Director, Finance (Adv#10/2025)
icddr,b is an international health research institute based in Bangladesh. Policymakers and practitioners utilise our evidence and expertise to improve health outcomes and prevent premature death and disability worldwide.
In recognition of its scientific and humanitarian contributions, icddr,b has won many international awards, including, most notably:
Gates Award for Global Health (2001): For the groundbreaking development of oral rehydration solution, which has saved over 50 million lives Independence Award (2005): For services rendered to the people of Bangladesh. Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize (2017): For innovative approaches to addressing health issues in the world’s most underserved communities.Since our establishment in 1960, icddr,b’s research focus has expanded beyond cholera and diarrhoeal diseases to encompass many other health challenges facing people living in Bangladesh and beyond.
Our research priorities are organised around nine public health goals:
Address health risks related to climate change Address health risks related to gender and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) Prevent and manage non-communicable diseases Improve healthcare in urban populations and achieve universal health coverage Prevent and control infectious diseases Improve maternal and newborn health Reduce maternal, adolescent and childhood malnutrition Enhance laboratory services and support genomics research Improve hospital services and clinical researchWe seek an experienced and visionary Director of Finance to provide strategic leadership for the organisation’s financial operations. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director of Finance will oversee a team of highly skilled professionals and ensure effective financial management practices that support organisational sustainability and growth.
This pivotal role involves aligning financial strategies with objectives, maintaining strict compliance with international standards, and cultivating strong relationships with donors. The Director of Finance will be instrumental in driving icddr,b’s mission forward by safeguarding its financial integrity and enhancing its capacity to deliver impactful results.
Strategy Planning and development
Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with the organisation’s goals and objectives and collaborate with the executive team to formulate and refine long-term financial plans. Define the future direction and role of the finance function by devising policies, processes, and norms to forecast, utilise, and manage funds, reserves, and endowments. Assess the cost implications, risks, and sustainability of funding initiatives while ensuring strategic goals are aligned. Analyse trends in funding patterns, expenditure growth, and resource utilization to identify strategic imperatives and organisational challenges. Provide financial insights to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), fostering collaborative problem-solving to build a financially sustainable organisation. Convey complex financial information clearly and concisely to stakeholders at all levels.Financial Planning and Analysis
Engage with donors and Principal Investigators (PIs) to confirm funding schedules and allocations. Validate expense projections, analyse alternative income sources (e.g., reserves, endowments), and forecast balanced budgets. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to establish prudent budgeting norms and guidelines. Identify and address potential financial risks and deviations, ensuring efficient financial resource management.Financial Operations Management and Reporting
Ensure all financial transactions comply with organisational policies and procedures, local laws, and global standards. Oversee the creation of annual budgets and multi-year forecasts, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities. Develop and enforce financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure operational efficiency and reduce risks. Provide regular financial reports to the Executive Director/Division Directors/ Board of Trustees and donors, highlighting variances and recommending corrective measures. Evaluate data, weigh alternatives and choose the best course of action for all relevant stakeholders and icddr,b.Process Improvements and Change Management (ERP and IPSAS)
Evaluate gaps in financial processes, including cash flow management, expense monitoring, and budget forecasting. Implement improvements using frameworks such as EADOS (Eliminate, Automate, Delegate, Outsource, Simplify). Ability to negotiate, persuade and build relationships with all staff. Collaborate with donors/stakeholders to modernise financial processes, adopting innovative approaches that enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Implement IPSAS to improve the quality, consistency, and transparency of financial reporting to enhance accountability and transparency. Implement ERP systems to provide a comprehensive framework for managing, monitoring, and optimizing financial operations effectively, driving better business performance and strategic growth.Project Fund Management
Communicate clearly and precisely with PIs regarding grant management and resolve any issues arising. Guide PIs in preparing and managing project budgets while ensuring compliance with contractual terms. Approve budgets, certify invoices, and address deviations to optimise project financial performance. Resolve escalated financial issues and ensure effective donor fund utilisation.Risk Management
Assess financial risks associated with treasury, vendors, banks, and insurance providers and develop mitigation strategies. Conduct due diligence on financial entities and establish controls to safeguard against material misstatements in financial reports. Educate team members/staff and stakeholders on risk management practices.Audit and Compliance
Oversee audit processes, ensuring timely and accurate responses to queries. Implement recommendations from audit findings to enhance financial governance and compliance with international accounting standards. Ensure donor-funded projects comply with contractual terms and conditions.Treasury Management
Monitor cash flow and liquidity through regular forecasting and reporting. Develop and review investment policies and strategies to optimise returns on surplus funds. Manage endowment and separation funds to maintain organisational financial health.This internationally recruited position offers a competitive salary paid in US Dollars. The successful candidate will receive a three-year initial contract, including a one-year probation period, subject to renewal based on satisfactory performance and funding availability.
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their application along with a detailed ‘CV and Cover Letter’ through the online system.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
icddr,b is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from women candidates. For detailed information about the organization, visit our website: www.icddrb.org