GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) is the independent, international organization that helps organizations be transparent and take responsibility for their impacts so that together we can create a sustainable future. We do this through the creation of the global common language for organizations to report their sustainability impacts. This enables informed dialogue and decision making around those impacts.

GRI is the global standard setter for impact reporting, which through an independent, multi-stakeholder process, maintains the world’s most comprehensive set of sustainability reporting standards. Available as a free public good in 12 languages, the GRI Standards are, globally, the most widely used for sustainability reporting.

GRI plays a unique role in the global drive to create a sustainable future for all. Sustainability reporting enables transparency and helps markets function more efficiently, supporting better decisions that create sustainable benefits for everyone.

GRI works with businesses, investors, policymakers, civil society, labor organizations and other experts to develop the GRI Standards and promote their use by organizations around the world. The resulting standards help governments hold organizations accountable for their impacts and initiate dialogue to drive corporate contribution to national and international sustainable development efforts.

Today some 10,000 organizations, including 75% of the largest 250 companies in the world, disclose sustainability information through the GRI Standards – something unimaginable only 15 years ago. In addition, our standards are referenced explicitly in 160 polices of governments, regulators, and stock exchanges in 60 countries.

Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we have a network of seven regional hubs ensuring we can support organizations and stakeholders worldwide.

The Chief Financial Officer is responsible for the day-to-day operational management of the secretariat operations. The post holder will be specifically responsible for planning and budgeting; management reporting and financial controls; IT and management systems; human resource policies; office organization and infrastructure; legal affairs; and governance support.

The Chief Financial Officer is a member of GRI’s Executive Team (7 members in total) and reports directly to the Chief Executive.

Job responsibilities

Generally taking responsibility for all aspects of the effective and efficient operation of the GRI Secretariat in a proactive manner:

• Development of the business plan and coordination among secretariat Chiefs to ensure the effective implementation of the business plan
• Budget management and responsibility there off, totalling to Eur 10+ million, financial controls and management and statutory reporting
• Overall Treasury Operations, including financial structure and liquidity planning
• Ensuring that operational systems employed by different departments, including donor relationship management system and project management systems, function effectively
• Ensuring generally effective and efficient office operations and use of the physical infrastructure
• Monitoring and safeguarding the GRI’s legal obligations
• Ensuring effective day-to-day operations of the secretariat’s administrative functions
• Ensuring the effective development and maintenance of human resource policies
• Ensuring the effective development and maintenance of the IT systems
• Taking the lead for GRI’s own Sustainability Reporting process

The post holder should be able to function effectively and simultaneously at different levels handling high level organization-wide management issues as well as hands-on problem solving at the operational level.

The Chief Financial Officer will:

• Has an advanced university degree in Business Administration (Diploma, Masters or higher) or demonstrable equivalent level (e.g., Accountancy, Financial Management, etc.)
• Is a seasoned candidate with minimally 5-10 years’ experience in a comparable role
• Has a proven and successful track record in budget management, controllership, financial reporting and controls, and general operations
• Has candid experience re financial management responsibilities (i.e., experience managing operational budgets above 10 million Euro.
• Is able to motivate and work well with the operations team and other colleagues by providing a clear sense of direction
• Is able to use the team’s knowledge and expertise, he/she quickly sees through problems and complexities spanning different functions and processes
• Is capable of setting clear priorities and ensuring an optimum use of time and resources
• Is accurate, reliable and knows how to deal with confidential information
• Has strong analytical, problem solving and (evidence based) decision making skills to evaluate alternatives and provide recommendations
• Has experience with international organizations, as well as a multi-office, multi-national environment (experience from both private and non-profit sector is an advantage)
• Has strong communicative skills
• Has proven excellence at a senior level – and preferably also an international environment
• Has adequate knowledge to oversee the operations of the IT-department
• Has affinity and/or background in (international) business laws
• Has excellent written and oral skills in English (near native). Minimally one other language at a similar level is a plus.
• Has excellent interpersonal, influencing and negotiating skills, to develop effective long-term relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Has a representative appearance, ability to represent the GRI Secretariat
• Has advanced abilities to work with Microsoft Office programs
• Is able to work in an international and multi-cultural setting
• Has affinity with the mission of GRI