritise impact, quality, legitimacy and solidarity, while fostering inclusive
knowledge networks that challenge and transform development narratives and practice at local, regional
and global levels.

JOB PURPOSE
The Finance Officer provides professional financial management, accounting and operational finance
support that enables effective programme delivery across the Southern Africa (SAF) Cluster.

Working under the supervision of the Operations/Finance Coordinator, the role is responsible for
maintaining accurate financial records, processing financial transactions, administering payments,
supporting budgeting and financial reporting, maintaining internal controls, and ensuring compliance with
Oxfam policies, Executive Affiliate financial procedures, donor requirements and statutory obligations.
The role contributes to the financial management of grants and operational budgets by supporting
financial planning, budget monitoring, reconciliations, grant administration, partner financial oversight,
audit preparedness and financial analysis. It provides day-to-day financial support to programme teams
and implementing partners, helping ensure that project resources are managed efficiently, transparently
and in accordance with approved budgets and contractual commitments.
Operating within Oxfam’s regional finance service model, the Finance Officer plays an important role in
strengthening organisational accountability, donor confidence and financial stewardship. The position
contributes to the Cluster’s transition from fragmented project-based finance arrangements towards an
integrated finance function that provides consistent, efficient and high-quality financial services across
programme hubs.

Southern Africa is experiencing a convergence of complex and interlinked crises. Persistent poverty and
extreme inequality, among the highest globally, continue to shape the lives of millions, compounded by
climate shocks, economic instability, shrinking civic space, and entrenched gender inequalities. While
economies across the region show periods of growth, the benefits are not equitably distributed, leaving
many communities increasingly vulnerable.
At the same time, the region is undergoing rapid transformation. Climate-induced disasters such as
droughts, floods, and cyclones are intensifying, humanitarian needs are rising, and urbanisation is reshaping
patterns of poverty and exclusion. Youth populations are expanding rapidly, presenting both opportunities
for change and risks of deepening inequality if economic inclusion is not achieved.
In response, Oxfam in Southern Africa has undergone a significant organisational transformation; shifting
from country-based programming to a unified regional model designed to increase impact, efficiency, and
influence across the Southern African Development Community (SADC). This evolution reflects a broader
commitment to localisation, feminist leadership, and working through strong partnerships to drive systemic
change.
The 2026–2030 Strategy builds on these lessons and marks a decisive shift toward locally led, partner￾driven approaches, with Oxfam acting as a convenor, catalyst, and influencer rather than a direct
implementer. It prioritises systems change over fragmented projects, focusing on climate and economic
justice, gender justice, and humanitarian action, while strengthening regional advocacy and amplifying the
voices of communities most affected by inequality.
This strategic direction positions Oxfam as a regional actor working across borders to address the structural
drivers of poverty and inequality, supporting resilient communities, accountable governance, and inclusive
development pathways across Southern Africa.

JOB REPORTS TO Operations and Finance Coordinator
ROLES REPORTING TO THIS JOB
BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY TBA

GEOGRAPHICAL SCOPE Hub-based with responsibility across one or more countries within
the SAF Cluster
IMPACT The role strengthens financial accountability, improves resource
management, and ensures compliance across the Cluster. It
supports informed decision-making and reduces financial and
operational risks.

KEY STAKEHOLDERS Operations Team Lead, Operations and Finance Coordinator,
Programme Accountant, Programme teams, Business
Development team, partners, auditors, and Oxfam finance and
compliance functions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Financial Transactions, Accounting and Financial Records (30%)
The Finance Officer maintains accurate financial information and supports the efficient administration of
day-to-day financial operations across assigned programme hubs.

