Sightsavers Project Finance Officer Job in Nairobi 2026: Apply Now for NGO Finance Role in Kenya

If you are a finance professional looking to make a meaningful impact in the non-profit sector, the Project Finance Officer role at Sightsavers offers an excellent opportunity to combine your technical expertise with a purpose-driven career. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, this full-time position places you at the heart of financial operations supporting life-changing programmes focused on eye health and disability inclusion.

About the Role

The Project Finance Officer position is a 12-month fixed-term contract designed for experienced professionals who can manage financial operations for development projects efficiently and accurately. Working 35 hours per week, the successful candidate will support programme teams and partners in ensuring that project funds are utilized responsibly, transparently, and in line with donor expectations.

This role is central to maintaining financial integrity across projects. You will work closely with Programme Managers, partners, and internal finance teams to ensure that budgets are adhered to, reports are accurate, and financial risks are minimized.

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Key Responsibilities

The position involves a wide range of financial, operational, and coordination responsibilities. At its core, the role focuses on ensuring that all financial processes run smoothly while supporting programme delivery.

Donor Budget Management and Reporting

One of your primary responsibilities will be managing donor budgets and ensuring compliance with donor regulations. This includes:

• Sharing donor requirements with project teams, finance staff, logistics personnel, and partners.
• Preparing and updating project spending plans aligned with planned activities.
• Reviewing payment schedules and ensuring proper cash flow planning.

You will play a crucial role in ensuring that all stakeholders understand donor expectations and that funds are used accordingly.

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Financial Management

Financial oversight is a significant part of the role. Key duties include:

• Reviewing monthly transactions in the organization’s accounting system to ensure accuracy and proper coding.
• Managing timely payments through the S2B platform.
• Monitoring bank balances and updating cash books to avoid cash shortages.
• Preparing monthly Budget Versus Actual reports with detailed commentary on variances.
• Producing quarterly financial reports that meet donor requirements and deadlines.
• Tracking exchange rates and ensuring compliance with donor currency policies.

These responsibilities require strong attention to detail and the ability to analyze financial data effectively.

Programme Financial Support

Beyond traditional finance tasks, the role also supports programme decision-making. You will:

• Prepare financial reports to guide programme teams.
• Ensure accurate coding of restricted funds.
• Analyze differences between projected and actual expenditures.
• Review partner financial reports and identify ineligible expenses.
• Conduct periodic reviews of partner financial controls and recommend improvements.

This aspect of the role highlights the importance of collaboration between finance and programme teams.

Procurement Responsibilities

The Project Finance Officer also contributes to procurement processes, ensuring value for money and compliance with policies. Duties include:

• Sourcing and analyzing supplier quotations.
• Processing procurement requests through systems such as PSC and Proactis.
• Supporting asset management by maintaining updated asset registers.

This ensures that project resources are acquired efficiently and transparently.

Skills and Experience Required

To succeed in this role, candidates must bring a strong academic and professional background in finance. The essential requirements include:

• A Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field.
• A recognized professional accounting qualification.
• Proven experience managing project budgets.
• Experience preparing financial and donor reports.
• Strong skills in Budget Versus Actual analysis.
• Familiarity with procurement processes.
• Experience using financial systems such as SUN, PSC, and Proactis.
• Strong analytical and data management skills.

Experience working in an international non-governmental organization (INGO) is highly desirable, as it provides valuable context for donor-funded project environments.

Additionally, candidates with experience in audits or working with government organizations will have an added advantage.

Why This Role Matters

This is not just another finance job. Working with Sightsavers means contributing to a mission that aims to prevent avoidable blindness and promote equal opportunities for people with disabilities.

As a Project Finance Officer, your work directly supports programmes that improve lives across communities. Your ability to manage funds effectively ensures that resources reach those who need them most and that projects achieve their intended impact.

Work Environment and Culture

Sightsavers is known for its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. The organization actively encourages applications from women and people with disabilities and strives to build a workforce that reflects the communities it serves.

The organization also maintains strict safeguarding policies, ensuring a safe and respectful work environment. It has zero tolerance for harassment, sexual exploitation, and abuse, and all candidates undergo thorough background checks.

Application Process

Interested candidates are required to submit their CV through the official recruitment portal and complete application questions detailing their motivation and suitability for the role.

The recruitment process is structured and competitive, with interviews expected to take place during the week commencing 11 May 2026. Candidates will participate in both an in-person oral interview and a written assessment.

The closing date for applications is 26 April 2026, so early submission is strongly recommended.

Career Growth and Opportunities

This role offers significant professional development opportunities. You will gain:

• Hands-on experience in managing donor-funded projects.
• Exposure to international development finance systems.
• Opportunities to work with diverse teams and partners.
• Enhanced skills in financial reporting and compliance.
• Insight into programme implementation and impact measurement.

These experiences can open doors to senior finance roles within the NGO sector or broader international development organizations.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is ideal for finance professionals who:

• Have a passion for development work.
• Enjoy working in dynamic, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Are detail-oriented and analytical.
• Can balance multiple responsibilities effectively.
• Are committed to transparency and accountability.

If you are looking to align your financial expertise with a meaningful cause, this role is worth serious consideration.

Final Thoughts

The Project Finance Officer position in Nairobi is a rewarding opportunity for professionals seeking both career growth and social impact. With a strong focus on financial management, donor compliance, and programme support, the role offers a comprehensive experience in development finance.

By joining Sightsavers, you become part of a global effort to create a more inclusive world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. If you meet the qualifications and are motivated by purpose-driven work, this could be the next step in your career journey.