Chief Financial Officer - Evidence Action

About Evidence Action

At Evidence Action, we deliver data-driven interventions that transform lives at an unprecedented scale. We identify neglected global health issues and deploy proven solutions, forging healthier futures for generations.

Our model operationalizes leading academic research (including from Nobel-winning economists). We measure progress and outcomes at every stage to ensure we’re making a real impact for people living in poverty and suffering from preventable or treatable health issues. Operating across nine countries, our team of 800+ has reached over 500 million people, working closely with governments to scale these interventions.

• Our Deworm the World program has delivered over two billion treatments, significantly reducing worm prevalence and generating more than $23 billion in lifetime productivity gains.
• Through Safe Water Now, we’ve saved the lives of over 15,000 children.
• Our Accelerator explores untapped opportunities in global health, testing low-cost interventions with the greatest potential to save and improve lives.

At Evidence Action, your colleagues are your greatest asset. You'll partner with high-caliber colleagues in an environment blending innovation, autonomy, and teamwork. Our team excels in disruptive thinking and believes in rolling up our sleeves to get things done. If you're looking to work flexibly and with purpose, join a team that delivers measurable change for millions.

The Role

Evidence Action is seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join its global leadership team. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, you will lead Evidence Action’s global financial, operations, legal, and IT departments. Our genesis as an organization is bringing efficient, cost-effective solutions to those who need it, with a focus on results. We want the same for our support teams – to continually strive for more efficient and effective systems and processes that are fit-for-purpose for what we do. You will be responsible for ensuring that our internal systems, processes and capacities are in sync with our organizational mission.

You will partner across countries, programs, and departments to foster a service-oriented approach that enables sustainable growth and robust impact, both through scaling existing programs and launching new interventions. Currently, Evidence Action is undergoing a phase of rapid growth - we have roughly doubled our impact over the 5 years to 2024, with the budget increasing by more than 50% over that period. There are opportunities to continue on a similar growth trajectory over the next few years. With this, we’re seeking someone excited to leverage their business acumen, creativity, and leadership to support our organization’s ambitious growth.

Position Location

This role can be hybrid or remote within the United States; our US office is in Washington DC.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
• Collaborate closely with the CEO and the Global Leadership Team to shape and implement the organization’s strategic financial plan.
• Translate organizational plans into robust financial models and decision-making tools.
• Provide ongoing evaluation and analysis of Evidence Action’s financial, operational, and IT systems to identify areas for improvement, increased efficiency, and cost reduction.
• Lead the Audit and Finance Committee partnership to support the Board’s fiscal oversight.
• Financial Management and Accounting
• Provide executive oversight of all accounting functions, internal controls, policies, and procedures, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Supervise the month-end close process, generate timely reports, and oversee cash flow forecasting and management, including relationships with financial institutions.
• Manage the organization’s annual audit, tax filings, and investment oversight in coordination with the Audit & Finance Committee.
• Financial Planning and Analysis
• Lead financial forecasting, budgeting, and financial analysis processes organization-wide.
• Guide non-financial staff in the budget cycle and engage them in financial planning.
• Produce customized financial reports for program decision-making and collaborate with program finance teams for high-quality oversight.
• Grants, Operations, Legal, and IT Management
• Oversee the entire grant lifecycle, including compliance with donor requirements and timely grant reporting, as well as sub-grants and contracts.
• Oversee the operations team, ensuring core functions such as the Learning Management System, expansion initiatives, safety and security, and other key operational projects are effectively managed and aligned with the organization’s goals for growth and operational excellence.
• Oversee the legal team to maintain compliance, manage risk, and ensure the organization’s adherence to legal and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee the IT team to ensure a strategic approach to technology, including robust infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data systems that drive efficiency, innovation, and alignment with long-term objectives.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum 10 years of experience in a senior financial role, with at least five years in senior leadership, ideally in an international non-profit context.
• A successful track record as both architect and builder of financial, operational, and technology systems is necessary as well as proven experience with the intricacies of financial, operations and legal requirements in global environments, particularly in developing countries.
• Ability to assess complex data, foresee trends, and make strategic decisions to advance organizational goals.
• Familiarity with managing legal and regulatory challenges in regions such as Africa, South Asia, and the US.
• Master’s degree in finance or a related field, with CPA or MBA preferred. Tech-savvy, with experience in global financial management systems.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of systems and technology required to support and improve growing business needs and operations.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and coach a global team with diverse levels of expertise.
• Manage six direct reports; ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers.
• Ability to communicate effectively across all levels within a culturally diverse organization.

We consider multiple factors when determining the base salary for a role, including but not limited to: role scope, program budgets, internal equity, and a candidate’s qualifications and/or prior experience. Pay and benefits will be commensurate with the role specifications, local statutory requirements, and the cost of labor in the markets where we operate.

For US based roles, Evidence Action provides comprehensive benefits including international health care, HSA/FSA options, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement plans with a matching component, generous and flexible leave options, as well as other employee perks on a reimbursement basis. For more information visit our or ask our recruiting team!

The pay range for this role: $240,000 - $270,000

Evidence Action is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.