The Beginnings Fund

Reports to: Finance and Operations Director

Location: Proximate to the Beginnings Fund focus countries: Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe 

Status: Full Time 

Salary: $65-75k (commensurate with experience) 

Who We Are 

In Africa, every year over 182,000 mothers die from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth, 950 thousand babies are stillborn, and there are 1.2 million newborn deaths. Global progress against maternal and newborn mortality has stalled in recent years, and most African countries are not on track to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals related to maternal and newborn survival. 

The Beginnings Fund is a philanthropic initiative to accelerate maternal and newborn survival and prevent stillbirths in Africa by investing – in partnership with governments - in the products, people and systems required to sustainably improve care at scale. During its first five years, (2025-2030), Beginnings Fund will focus on Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Ghana, Lesotho, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Investments are developed and managed by an Africa-based Investment Team, led by a Nairobi-based CEO, who reports into an Investment Committee made up of the founding investors in Beginnings Fund. 

The Beginnings Fund is fiscally sponsored by Global Impact. 

Position Overview 

Reporting to the Finance and Operations Director, the Grants and Finance Officer will oversee grants finance, including monitoring financial accounting and reporting of grantee implementing partners, budgeting, forecasting, expense tracking, and fund allocation, while maintaining strict compliance with internal controls, regulations, and reporting standards. The role will also support development of the Beginnings Fund Finance and Operations policies and procedures, provide guidance and, where required, strengthen the financial management capacity of grantees. The Grants and Finance Officer will work closely with the Beginnings Fund fiscal sponsor and investment team to oversee day-to-day financial operations of the fund. 

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and monitor Beginnings Fund annual operational budgets and forecasts. Provide monthly operational financial reports to executive leadership and ensure strategic cash flow management.
• Work with Program and Monitoring and Evaluation Leads on: developing country, regional and Measurement, Evaluation and Learning investment plans, financial due diligence for potential grantees and compiling investment budgets.
• Oversee grantee audits, financial reviews and related independent financial verification activities. Identify financial risks in investment plans and recommend mitigation measures.
• Manage grant and operational disbursements according to relevant grant agreements and the Beginnings Fund financial policies. Oversee operational imprest funds across country locations. Coordinate with the employer of record and fiscal sponsor to ensure timely payments.
• Review and approve grantee financial reports and deliver training on reporting templates.
• Collaborate with Program and Monitoring and Evaluation Leads to support project implementation, provide financial technical support and mentoring to grantees through site visits and conduct training on grant agreements.

• Other duties, as assigned

Qualifications and Experience

• 5 -7 years of experience in global health and development related finance and administrative responsibilities
• Advanced degree in finance, accounting or related field
• Extensive knowledge and experience in international and national accounting practices and relevant legislation in majority of the focus countries.
• Experience working with donor collaboratives and/or large Non-Government Organizations
• Experience working with large foundations or other segments of private philanthropy
• Experience in grant finance management
• Experience with fiscal sponsors or hosting organizations
• Proficiency in accounting software, Microsoft Suite
• Excited to work in a startup environment and travel locally and internationally as needed (30-50% of the time)
• Collaborative and team-driven mindset with a strong work ethic and ability to prioritize and multi-task

• Strong data analysis, communication and presentation skills.

What We Offer

The Beginnings Fund offers a competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience, along with opportunities for professional advancement within a small, collaborative, and dedicated team. 

Physical Requirements and Work Environment 

The physical demands and work environment described below represent the activities and surroundings of the positions. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.      

To perform the job, the employee is frequently required to talk and listen on the telephone, and verbally communicate in person with individuals and groups. The position requires frequent keyboarding. The incumbent may occasionally reach with hands and arms and carry materials weighing up to 20 lbs. The incumbent is required to read and respond to documents in electronic form.    

The work is typically performed in a home office environment. Frequent travel more than 25% of the time may be required. 

The Beginnings Fund is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER committed to providing a non-discriminatory and inclusive environment for its employees.  We are committed to diversity and consider all applicants for all positions without regard to color, ethnic background, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or disability status.