Director of Operations and Finance– VIA Foundation
Position Title:Director of Operations and Finance
Location:Kigali,Rwanda
Start Date:Assoon as possible
Disclaimer:This position isfor theVumbuzi Impact Africa (VIA) Foundation – a new, independent nonprofit organization registered in Rwanda, which operates separately fromthe World Resources Institute (WRI). WRI is assisting with the recruitment of thisposition,and the candidate will be hired exclusively bythe VIA Foundation. You will not be an employee of WRI under any circumstance. The hired applicant will be an employee of theVIA Foundation. WRI has no legal liability or oversight regarding employment, funding, or operations or any other issue associated with the employment of this position. All hiring and employment responsibilities including reporting, and funding associated with this role are managed solely by theVIA Foundationand its Board of Directors. Applicants should be aware that employment terms, policies, and procedures will be of theVIA Foundationand not WRI. The hiring organization is subject to and will adhere to Rwandan law regulations. WRI takes no legal responsibility or otherwise for the employment withthe VIA Foundation.
About Vumbuzi Impact Africa (VIA) Foundation
The VIA Foundation is arecently foundedfinancial intermediaryorganizationdedicated to supporting the acceleration and scale-up of Ecosystem Restoration efforts acrossmember countries of the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative (AFR100).The mission of the VIA Foundation istoprovideinnovative financial solutions and strategic support to restoration champions, the local organizations that mobilize communitiesto revitalize degraded land.
As a trusted and up-and-coming intermediary, the VIA Foundation intends to mobilize resources, foster partnerships, and drive the implementation of sustainable landscape restoration projects. Our goal is to enhance ecosystem resilience, empower local communities, and contribute to global climate goals. With the support of a newly appointed board and executive management team, VIA aims to createa legacyof restored landscapes that thrive both ecologically and economically, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
Scope and schedule of work
- Position Overview
AsVIA Foundation moves towards full operationalization,we are excited to welcome a results-drivenDirector of Operations and Financewho will play a dual role in driving operational efficiency and overseeing financial management. This position willfocus on streamlining daily operations while ensuring robust financial oversight, aligning both functions to advance the foundation’s mission.In this pivotal role, you will oversee the foundation’s daily operations, ensuring seamless execution of initiatives that align with our bold mission. Youwill play a critical part in fostering growth and amplifying our impact across the continent, with an initial focus on the three landscapes: The Greater Rift Valley of Kenya; the Lake Kivu & Rusizi River Basin of Burundi, DRC, and Rwanda; and the Ghana Cocoa Belt. This is a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of transformative change while driving real, lasting progress.
ByApril2025, VIA Foundation will build its core operational policies,procedures, and team,with the goal of issuing grants to100+local organizations.Building onthe establishedTerraFund programat World Resources Institute,your work willallow VIA Foundation to demonstrate its ability to catalyze public, private, and philanthropic capitalto locally led organizations across the continent.
WRI will serve as the Guardian of VIA, collaborating extensively with the foundation to support its operationalization. This collaboration includes working closely withVIA, andthe Director of Operations and Finance to establish VIA’s operational framework, financial systems, and governance policies, ensuring adherence to legal and regulatory requirements. While WRI provides this guardianship role, the Director will operate independently within the VIA Foundation's governance structure, maintaining a clear separation from WRI’s guardianship responsibilities.
- Responsibilities:
Youwillplay a key leadership role, driving the day-to-day operationsand financewhile aligning efforts with the foundation’s strategic goals. Key responsibilities include:
Accounting (40%):
- Ensure all financial and accounting transactions are properly supported and processed in the foundation’s financial management system.
- Prepare monthly reconciliations for bank accounts and other general ledger accounts for the foundation.
- Review and post financial transactions, collaborating with program and operations staff to ensure accurate accounting and coding.
- Prepare journal entries for corrections of misallocated expenses.
- Ensure timely and accurate monthly financial close processes.
- Manage advances and receivables for staff and oversee expense reconciliation for corporate credit cards.
- Support the development and implementation of financial policies and procedures.
- Ensure compliance with donor guidelines, managing awards and grants, including the preparation of financial reports and required documentation for donor reporting.
