Finance & Projects Officer

Finance & Projects Officer
Location: UK
Contract: Permanent - full time or part time hours

About GIST Research
GIST is a global research, advisory, and programme delivery firm operating in complex and high-risk environments across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. We work with governments, international organisations, and NGOs to design and deliver practical, high-impact solutions.

Our teams combine strong analytical expertise with on the ground access in hard-to-reach areas, enabling us to respond effectively to local challenges. Our work spans conflict analysis, institutional strengthening, and innovative approaches to aid delivery in fragile settings.

We prioritise long-term partnerships and local knowledge, working closely with trusted experts to deliver sustainable results. GIST is known for its independence, integrity, and ability to turn insight into action.

About the role

The Finance & Projects Officer supports the Finance & Compliance Manager in maintaining accurate financial records, monitoring project budgets, and ensuring timely financial reporting across the organisation. 

The role's primary focus is supporting the financial management of projects, including budget tracking, expenditure monitoring, forecasting, and reporting. The successful candidate will work closely with project teams to help ensure financial information is accurate, up to date, and supports effective decision-making. 

The role will also provide support with financial compliance, project documentation, and donor reporting requirements where needed. Previous experience of donor-funded programmes, including HMG or FCDO-funded projects, would be beneficial but is not essential. 

In addition, the role will assist with proposal budgeting and other finance-related activities that support the organisation's operational and commercial objectives. 

Project Finance & Compliance Support 

• Support the maintenance of project budgets, ensuring expenditure is recorded accurately and aligned with approved plans. 
• Monitor project expenditure and assist with forecasting, identifying variances and escalating issues to the Finance Manager where appropriate. 
• Prepare routine financial reports and budget updates for internal stakeholders. 
• Support project invoicing, financial reconciliations, and documentation requirements. 
• Maintain organised financial records and supporting documentation to assist with audits and donor reporting requirements. 
• Provide administrative and financial support relating to donor-funded projects, including those supported by UK Government funding where applicable. 
• Assist the Finance Manager in ensuring projects comply with relevant financial and contractual requirements. 
  

Required Skills & Experience 

• Experience working in a finance, accounts, or project finance support role. 
• Good understanding of financial reporting, budgeting, and reconciliations. 
• Strong Excel skills, including working with large datasets and basic financial analysis. 
• Ability to track multiple budgets and reporting deadlines. 
• Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail. 
• Ability to communicate effectively with both finance and non-finance colleagues. 
• Experience supporting audit preparation or month-end processes would be advantageous. 
  

Desirable Skills & Experience 

• Exposure to donor-funded programmes or grant-funded projects. 
• Familiarity with UK Government-funded programmes (including FCDO, HMG, ISF or similar funding mechanisms). 
• Experience supporting proposal budgeting or bid costing. 
• Knowledge of financial compliance processes. 
• Experience working in consulting, development, or international project environments.

What we can offer you

• 25 days annual leave, plus Bank Holidays
• Workplace pension scheme
• Remote working opportunities
• Flexible working options with:

o   Full-time hours (37.5 hours per week), or

o   Part-time hours (minimum 20 hours per week)

• A supportive and collaborative working culture