Vacancy #: 7719 Unit: Global Programme Operations Unit - Malaga Organisation: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Location: Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation, Malaga, Spain Reporting to: Senior Manager, Programme Finance and Operations Work percentage: 100% Grade: P2 Expected start date: 23 November 2026 Type of contract: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a membership Union uniquely composed of both government and civil society organisations. IUCN is the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it.
Operating in more than 160 countries, IUCN supports conservation and sustainable development initiatives through scientific research, policy development, field programmes, partnerships, and grant-making mechanisms that enable investments in biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable development.
The Global Programme Operations Unit (GPOU) provides high-quality financial, operational, and administrative services that enable the effective design, implementation, monitoring, and delivery of IUCN's global conservation programme and project portfolio.
The Unit supports programme teams throughout the project lifecycle, including financial planning and analysis, budget development, donor compliance, contracting, procurement, project administration, financial reporting, and portfolio performance management. The Senior Programme Finance Officer plays a key role in supporting the financial management and administration of assigned programme and project portfolios.
The position serves as a trusted finance business partner to programme managers and project teams, ensuring sound financial planning, donor compliance, effective resource utilisation, and accurate financial reporting. The incumbent will contribute to the development of financial tools, monitoring frameworks, management reports, and operational procedures that support evidence-based decision-making and effective programme delivery.
Working closely with Programme Finance Managers, Project Managers, regional finance teams, and implementing partners, the Senior Officer, Programme Finance supports project implementation across the full project cycle, from proposal development and contract negotiation through implementation, reporting, audit, and project closure.
Serve as the finance focal point for designated programme portfolios, providing proactive financial guidance and support to programme managers and technical teams.
Support the preparation, consolidation, review, and monitoring of programme budgets, annual work plans, forecasts, and financial projections.
Monitor expenditure trends, commitments, and budget utilisation, analysing variances and identifying financial risks, opportunities, and corrective actions.
Support programme resource planning and cost recovery management, ensuring the appropriate allocation and recovery of direct and indirect costs.
Prepare financial analyses, dashboards, and management reports that support programme performance monitoring and informed decision-making.
Ensure the integrity, accuracy, and completeness of financial data across corporate systems and reporting platforms.
Promote compliance with organisational financial procedures, time recording requirements,



cost allocation methodologies, and internal control standards.
Project Financial Management and Donor Compliance
Support project managers throughout the project lifecycle, including proposal development, budget preparation, implementation, reporting, audit coordination, and project closure.
Review project budgets and financial plans to ensure alignment with donor regulations, contractual requirements, and IUCN policies and procedures.
Support the financial management of projects funded by institutional donors, including the European Union (EU), BMUV/BMZ, bilateral and multilateral agencies, government institutions, foundations, and private sector partners.
Prepare, review, and validate donor financial reports, ensuring accuracy, completeness, audit readiness, and timely submission.
Monitor contractual financial obligations, reporting schedules, co-financing commitments, and budget utilisation across assigned projects.
Coordinate project audits and financial verifications, including the preparation of supporting documentation, audit schedules, management responses, and follow-up actions.
Support financial oversight of implementing partners and subcontractors, including budget reviews, financial reporting, and compliance assessments.
Collaborate closely with regional finance teams and programme staff to ensure consistency and quality in project financial management practices.
Contract Management, Procurement, and Internal Compliance
Verify the adequacy of project budgets, funding availability, and financial provisions before submission for internal approval.
Coordinate with Legal, Procurement, Finance, and Programme teams to facilitate efficient contract and procurement workflows.
Maintain comprehensive and audit-ready financial and contractual records in accordance with organisational standards and record-management requirements.
Ensure accurate and timely maintenance of financial information within corporate systems, including NAV/Business Central, Project Portal, and related platforms.
Develop and enhance financial monitoring tools, reporting templates, dashboards, and analytical resources.
Contribute to the design and implementation of process improvements aimed at increasing efficiency, transparency, and data quality.
Support system testing, user acceptance processes, and the rollout of new financial and operational tools.
Provide day-to-day financial advice and guidance to project managers and technical staff.
Support capacity-building initiatives by delivering training, coaching, and knowledge-sharing activities on financial management, donor compliance, and internal procedures.
Promote best practices in project financial management and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across the Secretariat.
Contribute to cross-functional initiatives and special projects undertaken by GPOU and the wider Secretariat.




Perform any other duties consistent with the nature and level of the position as assigned by the Senior Manager, Programme Finance and Operations, the Head of Integral Programme Operations, or other senior finance leadership.
Any significant and permanent changes to responsibilities will be reflected through consultation with the employee and the Human Resources Management Group.
Advanced University degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.
A recognised professional accounting qualification (e.g. At least eight (8) years of progressively responsible professional experience in finance, grants management, project finance, or programme financial management in an international organisation, NGO, development agency, or similar environment.
Demonstrated experience managing donor-funded projects and grants, including budget development, financial monitoring, donor reporting, and audit coordination.
Experience coordinating financial audits and responding to audit findings.
Proven experience in financial analysis, forecasting, budgeting, and management reporting.
Experience in auditing donor funded projects an added advantage.
Excellent command of written and spoken English is required.
Working knowledge of French and/or Spanish would be a distinct advantage.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
Experience using ERP systems and financial management platforms, preferably Microsoft Dynamics NAV/Business Central or similar systems.
Strong capability in financial reporting, data analysis, and the use of financial management tools and databases.
Experience with project management and grant management systems is desirable.
Strong technical knowledge of project and programme financial management, budgeting, forecasting, donor compliance, financial controls, and reporting.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate financial data into practical management information and recommendations.
Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with both finance and non-finance audiences.
High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and commitment to quality.
Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button.
Created in 1948, IUCN is now the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, harnessing the knowledge, resources and reach of more than 1,400 Member organisations and around 16,000 experts. It is a leading provider of conservation data, assessments and analysis. IUCN provides a neutral space in which diverse stakeholders including governments, NGOs, scientists, businesses, local communities, indigenous peoples organisations and others can work together to forge and implement solutions to environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.
Working with many partners and supporters, IUCN implements a large and diverse portfolio of conservation projects worldwide. Combining the latest science with the traditional knowledge of local communities, these projects work to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve people’s well-being.

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📌 Financial Analysis - Senior Associate (Málaga)
🏢 IUCN Eastern and Southern Africa
📍 Málaga