PAX is the largest peace organisation in the Netherlands. For the past 75 years, we have been working with local partners in conflict areas worldwide to protect civilians. Against violence of war, towards ending armed conflict and building inclusive peace. If you also believe that everyone has the right to a dignified life in a peaceful society, come work with us!
To strengthen our capacity to facilitate and control our international programs and offices in conflict affected countries, we are looking for an experienced
Project Controller
International Programs
32 hours per week (0,89 fte)
The Project Controller will be part of the Project Control team and will work closely with the International Programming team. Colleagues are based in South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Iraq and the Netherlands.
What will you do?
You will ensure strong financial control and management for the portfolio of complex donor-funded projects and you will facilitate international programming by bridging between realities in our project countries and international control at the HQ level. You will be a strategic partner to the Program team, while ensuring donor compliance and meaningful accountability to diverse stakeholders. You will play a role in strengthening the capacity of our international offices in Iraq, Burkina Faso and South Sudan through coaching, collaboration and oversight. Further, you will work to strengthen systems where needed, provide checks and balances, facilitate audits internationally, and support project leads and civil society partners in quality implementation.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for a proactive and experienced controller who combines strong financial expertise with interpersonal skills. You are able to work effectively across different teams and cultures, while helping to manage accountability between partners, PAX and its donors. You are a systems-oriented person with sufficient flexibility to deal with a variety of contexts and deadlines during the year. The ideal candidate has a demonstrated ability to coach finance and control colleagues internationally and is willing to travel to our offices in conflict-affected areas.
Responsibilities
• Develop and monitor project budget and financial performance
• Prepare financial reports for internal and external stakeholders
• Support and provide capacity building to project teams and international offices in budget planning, forecasting, (partner) monitoring and decision making
• Ensure compliance of project expenditures with donor regulations
• Lead and support project audits
• Identify financial risks and propose corrective actions.
• Contribute proactively to the improvement of the financial processes, systems and internal controls.
• Act as focal point for local office for payments, reporting and audits. and provide support regarding payments.
Education
A Bachelors or Masters degree in finance, accounting, controlling, economics or a related field.
Experience and skills
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience as a Controller in a project environment, ideally with an international NGO
• Experience supporting and facilitating international offices
• Experience with grants and donor reporting (e.g. Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs is an advantage
• High attention for detail, strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• The ability to work collaboratively with non-finance colleagues, such as project managers and program teams
• Experience with financial systems
• Advanced capability with Excel
• Strong communication skills
Languages
• English professional proficiency is required
• French, Arabic, and/or Dutch are desirable
What do we offer?
• An accessible workplace in a vibrant area in the heart of Utrecht
• An interesting position in a dynamic, informal and internationally oriented work environment
• Start date as soon as possible
• Appointment for 32 hours per week (0,89 fte), initially for 12 months with possible renewal
• Salary is based on or equivalent to the PKN Collective Labour Agreement salary scale 10 (depending on experience)
• 8% holiday-allowance and 8,3% end of year bonus
• Full reimbursement of commuting expenses, 2nd class public transport
• Flexible working hours and the possibility to work partially from home
Procedure and information
For more information about PAX see: www.paxvoorvrede.nl.
Do you have any questions? Please contact Rosanne van Halm (Coordinator Project Control) via r.vanhalm@paxforpeace.nl for further information.
Interested candidates are requested to submit their CV and motivation letter addressed to Rosanne van Halm solely via the application form in Nmbrs Hire.
The closing date for applications to this position is Thursday 9 April 2026.
Screening for integrity is part of the application process at PAX. PAX believes it is important to guarantee the reliability, professionalism and integrity of its organisation and employees. For this reason, PAX will request a Declaration of Conduct or equivalent for new employees.
At PAX we are looking for motivated colleagues with passion and courage, to build a diverse, inclusive and authentic working environment together. Even if you do not tick all the boxes, we still encourage you to apply, because who knows, we might be a good match together!
Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.
