The Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) is an international financial institution, established within the UN ecosystem, currently with 101 member states. With poverty alleviation as its core mission, the CFC operates as an impact investment fund by easing commodity dependence in the developing world. With its headquarters in the innovation-rich Amsterdam, since 1989, the CFC has been instrumental in bringing over USD 1 billion in investments for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and smallholder farmers, while acting as a bridge between developed and the developing world following a sustainability roadmap.

Over the past decade, the CFC has developed a portfolio of direct loans to agricultural SMEs and equity investments in impact funds active across Africa, Asia and Latin America. This is typically financed from its own balance sheet. Challenging new initiatives are underway, including the creation of the Agricultural Commodity Transformation Fund (ACT Fund), a USD 100 million impact fund that will put SMEs in developing countries at the heart of a transformation in agriculture by financing value chains that create climate and income resilience at scale.

The CFC’s Head of Accounting and Administration oversees all financial management and administration of the CFC. This includes strategic financial resources management, coordination of a multi-currency financial accounting system, preparation of monthly reports, Consolidated Administrative Budget and annual financial statements in accordance with IFRS standards as well as handling all issues pertaining to the supervision of the Accounting and Administration team.

The ideal candidate is expected to have a minimum of 7 years of experience in an international financial or intergovernmental role. Additional experience in a UN or NGO environment would be an advantage. Excellent writing and communications skills are essential as the Head of Accounting and Administration is expected to prepare documentation sent for presentation to our stakeholders and governing bodies.  

This is a full-time position based in Amsterdam, remuneration is being offered at the ICSC P-3 level and the initial appointment is a fixed term post of 2 years with provision for further extensions

Why Join CFC?

• The CFC pays an attractive compensation based on United Nations grade levels, including a tax-exempt salary and additional benefits.
• Contribute to a global mission of poverty alleviation and sustainable development.
• Work in a dynamic and multicultural environment with a team of dedicated professionals.
• Play a key role in shaping the financial and administrative strategies of an international financial organization.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.

The Head of Accounting and Administration will lead the ongoing development of financial and administrative systems to enhance oversight, transparency and operational efficiency. They will report directly to the Managing Director of the Common Fund and their duties shall include but not be limited to:

Accounting and Back Office

•  Preparation of Annual Financial Statements and reports in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

•  Lead the annual audit process and ensure compliance with audit recommendations.

• Coordinate and oversee the running and maintenance of a multi-currency financial accounting system for the Fund’s resources.
• Liaison with external and internal auditors. 
• Liaison with the External Administrator of ACT Fund.
• Conduct and oversee Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks on payments to ensure compliance with internal policies.
• Lead and prepare the Annual Consolidated Administrative Budget and subsequent budget monitoring of regular and external funding.
• Provide financial reports (monthly management report) and analyse other financial reports originating outside the Unit.
• Supervision of payroll and Provident Fund computations.
• Report and Accounting of Trust Funds.
• Supervision of Back Office settlements and reconciliations.
• Responsibility for Loan, Grant and equity project administration and reporting.
• Responsibility for the custody and conservation of accounting records and reports.
• Provide Member States with information regarding their Share Capital Contribution and other required financial reports.
• Sustained efforts for cost optimization.

 Administration Matters

• Supervise the administrative functions of the CFC, including human resources, procurement, and office management.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to enhance operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with organizational and legal requirements in all administrative activities.
• Oversee the management of contract and service agreements with office vendors.
•  Preparation and Presentation of documents for CFC’s governance bodies. 

Strategic Leadership

•  Provide strategic guidance on financial and administrative matters to support the CFC’s mission and vision. 
•  Help implement the Strategic Framework of CFC 2025-2035 when adopted. 
•  Advise the Managing Director to align financial and administrative strategies with the Fund’s mission.
•  Represent the CFC in financial and administrative discussions with stakeholders, including member states, donors, and partners.
•   Leverage expertise in impact financing to identify and secure funding opportunities for CFC investments.

General

•         Supervision and performance management of a small team of three colleagues responsible for Administration, Back office and Accounting.
•          Implement a system of internal control.
•          Advise and provide guidance to the Managing Director on financial issues of the Fund.

• Empathy. An ability to have a deep understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities, particularly in the developing world.
• Communication and Teamwork. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed, solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Commitment to CFC’s policy on Additionality, Partnerships and Innovations (API).
• Structured and analytical thinking. The successful candidate should demonstrate the capacity and skill to obtain and analyse complex information from multiple sources, producing a clearly structured interpretation and numerical indicators reflecting the CFC's impact performance. 
• Strong functional and operational understanding and proactive attitude.  In addition to analytical skills and communications experience, the successful candidate must possess a clear understanding of how individual projects combine to create a high-impact project portfolio. Proactive attitude to addressing shared challenges is a strong advantage.
• Leadership. The successful candidate must lead by example, provide direction, and inspire others. This requires establishing trust and credibility, maintaining transparency, and demonstrating reliability, while also empowering staff through timely performance evaluations and opportunities for growth.  
• Commitment to good governance and ethical business practices.  The successful candidate is expected to have the commitment to ethical business practices, diligence and good governance. Understanding of the UN Global Compact principles will be an advantage.

• An advanced university degree (Master’s level or higher) in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, along with a recognized IFRS qualification (e.g., ACCA DipIFR, ICAEW IFRS Certificate) and up-to-date knowledge of IFRS standards
• Minimum of 7 years' experience in a senior accounting, financial management, or analytical role within a financial institution, consulting firm, multinational corporation, NGO, or development finance organization.
• Expert knowledge of IFRS, financial reporting, and risk management, with a proven track record of ensuring compliance and regulatory adherence in financial operations. 
• Experience in managing financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and internal controls, with a strong ability to conduct financial analysis and scenario modelling. 
• Proven leadership skills, including the ability to lead teams, provide strategic direction, and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. 
• Exceptional problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities, with a track record of success in navigating complex financial and operational challenges. 
• Excellent writing, presentation, and communication skills, with the ability to convey financial insights clearly to diverse stakeholders, including senior executives, development finance professionals, and non-financial audiences.
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management experience, particularly in working with auditors, regulatory bodies, donors, and financial institutions.
• Demonstrated ability to implement and oversee accounting and financial systems, including ERP platforms, data analytics, and financial software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, financial modelling tools, and database applications).
• Familiarity with SEMS (Social and Environmental Management Systems) and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) frameworks is a distinct advantage.
• High level of attention to detail and integrity, ensuring accuracy in financial reporting and risk assessment. 
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to mediate, facilitate discussions, and build effective partnerships across diverse teams and cultures.
• Ability to simultaneously manage multiple, complex projects in a deadline-driven and high-achieving environment.
• Ability to work independently and autonomously.
• Excellent written and spoken communications in English. Fluency in other UN languages, particularly Spanish or French, is an advantage.
• It is important to note that the CFC can only employ Nationals of its Member States, for a full list of Member States please refer to the “About” section of the CFC website.

Applicants should complete this form and send a brief cover letter (max 500 words) and concise curriculum vitae not exceeding 3 pages, in English, to recruitment@common-fund.org including their FULL name and Vacancy Ref (2025 – 01) in the email subject heading.

The closing date for applications is 18:00 (CEST) on Friday, 28^th March 2025.

Due to the anticipated high number of applicants, the CFC reserves the right to close this opportunity once sufficient applications are received. Contact will be made with shortlisted candidates only.

• Please note that the CFC does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• The CFC embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity.

• The CFC reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• All CFC staff are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the CFC Policies, Code of Conduct and associated guidelines, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks.
• It is the policy of the CFC to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in the CFC is contingent on the results of such checks.