Director of Finance, Grants & Strategic Funding

The Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold-Chain (ACES) is a high-impact, pan-African platform advancing sustainable cooling solutions to support climate resilience, food systems, public health, and economic development.

https://cleancooling.org/centres-and-spokes/africa

Job Advert

About ACES
The Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold-Chain (ACES) is a high-impact, pan-African platform advancing sustainable cooling solutions to support climate resilience, food systems, public health, and economic development.

Operating at the intersection of innovation, capacity building, and investment, ACES combines:

A pan-African Institute for training and certification
An INGO platform delivering donor-funded programmes
A growing commercial and investment arm supporting scalable solutions

ACES is now entering a critical phase of growth—transitioning from donor dependence towards a financially sustainable and investment-ready institution.

Position: Director of Finance, Grants & Strategic Funding
Location: Kigali, Rwanda
Organisation: Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold-Chain (ACES)
Reporting to: Executive Director

Role Purpose

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

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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
Application deadline: 15th May 2026 at 5:00 PM
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted