Jimmy Okutoyi

• Led USD 2.5 M global ERP (Microsoft D365) roll-out across 10 countries; cut month-end close 15 → 5 days, achieved 94 % user adoption.
• Designed and deployed enterprise-wide risk & compliance framework aligned to 2 CFR 200, GDPR, safeguarding; zero material audit findings 3 yrs running.
• Governance & Board – Secretary, Compliance & Ethics Oversight Committee (CEOC); quarterly risk dashboards for Board Risk Committee.
• Policy & Controls – authored global policies, code of conduct, whistle-blower & safeguarding programs; 100 % staff certified.
• International Expansion – managed entity registration, statutory set-up and MoU negotiation in 5 new jurisdictions.
• Strategic Advisor – To leadership , C-Suite and trustees on regulatory risk, cost modelling and scenario planning.
• Due Diligence & Investigations – led 30+ partner audits and complex fraud investigations, upheld confidentiality and donor compliance.
• Contract & Legal Oversight – principal liaison for all global contracts; managed external counsel budget and SLA performance.
• USD 2.5 M Global ERP (Microsoft D365) Transformation – Led a $2.5million global ERP implementation.
• Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) – Designed board-level risk appetite and live risk registers
• Governance & Board Leadership – Secretary, Compliance & Ethics Oversight Committee (CEOC); quarterly risk dashboards and reporting to Board Risk Committee and global trustees.
• Revenue & Fundraising Strategy – Diversified funding portfolio
• International Expansion & Entity Setup – Green-lit, registered and governed 5 new country foundations (NGO status, local Boards, statutory compliance).
• Safeguarding & Ethics Programs – Rolled out global code of conduct, whistle-blower and safeguarding frameworks; 100 % staff certification, zero safeguarding incidents.
• Due Diligence & Investigations – Led 30+ partner audits, forensic reviews and fraud investigations, upheld confidentiality, donor compliance and reputational protection.
• Strategic Advisory to C-Suite & Trustees – Provided scenario modelling, cost-benefit analysis and regulatory foresight for strategic decisions, crisis response and M&A opportunities.
• Provided leadership and guidance to multicultural teams, promoting a positive work environment and employee engagement.
• Spearheaded process improvement initiatives that led to increased productivity and reduced operational bottlenecks.

• Led Board Risk Committee and leadership of partners on enterprise risk governance, regulatory compliance and ethical integrity across 10 countries resulting in the formal adoption of board level risk appetite statement and integration of compliance & risk metrics in the quarterly board dashboards
• Led the development of a tailored Forex-Management approach for INGOs, integrating training, strategic risk mitigation, and board-level oversight to strengthen governance and internal controls.
• Provided high-level advisory support and strategic insights to the Board of Directors and executive leadership, enabling informed decision-making on governance, risk management, compliance, ethics, and grant management. Regularly engaged with board committees—particularly the Risk and Compliance Committee—to deliver critical risk assessments, regulatory updates, and evaluations of compliance program effectiveness.
• FP2020 global program 10 Countries (Africa, Asia & Latin America)
• Action Aid – Kenya
• PACJA Pan Africa Climate Justice Alliance