Operations (30%):
- Review all payment requests for completeness and compliance before approval.
- Process payments to vendors and staff, ensuring timely and accurate disbursements.
- Oversee subgrant advances and reimbursements to restoration champions and private fund partners.
- Collaborate with program staff to ensure smooth processing of participant payments, including mobile money transactions.
- Maintain and reconcile the mobile money account.
- Ensure adherence to standard procedures, tools, and templates in alignment with the foundation’s operational framework.
- Lead internal and external audits, ensuring timely preparation of financial reports and documentation.
- Maintain and update the foundation’s asset register, performing regular physical verifications and reconciliations.
- Manage electronic and manual filing systems for efficient record-keeping.
Budgeting and Financial Management (20%):
- Collaborate with program and business development teams to prepare budgets for proposals.
- Review proposal budgets to ensure accuracy, feasibility, and compliance with donor regulations.
- Prepare quarterly fund requests and update budgets and forecasts for projects and operations.
- Monitor project expenditure against budget and provide variance analysis.
- Lead monthly financial reviews to assess spending trends and inform strategic decision-making.
- Provide financial analysis, including dashboards, to inform leadership decisions.
- Support the development of annual and interim financial reports for funders.
Human Resources (5%):
- Collaborate with leadership to develop an HR strategy, policies, and procedures to support foundation growth.
- Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and employee lifecycle management during the interim period before an HR specialist is hired.
- Develop an Employee Handbook and Administrative Procedures relevant to the foundation’s needs.
- Supervise and provide strategic direction to the HR specialist once onboarded.
Communication (5%):
- Serve as a key liaison between the Foundation Council, staff, and external partners to foster collaboration and transparency.
- Oversee internal and external communication strategies to effectively convey the foundation’s mission and progress.
- Respond to incoming queries and represent the foundation in external engagements, including conferences and meetings.
TheDirector of Operations and Financeis expected todeliver,at a minimum:
- Comprehensive Annual Strategic Plans:Develop and present a detailed strategic plan outlining the foundation’s goals, objectives, and key initiatives for the upcoming year, ensuring alignment with long-term vision. Present planstothe Foundation Counciland the Foundation Guardians.
- QuarterlyOperational Reports:Provide and present to senior leadershipand Foundation Councilin-depth reports on operational activities, accomplishments, and challenges, including insights on areas for improvement and opportunities for growth.
- Accurate andTimelyFinancialReports:Deliver precise financial reports, including regular budget updates, financial statements, and performance analysis to ensure financial health and transparency.Work with the CFO to ensure fiscal transparency and health, alerting the senior leadership immediately of any risk factors to be addressed.
- Staff Performance Reviews and Development Plans:Conduct regular performance evaluations and create professional development plans forVIAteam members to foster growth, engagement and high performance across the foundation.Create visionary growth strategies, high performance systems,and succession plans for all positionsaligned with VIA’s growth.
- Risk Management & Compliance Reports:Ensure operations comply with regulatory standards and proactivelyidentify andmanage risks to safeguard thefoundation'sreputation andmission.
- Operational Efficiency Improvements:Identify and implement process improvements that enhance the foundation’s overall efficiency, ensuring the highest standards of performance and productivity. Update and evolve processes as the foundation grows.
- Reporting:
In the current phase of the VIA Foundation’s development,youwill report directly to the VIA FoundationBoard of Directors and the Guardian. This reporting line ensures clear oversight and support from the Board during the foundation’s operational phase.You will be responsible for managing day-to-day operations and aligning VIA’s strategic objectives with its mission.
- Qualification andExperience:
- Advanced Degree:Master’s degree inbusiness administration, Nonprofit Management,Public Administration,or a related field.An equivalent combination of experience and education may also be considered.You must be a CPA/ACCA.
- Extensive LeadershipExperience:A minimum of10years in senior management,with a proven track record of leading large-scale operations, ideallyinthenonprofit, philanthropic, or mission-driven sectors.
- Operational and Strategic Expertise:Demonstrated success in overseeing day-to-day operations, strategic planning, financial oversight, and risk management in complex organizational settings.
