Grant Finance & Compliance Lead

SCOPE OF THE JOBThe Grant Finance & Compliance Officer is responsible for ensuring robust financial compliance, documentation, and audit readiness across all donor-funded projects and partner organisations.The role focuses on grant financial oversight, documentation quality, compliance monitoring, and standardisation of financial practices, working closely with country finance teams and programme staff.The position plays a critical role in maintaining high-quality financial records across Alfanar’s investments, ensuring alignment with donor requirements and internal policies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIESGrant Financial Compliance & OversightMonitor financial compliance across all grants, ensuring adherence to: Donor regulations Internal policies and procedures Review financial transactions and reports for: Correct coding (grant, cost centre)

Eligibility of expenses Alignment with approved budgets Track grant utilisation and flag risks (under/over-spending, ineligible costs)

Support country teams in interpreting and applying donor rulesDocumentation & Audit ReadinessEnsure all financial transactions are supported by complete, accurate, and compliant documentation Maintain and oversee centralised documentation systems and filing structures Conduct periodic documentation completeness checks (spot checks and sample reviews)

Ensure audit trails are clear, consistent, and accessible Support preparation for: Donor audits Statutory audits Internal reviewsPartner Financial Monitoring & Capacity BuildingReview partner financial submissions and supporting documentation Conduct financial assessments and monitoring reviews of partners Provide guidance to partners on: Financial controls Procurement procedures Documentation standards Support strengthening of partner financial management practicesFinancial Verification & Data QualityVerify accuracy and completeness of: Partner financial reports Grant financial data Support reconciliation between: Financial records Grant tracking tools Accounting systems Ensure consistency between documentation and reported figuresProcurement & Expense Compliance Review procurement processes and documentation for compliance Ensure adherence to: Donor procurement requirements Internal approval processes Conduct sample-based checks on: Vendor selection Supporting documentation Approval workflowsSystems, Tracking & Reporting Support Maintain and update grant tracking tools and compliance dashboards Support development and implementation of: Templates Checklists Standard operating procedures Provide inputs to financial reporting processes where neededCoordination & Communication Work closely with:Country finance teamsProgramme teamsRegional Finance LeadAct as a focal point for grant compliance queriesEscalate compliance risks and issues in a timely mannerAdditional Duties Support ad hoc compliance reviews or investigations Contribute to continuous improvement of finance processes and controls

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCEEssentialDegree in Finance, Accounting, or related field0-1 years’ experience in:Grant finance / donor complianceFinancial monitoring or auditStrong understanding of:Donor rules (e.g. EU, USAID, foundations)Financial controls and documentation standardsHigh attention to detail and accuracyExperience working with multi-country programmesDesirableExperience in NGO / INGO environmentFamiliarity with restricted fund accountingExperience conducting audits or compliance reviewsSUCCESS FACTORSStrong attention to detail and compliance mindsetAbility to manage large volumes of documentation systematicallyComfortable working across multiple countries and stakeholdersProactive in identifying and resolving compliance issuesAble to balance control with practical implementation