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Job Vacancy @ TALLE-RSL – FINANCE OFFICER

Job Title FINANCE OFFICER- Teaching Matters Project– Sierra Leone
Persons needed 1 (One)
Job Locations Freetown -Sierra Leone
Contract Type 20% Level of Effort (LoE)
Duration of contract 2 years
Office Address 49 Circular Road, Freetown, Sierra Leone
Reporting to: TALLE-RSL Management, Teaching Matters Project Manager and the TALLE-RSL Finance Admin Officer
Date 8th March, 2023

Implementing Organisations-CODE &TALLE-RSL

The Teaching Maters-Scaling Teacher-Driven Communities of Practice and Learning is a research project designed and implemented by CODE Canada in partnership with TALLE-Reading Sierra Leone. This research project is implemented by CODE Canada, in partnership with The Association of Language and Literacy Educators Reading Sierra Leone [TALLE-RSL] and key education stakeholders (MBSSE, MTHE, TSCand UNICEF).

CODE (formerly the Canadian Organization for Development through Education), since 1959, has been working towards its vision of a literate world, growing into Canada’s leading international development agency focused on education and literacy. CODE has been active in Sierra Leone since 2011, focusing on childhood literacy and supporting the creation of locally produced, culturally meaningful books for children. www.code.ngo

TALLE-RSL (The Association of Language and Literacy Educators–Reading Sierra Leone) is a Sierra Leonean NGO of Language Arts and Numeracy Educators that supports the effective teaching and learning of Language Arts and Numeracy to boost quality learning outcomes among children. TALLE-RSL works with education stakeholders to promote the use of appropriate student-friendly methods and materials in teaching children the skills that help them think, read, and communicate meaningfully and well. www.tallersl.org.

Project Background

The Teaching MatersScaling Teacher-Driven Communities of Practice and Learning Project is a research initiative designed by CODE Canada to investigate “high-quality TPD (that) can be made available in an equitable manner to all teachers with optimal use of resources. The research arose from CODE’s work with the UNICEF/GPE TPD program in Sierra Leone. CODE has selected 20 schools from this program, which are characterised as being ‘low resource, fragile, fraught with systemic challenges, and low-quality professional development.’

This research will be focused on conducting school-based practices to support teachers’ Continuous professional development during their implementation through classroom observations, interviews, surveys and community of practice (CoP) sessions. The findings will inform the development of understandings and information that support more knowledgeable and scalable TPD. The research framework will follow the TPD/CoP model and design of the UNICEF TST-SL initiative and results will inform and identify scalable models, processes, and relationships that support teachers’ CPD in situations challenged by conditions similar to teachers in Sierra Leone. The project will use a mixed methods approach to develop a comprehensive and descriptive approach that connects with observed practices and outcomes that motivate and improve teachers’ performance outcomes.

The goal is to develop a scalable TPD model by gaining deeper knowledge about teachers’ unique contexts and the possible role of local Communities of Practice (CoP). The research’s ultimate findings will also inform the development of effective, adaptable and accessible resources, structures and processes to support the professional learning development of educators and pupils in Sierra Leone.

Advertisement Note

TALLE-RSL invites applications for the Position of Finance Officer (FO) for the Teaching MatersScaling Teacher-Driven Communities of Practice and Learning Project. The Finance Officer is needed to take charge of the financial dealings of the project by administering accounting operations to meet project and TALLE-RSL requirements of managing and reporting expending funds.

The Finance Officer works under the supervision of the TALLE-RSL Finance and Admin Officer and Senior Program Manager. The FO is required to provide financial oversight functions to all Teaching Matters Project activities involving funds such as inception, implementation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation in Sierra Leone. The FO on a daily basis is monitored by the TALLE-RSL Management to ensure the successful implementation of the Teaching Matters project outcomes and deliverables. The position requires an organize, strict and adaptable individual who thrives in a cross-culture work environment.

Key Responsibilities Key Activities
Finical Accounting procedures, Budget Preparation & Reporting  
  • Keeping accurate records for all daily transactions of the TPD project
  • Prepare bank reconciliation Statement (BRS)
  • Carry out monthly cash and bank transactions of the Teaching Matters project
  • Ensure that all payments are made to staff and bank punctually, all remittances are requested on a timely basis, and regular returns done.
  • Prepare monthly journals for deductions, 5% withholding tax
  • Maintain files for bank and NRA correspondences on the Teaching Matters project
  • Lead in budget preparation and monitoring of expenses as per Teaching Matters workplan and budget
  • Ensure proper internal control procedures are followed in all day-to-day accounting as laid down in TALLE-RSL Accounting Manual
  • Support all audit processes and preparing financial statements
  • Preparing balance sheets and processing invoices
  • Record accounts payable and accounts receivable
  • Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports for the Teaching Matters project
Requirement and Skills
  • Proficient in financial and accounting software.
  • Excellent organizational and analytical skills of software programs related to financial operations, including Excel and other business intelligence tools
  • Team player and have the ability to work independently with minimal supervision
  • You should also have excellent organizational skills and be able to handle time-sensitive tasks.
  • Knowledge of financial regulations
  • Excellent analytical and numerical skills
Professional Experience
  • Our ideal candidate demonstrates interest in managing accounting activities, including bank reconciliations, accounts payable and accounts receivable
  • Proven work experience as a Finance Officer or similar role
  • Solid knowledge of financial and accounting procedures
  • Experience using financial software including QuickBooks, excel and Microsoft

Qualification

Person Specification  
Education

 
  • Bachelor of Science in Finance, Accounting or Economics or Degree in related field.
  • Advanced Certificate in Financial and Business Management
Essential Experience

 

  • Strong ethics, with an ability to manage confidential data
  • Have at least two years of professional experience in a financial field
  • Managing financial operations and analyze financial data
  • Preparing monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports
  • Monitoring budget and financial performance of the organization/TPD project expenditure
Essential Skills/Abilities

 

  • Financial Management
  • Budgeting
  • Forecasting
  • Reporting
  • Team Player
  • Work Independently
  • Minimal Supervision
  • Strong analytical and problem- solving skills
  • Excellent knowledge of banking and financial regulations
  • Highly organized with attention to detail
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Requirements
  • Have valid National ID card or Sierra Leone Passport
  • Prompt submission of monthly report
  • Willingness to travel across project site to conduct payments

To apply for this job, kindly send application online to info@tallersl.org. Alternatively, submit hard copies: cover letter, updated CV with details of two referees, one of whom should be your current or most recent supervisor to:

The Senior Program Manager

Teacher Professional Development Research Project

TALLE–RSL

49 Circular Road, Freetown

Closing date for receipt of all applications is 18th March, 2024 on or before 3pm

 Qualified women are encouraged to Apply.