CIVICUS Announces Head of Finance Vacancy with Applications Open Until 14 August 2026 ·Unknown

CIVICUS, the global civil society alliance dedicated to defending people power and strengthening civic freedoms worldwide, has announced a vacancy for the position of Head of Finance. The organisation is seeking an experienced finance leader to provide strategic and operational oversight of its financial management while supporting the long-term sustainability of one of the world’s largest civil society networks.

The successful candidate will play a critical leadership role in managing financial strategy, compliance, budgeting, reporting, and organisational risk while working closely with senior management to strengthen accountability and financial stewardship across the organisation.

Applications close on 14 August 2026 at 11:59 p.m. South African Standard Time (SAST).

About CIVICUS

CIVICUS is a global alliance of more than 17,000 members across over 180 countries, working to defend civic freedoms, strengthen civil society, and promote citizen participation around the world.

The organisation collaborates with activists, grassroots organisations, and civil society partners to monitor violations of civic space, advocate for human rights, and amplify voices that are often excluded from decision-making, particularly those from the Global South.

About the Head of Finance Role

The Head of Finance provides both strategic leadership and hands-on financial management across the organisation. The position is suited to an experienced finance professional who can combine strong technical expertise with leadership skills in a mission-driven, fast-paced, and accountable environment.

Working closely with the Chief Operations Officer (COO), the successful candidate will oversee financial planning, budgeting, reporting, compliance, audit management, and financial sustainability while ensuring robust internal controls and effective financial governance.

Key Responsibilities

The Head of Finance will be responsible for:

• Leading and managing the finance team.

• Developing and implementing organisational financial strategy.

• Overseeing budgeting and financial planning.

• Preparing financial reports and management accounts.

• Managing audits and financial risk.

• Ensuring compliance with donor, statutory, and regulatory requirements.

• Strengthening financial systems, controls, and governance.

• Providing strategic financial advice to support organisational decision-making.

• Mentoring and supervising finance staff.

• Promoting accountability, transparency, and financial sustainability across the organisation.

The role also involves supporting programme teams with financial guidance and ensuring sound financial management practices are embedded throughout the organisation.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should possess a recognised professional accounting qualification, including one of the following:

• ACCA.

• CPA.

• CIMA.

• CIPFA.

• Or an equivalent professional accounting qualification.

Candidates must also have:

• At least seven years of post-qualification experience.

• A minimum of three years serving in a Head of Finance role.

• Senior-level finance leadership experience within an organisation of comparable size and complexity.

Required Skills and Experience

The successful applicant should demonstrate:

• Strong written and verbal English communication skills.

• Extensive experience working within the non-profit sector.

• Proven expertise managing restricted donor funding.

• Comprehensive knowledge of donor compliance requirements, including those of:

• European Union.

• United States foundations.

• European government agencies.

• Ability to analyse financial information and communicate complex financial concepts clearly to non-financial colleagues.

• Experience designing and delivering financial management training for programme and operational teams.

• Strong leadership skills with experience managing geographically dispersed teams.

• Ability to delegate effectively while promoting accountability and high performance.

• Strong understanding of human rights and social justice principles.

• Experience implementing financial automation, process improvements, and technology-driven financial systems.

Knowledge of one or more United Nations languages in addition to English will be considered an advantage.

Why Join CIVICUS?

The Head of Finance will join an internationally respected organisation committed to strengthening civil society and protecting civic freedoms globally.

The position offers an opportunity to:

• Influence organisational strategy.

• Lead financial transformation initiatives.

• Support global programmes promoting democracy and human rights.

• Work with international partners and donors.

• Contribute to long-term organisational sustainability.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official CIVICUS recruitment platform.

Application packages must include:

• A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing educational qualifications, employment history, key responsibilities, and relevant achievements.

• A cover letter of no more than one page explaining motivation for applying.

Applicants are advised to:

• Complete the application form manually without using browser autofill.

• Submit only original application materials.

• Avoid using AI-generated CVs, résumés, or cover letters, as applications containing AI-generated materials will not be considered.

Selection Process

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted approximately three weeks after the application deadline to arrange interviews.

Due to the high number of applications received, CIVICUS is unable to provide individual updates during the recruitment process. All applicants will be informed once the recruitment process has been completed.

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted by:

14 August 2026 at 11:59 p.m. SAST

Qualified finance professionals with experience in nonprofit financial leadership, donor compliance, and organisational governance are encouraged to apply for this opportunity to support one of the world’s leading civil society alliances.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the  organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official  organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.