The role will:
• Check the accuracy, completeness and validity of supporting documentation before processing
financial transactions into the approved financial management system.
• Review payment requests to ensure appropriate approvals have been obtained in accordance with
Oxfam’s Delegation of Authority framework.
• Verify that expenditure is correctly coded against approved projects, budget lines and donor
funding sources.
• Process supplier, partner, staff and statutory payments accurately and within agreed service
standards.
• Maintain complete, accurate and audit-ready accounting records and supporting documentation.
• Prepare monthly bank reconciliations, balance sheet reconciliations and other control account
reconciliations, investigating and resolving outstanding items promptly.
• Analyse financial transactions and accounting information to identify anomalies or emerging
financial risks requiring management attention.
• Prepare payroll statutory returns and support compliance with tax, pension and other statutory
reporting requirements where applicable.
• Maintain secure and organised financial filing systems, both electronic and physical.

2. Budget Monitoring, Financial Reporting and Financial Analysis (20%)
The role supports sound financial planning and informed programme management through timely
reporting and financial analysis.

The Finance Officer will:
• Support preparation of annual budgets, forecasts and budget revisions.
• Monitor expenditure against approved budgets and donor agreements.
• Prepare weekly and monthly Budget Variance Reports and provide explanations for significant
variances.
• Contribute to the preparation of monthly management accounts, quarterly reports, annual financial
statements and donor financial reports.
• Support cash-flow forecasting and preparation of funding requests for review by the Operations
and Finance Manager.
• Analyse expenditure trends and budget utilisation to support programme decision-making.
• Provide timely financial information to programme teams to improve resource management and
budget performance.

3. Grant Financial Management and Donor Compliance (15%)
The Finance Officer supports effective financial management throughout the grant lifecycle.

The role will:
• Monitor project expenditure against approved grant budgets.
• Ensure expenditure complies with donor contractual requirements and Oxfam financial policies.
• Support grant start-up, implementation and close-out activities.
• Prepare financial information required for donor reporting.
• Maintain grant financial documentation and audit trails.
• Assist with donor audits and financial reviews.
• Work closely with Programme Accountants and Grants & Compliance Coordinators to ensure
consistent grant financial management.

4. Partner Financial Management and Capacity Strengthening (15%)
The Finance Officer contributes to strengthening partner financial management systems and
accountability.

The role will:
• Participate in financial due diligence and capacity assessments of prospective implementing
partners.
• Assist in identifying financial management capacity gaps and support implementation of agreed
capacity development plans.
• Review partner financial reports for accuracy, completeness and compliance with grant
agreements.
• Assist Programme Accountants and Operations and Finance Managers in interpreting approved
budgets and donor financial requirements for partners.
• Monitor partner advances, expenditure, reporting schedules and outstanding balances.
• Participate in partner financial monitoring visits and provide practical financial guidance.
• Support development of systems for tracking partner expenditure, financial reporting, audit
recommendations and corrective actions.

• Escalate financial management concerns and compliance risks promptly.

5. Internal Controls, Compliance and Audit Support (10%)
The Finance Officer contributes to maintaining a strong financial control environment across the Cluster.

The role will:
• Review and maintain financial management processes that strengthen internal controls and
financial integrity.
• Ensure compliance with Oxfam financial policies, procedures and internal control requirements.
• Verify adherence to delegated authority and financial approval processes.
• Support preparation for internal, donor and statutory audits.
• Maintain audit-ready financial documentation.
• Monitor implementation of audit recommendations.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen financial systems and reduce operational risk.
• Report suspected financial irregularities through established organisational procedures.

6. Cash and Banking Administration (5%)
The Finance Officer supports efficient treasury and banking operations.

The role will:
• Prepare and process bank payments.
• Administer petty cash in accordance with approved procedures where applicable.
• Prepare cash replenishment requests.
• Monitor cash balances and support cash-flow management.
• Liaise with banking institutions on routine operational matters.
• Ensure secure custody of financial instruments and banking documentation.
• Maintain accurate cash and banking records.

7. Team Collaboration and Continuous Improvement (5%)
The Finance Officer contributes to strengthening the overall effectiveness of the Operations and Business
Services function.

