Description

Following a major institutional transformation, PATH is entering its next strategic cycle (PATH 2030) with a leaner structure, a sharpened programmatic focus, and a mandate for financial discipline and operational excellence.
The global health financing landscape is being redrawn.
Official development assistance is contracting, US government funding has become structurally more volatile, and philanthropic capital, led by the Gates Foundation is playing an increasingly decisive role in what gets funded and how.
In this environment, PATH's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is not a back-office steward but a front-line strategic actor: the financial architect of the organization's resilience and a credible counterpart to the world's most sophisticated health funders. This is a newly consolidated role, created deliberately at the center of PATH's next chapter.

The Mandate - Three Board-Level Priorities

Financial resilience and diversification:

Build a financial model that withstands funding shocks: scenario-based planning, disciplined reserves policy, and a deliberate shift in the funding mix across USG, multilateral, philanthropic, and earned-income streams.
Deliver PATH's overhead commitments while protecting mission-critical capacity; own the cost narrative with funders and the Board.

Funder confidence and strategic partnership:

Serve as PATH's senior financial counterpart to the Gates Foundation and other major philanthropic partners: co-investment structures, milestone-based funding, financial reporting that meets foundation-grade standards, and joint financial planning on flagship programs.
Maintain exemplary compliance and audit performance across USG requirements for a US-headquartered NGO IRS 501(c)(3), Form 990, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), federal awards management, and single audits as the foundation of institutional trust.

Operational modernization:

Lead Finance, IT, and Continuous Improvement as one integrated agenda: modern enterprise systems, data-driven decision support, automation, and measurable efficiency gains.
Build and lead a high-performing, globally distributed team across regions, cultures, and time zones; strengthen financial management capability in country offices.

Working with the Board:

Act as the primary management counterpart to the Board's Finance and Audit committees; present results, risks, and scenarios with clarity, candor, and no surprises.
Equip the Board to exercise its fiduciary duty in a volatile funding environment: forward-looking risk reporting, liquidity and reserves visibility, and honest early warning.
Partner with the CEO and General Counsel on enterprise risk, internal controls, and audit readiness.

Requirements

Essential:

15+ years of progressive financial leadership, including executive roles (CFO, Deputy CFO, VP Finance) in complex international organizations.
Deep command of the US regulatory environment for international NGOs: 501(c)(3), Form 990, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), federal awards, single audits.
Direct experience with major global health funders - the Gates Foundation, USG agencies, the Global Fund, Gavi - and their financial, reporting, and partnership expectations.
Proven track record of leading finance through transformation, restructuring, or major funding shifts.
Demonstrated success partnering with Boards and audit committees; executive presence and the ability to translate financial complexity for non-financial audiences.
Experience leading large, globally dispersed teams.

Desirable:

Experience in philanthropy and innovative finance: blended finance, co-investment vehicles, restricted/unrestricted portfolio optimization.
Oversight of AI and IT or enterprise systems transformation.
Advanced degree in finance, accounting, business, or economics; CPA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent.

Chief Financial Officer (cfo) - Business, Finance, And Operations

Key skills