• Provided strategic oversight of Living Goods’ global grants lifecycle, enterprise risk management, compliance, and contracts management. Collaborated across functions to ensure that partnership development, contracting, and governance processes are aligned with organizational strategy and goals. Played a leadership role in strengthening the control environment, embedding enterprise risk practices, and managing policy frameworks to safeguard integrity and ensure performance in donor-funded programs.
• Oversight and management of global grants lifecycle, enterprise risk, compliance and contracts
• Strategic Expansion & Entity Registration – Spearheaded registration and setup in three new markets, securing legal status and compliance for operations
• Oversight and governance of enterprise-wide policies, risk framework, safeguarding program implementation integrity, and regulatory compliance across all jurisdictions.
• Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) – Built country-specific risk registers and KRIs, cutting high-impact risks 40 % within 12 months
• Revenue Protection & Compliance – Implemented donor-compliant controls (USAID, FCDO, EU) across all contracts and grants
• Implemented donor-compliant controls (USAID, FCDO, EU) across all contracts and grants
• Global Contracts & Policy Framework – Single point of accountability for donor, vendor contracts, MOUs and agreements
• Strategic Advisor to CEO & Board – Provided scenario planning, cost-benefit analyses and regulatory foresight for country entry strategies, crisis response and partnership M&A.
• Successfully registered and operationalized legal entities in Kenya, Uganda, and Burkina Faso, unlocking over USD 3M in co-financing.
• Authored board charters, risk appetite statements, and KPI dashboards adopted by regional and global leadership.
• Launched enterprise-wide ERM culture including mandatory e-learning and monitoring systems, achieving zero donor audit findings for two consecutive years.
• Centralized global policy and contract management, harmonizing frameworks to international compliance standards.
• Played a lead role in regulatory and government engagement across multiple jurisdictions, safeguarding reputation and program continuity.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to establish clear compliance guidelines and expectations for all departments.
• Developed comprehensive training programs for employees, fostering a culture of compliance throughout the organization.
• Enhanced overall business operations by continuously improving policies, procedures, and controls related to compliance requirements.
• Oversaw a team of compliance professionals, providing guidance, mentorship, and support to ensure their continued growth and development.
• Provided expert advice to senior management on potential risks, legal implications, and recommended solutions for complex compliance issues.
• Evaluated third-party vendors'' adherence to applicable laws/regulations before engaging them as partners or service providers for the company''s projects.
• Backed data security and information privacy efforts.
• Enhanced compliance posture with implementation of robust monitoring and audit system.
• Coordinated with legal teams to interpret regulatory changes, ensuring timely compliance adjustments.
• Developed policies and procedures to manage compliance risks, safeguarding organizational reputation.
• Fostered culture of compliance and integrity by introducing ethical guidelines and conduct codes.
• Managed investigations into potential violations of laws or regulations, ensuring swift resolution and corrective actions when necessary.
• Developed and delivered training programs to inform new and current employees about compliance issues.
• Strengthened company-wide awareness of relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards through targeted trainings, presentations, and ongoing communication efforts.
• Implemented effective compliance policies and procedures to meet regulatory requirements.
• Conducted thorough risk assessments for identifying potential compliance issues, leading to proactive mitigation strategies.

• As Chief Finance Officer at Evidence Frontier, I spearheaded critical initiatives to enhance organizational capacity, focusing on strengthening financial planning, risk management, and compliance frameworks.
• Board & Executive Counsel – Advised Board Risk Committee and CEO on enterprise risk appetite.
• Financial Planning & Analysis – Designed three-year funding model and scenario-planning toolkit that underpinned a 25 % budget expansion.
• Risk & Compliance – Conducted enterprise risk assessment, prioritised material risks for mitigation / corrective-action
• Governance & Reporting – Restructured board pack and instituted monthly executive KPI dashboards.
• Strengthened FP&A capabilities, designed funding strategies and implemented scenario models for growth
• Specialist Assignment Organizational Capacity Building

• I led the oversight of a multi-million-dollar USAID Cooperative Agreement for Kenya and East Africa, serving as Prime for 32 subrecipient organizations. I was responsible for developing and implementing a robust Grants Management Strategy, ensuring operational and financial compliance with donor regulations and internal policies to support effective program delivery.
• Developed grant-making and subaward mechanisms and agreements, ensuring alignment with financial, contractual, and operational requirements.
• Conducted partner capacity assessments and created tailored capacity-building plans to enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Coaching and technical support to senior leadership, resulting in strengthened governance and internal control systems
• Led governance and compliance initiatives that improved stakeholder collaboration, accountability, and knowledge sharing.
• Aligned capacity-strengthening initiatives with strategic program goals, driving improved performance and delivery outcomes.
• Specialist Assignment to BRACED Programme Organizational Capacity Building & Compliance Framework

• As a specialist consultant for the BRACED Programme, I led a strategic initiative to enhance organizational capacity and compliance among 20 not-for-profit organizations across Ethiopia, Uganda, and Kenya. My role involved comprehensive assessments and the development of tailored capacity-building plans to drive operational effectiveness and adherence to best practices.
• Capacity Building and Organizational Assessments: Conducted detailed organizational capacity assessments and designed customized capacity-building plans. Enhanced operational effectiveness by addressing specific needs and aligning strategies with each organization’s context.
• Leadership Development and Governance Enhancement: Provided targeted coaching to senior leadership, strengthening their ability to drive organizational change. Led governance enhancement initiatives, improving internal controls, and fostering effective collaboration and shared learning among organizations.
• Strategic Impact and Program Delivery: Empowered partner organizations to better navigate challenges and deliver impactful programs. Facilitated effective program execution by aligning capacity-building efforts with strategic goals and compliance requirements.