The role will:
• Work collaboratively with Operations and Finance Managers, Programme Accountants, Logistics
Officers and programme teams.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of finance systems, procedures and service delivery.
• Share knowledge and good practice across finance teams.
• Participate in organisational planning, learning and professional development activities.
• Undertake additional duties appropriate to the level and purpose of the role.

CORE DIMENSIONS
• Draws information from multiple financial and programme sources to support operational decision￾making.
• Solves routine and moderately complex financial problems using established procedures, referring
more complex issues to the Operations and Finance Manager.
• Supports management of multiple donor-funded projects simultaneously.
• Maintains regular working relationships with programme teams, partners, Executive Affiliate
finance teams, auditors, suppliers and banking institutions.
• Contributes to continuous improvement of finance systems, procedures and operational efficiency.
• Supports the Cluster’s transition towards a more integrated and resilient finance service model.

PERSON SPECIFICATION
Most importantly, every individual in Oxfam needs to be able to:
• Live our values of INCLUSION, ACCOUNTABILITY, EMPOWERMENT, COURAGE,
SOLIDARITY and EQUALITY (read more about these here)
• Ensure you commit to our ORGANIZATIONAL ATTRIBUTES (including adhering to the Code
of Conduct):
1. Be committed to our feminist principles, and to
applying them in your day-to-day behaviour and
your work. Be ready to keep learning, with
accountability to those who experience
oppression as a result of their identities, such as
their gender, race/ethnicity, disability, class, or
LGBTQIA identity.”
2. Be committed to undertaking Oxfam’s
safeguarding training and adhering to relevant
policies, to ensure all people who come into
Oxfam are as safe as possible.

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE & COMPETENCIES
Essential
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related field.
• Part-qualified or fully qualified professional accountant (ACCA, CIMA, CPA, CA or equivalent) is
an advantage.
• Minimum 3 years’ practical experience in accounting or financial management.
• Experience supporting donor-funded projects.
• Experience using computerised accounting systems or ERP platforms.
• Good knowledge of budgeting, reconciliations, financial reporting and internal controls.
• Strong Microsoft Excel and financial systems skills.
• Strong communication, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to build strong, credible relationships with internal and external individuals and organisations
• Excellent personal communication skills, in written and verbal English, with strong influencing and persuasive skills.
• A high level of self-awareness, personal energy, stamina and flexibility.
• Proven experience as a team worker and demonstrably cooperative with members of other teams
• Commitment to Oxfam’s safeguarding policies to ensure all people who come into contact with Oxfam are as safe as possible.

Desirable
• Portuguese language capability
• Multi-country programme experience
• Partner financial oversight experience
• Institutional donor systems knowledge
• Commitment to Oxfam’s overall aims and policies and experience of promoting gender equity
and diversity and the interests of marginalized people in all aspects of Oxfam’s work
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly, at times at short notice, locally and regionally.
• Experience in multi-country or donor-funded programmes and working with partners.

Organisational Values:
• Accountability – Our purpose-driven, results-focused approach means we take responsibility
for our actions and hold ourselves accountable. We believe that others should also be held
accountable for their actions.
• Empowerment – Our approach means that everyone involved with Oxfam, from our staff and
supporters to people living in poverty, should feel they can make change happen.
• Inclusiveness – We are open to everyone and embrace diversity. We believe everyone has a
contribution to make, regardless of visible and invisible differences
• Eager and required to adhere to Oxfam’s principles and values (click here) as well as the
promotion of gender justice and women’s rights (click here) and feminist principles.
• Understanding of and commitment to adhere to equity, diversity, gender, child safety and staff
health and wellbeing principles.
Languages
• Fluent in written and spoken English and ideally Portuguese.

SAFER RECRUITMENT
Oxfam is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual
harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and promoting the
welfare of children, young people and adults. Oxfam expects all staff and volunteers to share this
commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who
share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us. Offers of employment will be subject to
satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and
terrorism finance check