Head of Program Finance (Internationally Recruited)

CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow's problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries.

For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

CIMMYT is seeking a Program Finance Management Unit (PFMU) Lead to oversee institutional program finance service delivery and provide strategic financial leadership across programs. The role partners with Program Directors and senior management to ensure robust financial planning, forecasting, portfolio performance monitoring, and donor financial management. It is also responsible for strengthening financial controls, compliance, standardization, and decision-making processes, while leading workforce planning, capability development, and continuous improvement within Program Finance.

The location of this position will be CIMMYT HQ , in Texcoco , State of Mexico

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the Program Finance Management Unit (PFMU) and institutional program finance service delivery model.
• Provide strategic financial leadership and business partnering support to Program Directors and senior management.
• Oversee financial planning, forecasting, portfolio performance monitoring, donor financial management, and governance.
• Strengthen financial controls, standardization, compliance, and financial decision-making across programs.
• Lead workforce planning, capability development, and continuous improvement initiatives within Program Finance.

• Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or related field.


• Professional accounting qualification (CPA, ACCA, CA, CMA or equivalent) preferred.


• 12–15 years of progressive finance leadership experience, including donor-funded programs and complex portfolios.


• Strong strategic finance leadership, financial governance, and financial forecasting experience.


• Proven ability to partner with Program Directors, senior management, global finance leadership, and donor-facing leadership teams.


• Demonstrated experience leading finance teams.


• Experience with an ERP system; familiarity with Microsoft Dynamics is a plus.


• Experience working in international, research, development, or donor-funded environments is preferred.


• Fluent in English.

The position is for an initial fixed-term for three (3) years, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT’s internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual home travel airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.