Job Description

Interim Project Finance Manager

Department: Finance

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Location: Africa

Reporting To: Country Director

Allied Talent Partners (ATP), a Three Cairns Group initiative, is a mission-driven, not-for-profit talent marketplace focused on solving the human capital bottlenecks slowing down sustainable development efforts in emerging economies, with an initial focus on Africa. ATP connects vetted, experienced, context-relevant professionals to high-impact opportunities in energy access and sustainable development – strengthening local capacity and fuelling economic vitality. We specialize in fixed-term, deliverable-driven engagements – from interim leadership and generalist projects to niche technical expertise – handling project scoping, talent vetting and matching, contracting, payroll, and compliance so that our clients can focus on impact.

High-Level Overview

Project:
The client is seeking an Interim Project Finance Manager to take full ownership of the Zambia finance function during a period of transition, reporting to the Country Director with a dotted line to the CFO.

The role is required urgently due to the imminent departure of the current Finance Manager and will support a growing portfolio of energy assets across hydro, solar, and battery storage. Operating in a lean in-country structure with no immediate finance team support, the role requires a hands-on operator capable of stabilising finance operations, maintaining reporting continuity, and supporting ongoing project delivery.

The ideal candidate will bring strong accounting and project-based finance experience, with the ability to operate independently and deliver immediate impact in a high-pressure environment.

Role and Responsibilities

Role: Interim Project Finance Manager
Direct Report: Country Director (dotted line to CFO)
Candidates Required: 1

Key Deliverables:

• Assume full responsibility for the Zambia finance function, ensuring continuity during transition
• Lead construction-phase financial management across active projects
• Manage budgets, cost tracking, and alignment to financial models
• Ensure accurate transaction recording and reporting through ERP systems
• Oversee financial reporting and month-end close across all local entities
• Maintain statutory accounts, general ledger integrity, and IFRS compliance
• Manage lender and stakeholder reporting requirements
• Prepare drawdowns, monitor covenants, and ensure timely submissions
• Establish and maintain financial controls, compliance processes, and risk frameworks
• Lead treasury, cashflow forecasting, and tax compliance activities
• Support project lifecycle activities
• Contribute to financial modelling, due diligence, and transition from construction to operations

Requirements

Experience Required:

• Experience as a Finance Manager, Financial Controller, or equivalent in project-based environments (energy, infrastructure, or large-scale construction)
• Experience operating as a standalone or lead in-country finance resource
• Exposure to complex project or structured financing environments, including PPPs or similar frameworks
• Experience managing financial reporting across multiple entities or project companies
• Audit background (Big 4 preferred) combined with industry experience
• Experience in African markets, ideally Zambia or similar operating environments

Technical Requirements:

• Strong command of IFRS and full financial reporting ownership
• Ability to manage construction/project budgets, cashflow forecasting, and variance analysis
• Experience with lender reporting, drawdowns, and financial covenant monitoring
• Strong understanding of financial controls, governance, and risk management
• Ability to operate independently as the in-country finance lead
• Familiarity with ERP systems (IFS advantageous but not required)

Other Requirements

• Hands-on finance professional comfortable operating without a local team and capable of delivering immediate impact. While energy sector experience is preferred, candidates from broader infrastructure or construction environments will be considered. The emphasis is on practical capability, reliability, and the ability to execute effectively in a lean, high-pressure context.
• Open to both local and international candidates; however, Zambian nationals are preferred due to the role’s engagement with government and regulatory stakeholders.

Other Skills:

• Highly self-sufficient and proactive, able to operate without day-to-day oversight
• Strong judgment and decision-making capability in time-sensitive environments
• Effective stakeholder management across local teams, group functions, and external partners
• Clear and structured communicator
• Strong ownership, accountability, and attention to detail

Working Arrangement
Location: Lusaka, Zambia
Start Date: ASAP
Contracting Period: 6 Months