Director of Finance, Grants & Strategic Funding

Job Description

The Director of Finance, Grants & Strategic Funding will lead ACES’ financial function, ensuring strong financial governance, effective grant management, and the development of sustainable revenue and financing strategies. The role will play a central part in positioning ACES as a financially resilient and investment-ready platform, supporting both programme delivery and long-term growth. The Director will report to the Executive Director and lead a growing finance and grants team.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Management & Control - Lead overall financial operations, including accounting, reporting, and transaction management - Develop and manage budgets, financial forecasts, and cash flow planning - Monitor financial performance and ensure adequate liquidity - Prepare high-quality monthly and annual financial reports for management and Board oversight - Establish and maintain robust internal controls, policies, and procedures - Ensure compliance with statutory, tax, and regulatory requirements - Lead audit processes, including statutory and donor audits - Oversee payroll and financial administration
• Grants & Donor Management - Oversee the full lifecycle of grant management, ensuring compliance with donor requirements - Coordinate with programme teams on planning, budgeting, and fund utilisation - Lead preparation of donor financial reports and budgets - Maintain strong relationships with donors and partners - Oversee sub-grantee financial management, including due diligence and monitoring - Strengthen systems for grant tracking and accountability
• Revenue, Investment & Strategic Finance - Develop and implement revenue models for training, certification, and services - Support diversification of income streams - Contribute to fundraising strategies and funding proposals - Develop financial models, forecasts, and investment materials (pitch decks, data rooms) - Support engagement with investors and development finance institutions - Contribute to structuring financing approaches, including blended finance - Align financial strategy with ACES’ long-term growth objectives
• Team Leadership & Capacity Building - Build and lead a high-performing finance and grants team - Strengthen financial management capacity across the organisation - Promote accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement
• Stakeholder Engagement & Governance - Present financial insights to senior management and the Board - Support governance processes, including audit and risk oversight - Ensure clear financial communication with stakeholders

Candidate Profile

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field
• Professional qualification (CFA, CPA, ACCA, or CIMA) required
• ESG or Sustainable Investing certification is an added advantage

Experience & Competencies

• Proven experience in senior finance roles, including grants management
• Experience in impact investment, climate finance, or development finance
• Strong financial modelling and analytical skills
• Experience developing financial strategies and funding frameworks
• Familiarity with donor funding and blended finance structures
• Experience engaging with donors, investors, or DFIs
• Strong leadership and team management experience

Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong execution skills
• High integrity and professionalism
• Ability to thrive in a fast-growing environment
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Why Join ACES

This is a unique opportunity to help shape a pan-African institution at the forefront of climate, infrastructure, and sustainable development. The successful candidate will contribute to building:

• A financially sustainable organisation
• Innovative funding and investment models
• A platform for scaling impact across Africa

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a cover letter to recruitment.aces@cleancooling.org Clearly indicate “Director of Finance, Grants & Strategic Funding” in the subject line