Finance & Operations Director

Financial Leadership & Management

• Lead all financial operations including budgeting forecasting financial planning and monitoring of expenditures.
• Identifies financial risks and proposes to SMT mitigation measures 
• Ensure proper use allocation and management of financial resources across the office and projects.
• Oversee accounting reconciliation and financial record keeping in accordance with organizational and national standards.
• Review financial reports for donor compliance management and external stakeholders.
• Conduct financial analyses to support strategic decisions for long-term financial sustainability.
• Oversee annual audits and ensure full compliance with audit recommendations and policies (of WWF-Guianas WWF US and donor).

Operational Management and Innovation

• Lead and optimize operational systems procedures and administrative processes within the office.
• Lead in innovative IT solutions 
• Ensure effective contract administration including vendor agreements consultant contracts service contracts and procurement contracts.
• Oversee facilities management office logistics and operational support to programs for efficient and effective support 
• Co-leads the organizational development of WWF Guianas in terms of the Financial Sustainability Plan transformation of culture aimed at excellence raising the levels of innovation and technological applications and continuous improvement of processes and procedures.
• Supervise and strengthen administrative operational and financial teams.

Compliance Controls & Risk Management

• Identify risks including ESSF for WWF-Guianas early in development projects or donor proposals and propose mitigation measures 
• Ensure donor-specific requirements are understood implemented and monitored across all projects.
• Regularly assess operational and financial risks propose mitigation measures and implement internal control improvements.
• Ensure good understanding and full compliance with organizational financial policies internal control standards donor requirements and applicable national (Suriname & Guyana) laws and regulations.

Strategic Planning & Budget Coordination

• Coordinate the strategic annual planning and budgeting cycle for the Country Office ensuring alignment with programmatic priorities and donor commitments.
• Support scenario planning budget forecasting and resource allocation strategies.
• Contribute to organizational strategies that strengthen efficiency financial sustainability and efficient operational performance.

Contract & Grant Administration

• Oversee the review negotiation and management of contracts grants and financial agreements.
• Ensure all contractual obligations are met and documented including deliveries budget execution and compliance requirements.
• Monitor financial execution of all projects ensuring alignment with donor regulations and programmatic objectives.

Leadership Team Development & Collaboration

• Provide strategic leadership mentorship and capacity-building for finance and operations staff.
• Work closely with programme teams to ensure high-quality financial and operational support for project implementation.
• Foster a culture of accountability transparency collaboration efficiency and continuous improvement.

Qualifications :

Required qualifications and experience

• Advanced degree (masters preferred) in Finance Accounting Business Administration Management or related field.
• Minimum 710 years of progressive experience in financial and operational management preferably within NGOs or development organizations.
• Demonstrated expertise in budget development financial reporting accounting standards and operational oversight.
• Strong understanding of donor compliance (e.g. EU UN agencies private foundations). 
• Experience in contract management procurement and audit processes.
• Proven leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong knowledge of Suriname and Guyana financial regulations and labor/administrative laws.
• Analytical skills in preparing project proposals and budgets as well as in report preparation.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills with a willingness to represent and speak on behalf of the organization.
• Strong team player and internal organizational networker.
• Excellent relationship-building skills with government business and the donor community and other partners.
• Excellent computer skills including experience with Microsoft Office. CRM tools are a plus.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in Dutch English and Spanish is a plus. 

Required Skills and Competencies

• Knowledge of the business landscape and relations with conservation efforts
• Strong negotiation abilities
• Ability to conduct financial analysis at both programme and organizational levels.
• Ability to make short-term and long-term financial planning
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects efficiently
• Proficient in facilitating meetings workshops and discussions
• Team player with the ability to work closely with team members in multilingual settings and different contexts
• Familiarity with the NGO sector good understanding of the context and dynamics of non-profit work.
• Ability to work effectively with partners across the NGO public and private sectors
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly including travelling outside of regular office hours.
• Adherence to WWFs values: Courage Integrity Respect and Collaboration.

Additional Information :

Working Relationships

Internal
The Finance & Operations Director will work under the supervision of the Country Director for Suriname & Guyana and supervises the sub departments Finance & Accounting Contract & Grants Management Operations & IT. And will closely work with the program team People & Culture peers and other Network Offices. 

External
Donors private sector local communities NGOs government agencies civil society public authorities and academic institutions.

**This job description covers the main tasks and conveys the spirit of the sort of tasks that are anticipated proactively by staff. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to organizational needs. 

Contract Information

Employment Type: Limited-Term Staff Appointment (12 months - with the possibility of extension)

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time