- Exceptional Leadership& People Management:Strong leadership skills with a history of building, managing, and mentoring high-performing teams.Experience in fostering a positive organizational culture, driving engagement, and aligning staff with organizational goals.
- ExceptionalCommunication& Stakeholder Engagement:Excellent verbal and written communication skills with experience engaging internal teams, external partners, and board-level stakeholders. Ability to represent the organization with credibility, confidence, and influence.
- Analytical &Problem-Solving Skills:Strong organizational abilities with a strategic mindset. Capable of analyzing complex situations and developing creative solutions to operational and organizational challenges.
- Tech-Savvy & Data-Driven:Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, financial management software, and otherrelevant digital tools. Experience in leveraging technology to improve operationalefficiencyand data-driven decision-making. Experience with Workdayadvantageous.
- Language Skills:Fluency in written and verbal English and French.
- Requirements:Existing work authorization is required where this position is based. VIA is unable toprovide work authorization
- Key Competencies
TheDirectorwill demonstrate the following core competencies:
- VisionaryLeadership:Ability to inspire, motivate, and guide teams toward achieving the foundation’s mission and strategic objectives. A track record of fostering a collaborate, results-driven culture that encourages innovation and accountability.
- Strategic Thinking& Execution:Strong capacity to anticipate challenges and opportunities,craft effective strategies, and ensure seamless alignment of operational activities with long-term organizational goals. Ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
- Financial Acumen& Stewardship:Deep expertise in financial planning, budgeting, andresource managementto ensure organizational sustainability. Proven ability to monitor financial performance and make sound fiscal decisions that support growth and impact.
- Operational Excellence:Ability to design and implement processes, systems, and policies that optimize efficiency, drive performance, and maintain the highest standards of quality across the foundation.
- AdvancedProblem-Solving: Skilled indiagnosing complexoperationaland organizational issues, crafting innovative and creative solutions, and leading change initiatives that drive continuous improvements.
- ExceptionalCommunication& Relationship Management:Outstandinginterpersonal, written, and verbalcommunication skills.Capable of engaging with diverseinternal and externalstakeholders, including staff, board members, donors, and strategic partners, to build trust and alignment
- Ethical Judgement & Integrity:Strong moral compass, with a commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making in all aspects of leadership and operations.
- Resilience & Agility:Ability to perform under pressure, maintaining focus and poise in fast-paced or uncertain environments. Adaptability to respond effectively to evolving challenges and opportunities
How to apply: Please submit a resume with a required cover letter by the date of 15 January 2025. You must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered. We may close for applications sooner if we receive a high volume of applications from qualified applications
- Terms and Conditions
The final candidatewill be offered ahighlycompetitive salary anda comprehensivebenefits packagethat reflects the candidate’sexperience, qualifications, and the critical nature of the role. Benefits include healthcare, retirement contributions, and opportunities for professional development.
The position may require occasional travel for meetings, conferences, stakeholder workshops, donormeetings, and key events that further the foundation’s mission and partnerships. Youwill also have the flexibility to manage a dynamic workload, with the possibility ofhybrid worksetting.
This is a unique leadership opportunity to work within a mission-driven organizationcommittedto making a lasting impact.Youwill play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the foundation, with opportunities for growth and leadership development.
Disclaimer:This position is for the Vumbuzi Impact Africa (VIA) Foundation – a new, independent nonprofit organization registered in Rwanda, which operates separately fromthe World Resources Institute(WRI). WRI is assisting with the recruitment of thisposition,and the candidate will be hired exclusively by the VIA Foundation. You will not be an employee of WRI under any circumstance. The hired applicant will be an employee of the VIA Foundation. WRI has no legal liability or oversight regarding employment, funding, or operations or any other issue associated with the employment of this position. All hiring and employment responsibilities including reporting, and funding associated with this role are managed solely by the VIA Foundation and its Board of Directors. Applicants should be aware that employment terms, policies, and procedures will be of the VIA Foundation and notWRI. The hiring organization is subject to and will adhere to Rwandan law regulations. WRI takes no legal responsibility or otherwise for the employment with the VIA Foundation.