• Commercial Contract Programme covering ten countries in three Continents. A global Initiative convened Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, FCDO, the United Nations Population Fund, and the US Agency for International Development.
• As the Head of Finance & Operations for the FP2020 Family Planning Governance Program, I was responsible for overseeing a complex commercial contract program across ten countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. This global initiative, supported by major donors including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and various international agencies, aimed to enhance family planning governance and outcomes.
• Oversaw commercial contracts & FP&A (FCDO) across 10 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
• Political economy studies across 10 countries and operationalization of partner country accountability framework
• Directed financial management and compliance across multiple countries, ensuring contract adherence.
• Developed and executed the grant making mechanism strategy to support program objectives and sustainability.
• Led partner accountability framework implementation, strengthening oversight and compliance.
• Managed a consolidated risk register to address financial, operational, and strategic risks.
• Oversaw FP&A for a results-based family planning program, optimizing resource allocation.
• Provided senior management with strategic financial insights for informed decisionmaking.
• Enhanced financial reporting accuracy through the development of comprehensive internal controls.
• Analyzed financial statements against forecasts to prepare high-level variance analysis.
• Enhanced internal control systems and procedures to mitigate risk and support opportunities.
• Designed and maintained financial models to identify and measure risks.

• As Senior Internal Auditor at Christian Aid’s Global Office, I was instrumental in executing a comprehensive audit plan across 23 countries. My role involved redesigning risk management tools, evaluating control processes, and providing critical insights to the board’s audit and risk committee. I also led the global rollout of advanced risk management tools and training, significantly contributing to the enhancement of the organization’s risk management framework.
• Executed global audit plan across 23 countries, enhancing governance and internal controls.
• Led rollout of risk management tools and training for organizational alignment.
• Spearheaded strategic audit initiatives, strengthening compliance through risk assessments.
• Evaluated control processes, recommending improvements to refine risk management.
• Conducted training sessions to enhance regional teams’ compliance capacity.
• Improved internal control processes by conducting thorough audits and identifying areas for improvement.
• Performed internal audits of financial and departmental operations, developing risk assessments and conducting process walkthroughs for compliance with documented processes.
• Reviewed and identified risks, analyzed controls and tested compliance.
• Conducted special investigations as requested by senior management or the board of directors, maintaining confidentiality throughout the process.
• Managed multiple complex audit projects simultaneously while adhering to strict deadlines and budget constraints.
• Collaborated closely with external auditors during year-end audits to expedite procedures and minimize disruptions to business operations.
• Enhanced operational efficiency through the development and implementation of risk-based audit plans.

• In my role as Programme Finance Manager, I provided critical oversight and alignment of program and budget operations across five countries in East Africa. I collaborated closely with the head office to ensure governance and operational excellence, leading the finance team and working with program managers to optimize financial planning, management, reporting, and auditing. My role also encompassed partner capacity development and financial planning and analysis (FP&A) to support strategic decision-making.
• Established and managed the Climate Adaptation Fund Mechanism, enabling community-led resilience projects.
• Developed institutional frameworks and governance structures for key regional organizations.
• Designed a downscaling framework to improve local access to climate adaptation funds.
• Implemented a robust financial and due diligence framework for implementing partners.
• Provided strategic support to 60+ partners across East Africa, ensuring compliance and program success.
• Strengthened internal controls through regular audits and adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Enhanced budget management by implementing expense tracking and cost reduction strategies.
• Improved financial forecasting accuracy, utilizing advanced analytical models.
• Reviewed historical records, current operational data and forecasting information to identify and capitalize on system enhancement opportunities.
• Improved overall financial reporting by streamlining control processes and reporting structures.
• Implemented and regularly reviewed financial controls to generate accurate and reliable financial data.
• Led negotiations for major contracts, achieving favorable terms and significant cost savings.
• Delivered comprehensive financial training programs for non-finance managers, enhancing cross-functional understanding and collaboration.
• Established robust financial controls and policies, significantly reducing risk of fraud and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.

Grants management & Program Finance