Finance, Grants, & Compliance Officer

KEY INFORMATION
Job Title: Finance, Grants, & Compliance Officer
Sector: Gender-based violence prevention
Position Type (full/part time): Full-time
Duration/Level of Effort (long/short term): Long-term
Position Location (e.g. city, country, remote): Bangkok, Thailand
 
 
SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT
The Southeast Asia Gender-based Violence (GBV) Prevention Platform is an AUD$20 million Australian Government investment over five years (2024-2029) to strengthen GBV prevention in Southeast Asia. The Platform will establish a regionally led Secretariat to enhance primary prevention efforts, adapt global evidence, and support innovative approaches to address GBV. The regional Secretariat is supported by an Incubator (managed by Cowater International Inc consortium). 
 
 
SUMMARY OF THE POSITION
We are currently seeking a meticulous and experienced Finance, Grants, & Compliance Officer to join our Incubator team and ensure that our financial operations and grant management processes are robust, compliant, and aligned with best practice standards. Reporting to the Operations Director, the officer will manage financial transactions, support budgeting, and ensure adherence to Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) policies and procedures. Responsibilities include developing financial manuals, managing sub-grants, and maintaining accurate financial records. 
 
 
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Inception Phase 

• Assist in setting up the Platform office in Bangkok, including establishing financial processes.
• Collaborate with the Operations Director (OD), Incubator Team Leader (ITL), and HQ Cowater to develop financial policies, including a Procurement Manual Assist in preparing the Platform Grants Manual and manage the grant selection process.

 
Program Financial Management 

• Build the finance team’s capacity in financial management and reporting.
• Support annual budget development aligned with the work plan.
• Assist in preparing six-month narrative, and monthly financial invoices.
• Ensure alignment between work plans, budgets, and Monitoring and Evaluation Framework.
• Communicate budget status regularly with the Platform Team and DFAT.
• Update financial procedures in line with best practices and DFAT guidelines.
• Coordinate internal and external finance audits.
• Manage financial audit processes and banking activities.
• Oversee accounting of program invoices and maintain accurate financial records. 

Grant & Contract Management 

• Collaborate with the OD and Incubator team to design and implement a grant management mechanism that adheres to DFAT’s fiduciary risk management and financial management policies. Contribute to the annual work plan development with grant planning and budgeting advice.
• Track activities and budgets, providing financial analysis and risk assessments.
• Review financial statements and manage all grant contracts.
• Monitor and verify Partner financial reports and ensure timely updates in the Management Information System (MIS).
• Conduct due diligence on potential grantees and prepare Grant Agreements.
• Conduct field visits to monitor grant spending and provide capacity building. 

Partnerships 

• Conduct field visits to enhance partners' financial and grant management capabilities.
• Provide training on financial management and fraud control.
• Ensure alignment with Platform reporting requirements.

 
Program Risk Management 

• Ensure all procurement and financial processes closely follow the Platform’s Operations Manual.
• Assess and respond to Platform financial risks, implementing mitigation measures.
• Protect DFAT’s interests and adhere to policies, procedures, and protocols.

 
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education:

• University level education in finance or accounting. 
• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field preferred. Accounting certification is a strong advantage. 

Minimum Experience:

• Minimum 3 years in grant and fund management for international development initiatives in Thailand.

Essential Skills:

• Experience working in/with other Southeast Asian countries preferred.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing financial management systems for donor-funded programs.
• Strong accounting, procurement, and financial management skills.
• Knowledge of international development funding requirements and grant-making procedures.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex situations.
• Advanced English writing skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PPT).
• Experience with Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) and GBV programs is advantageous.
• Experience with Quickbooks and Vena software.
• Experience with donor organizations such as DFAT is preferred.

Language Proficiency: English (strong written and verbal)
 
 
APPLICATION PROCESS
Candidates are encouraged to apply by September 30th/as soon as possible.
For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as followed: Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position.
 
Women and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law.
 
We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.
 
 
ABOUT US
Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2017.
We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow.