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Office Manager Position with Stipend at an NGO/Maasai School in Tanzania

Make a difference in the lives of underserved children in a remote area of East Africa by managing the financial and administrative functions of Orkeeswa Secondary School.

The Indigenous Education Foundation of Tanzania (IEFT) (www.ieftz.org), a non-profit organization that collaborates with local communities to provide quality, affordable secondary education to under-served indigenous children in rural Tanzania, has an opportunity for an Office Manager to support the organization in operating Orkeeswa Secondary School starting in June 2010. The Office Manager will live and work in northern Tanzania and as a member of IEFT’s Administrative Group carry out financial, administrative and human relations functions of IEFT and Orkeeswa Secondary School.

To apply, email CV/resume to [email protected].

IEFT is looking for an energetic and motivated professional, committed to education and empowerment of vulnerable children, and capable of managing day-to-day administrative and HR activities that allow our operational staff to effectively execute their duties. The Office Manager must have the ability to build and maintain relationships with a variety of people, be effective and flexible under pressure, and represent IEFT, its mission and initiatives. It is a challenging position that will develop your skills and experience and expose you to a unique culture and innovative and emerging grassroots programs.

The IEFT Administrative Group, including the Office Manager and an Administrative Manager, work as a team, sharing the following duties and responsibilities in accordance with each individuals’ strengths, experience and interests: • Recording financial transactions and preparing financial reports, payroll and tax documentation • Preparing letters, proposals, reports, submissions, policies and procedures, and other documents • Policy and procedures development and documentation • Record-keeping and data entry • Visitor/volunteer liaison, orientation and coordination • Communication with US administration • Collection of photos and compilation of content for IEFT’s newsletter and Student Sponsorship Program • Collection of videos for fundraising purposes and the Student Sponsorship Program

IEFT Administrative Group members will need the following qualifications: Personal qualities: reliability; flexibility; organization; autonomy; motivation; attention to detail; ability to take initiative; willingness to undertake numerous tasks and work with a culturally diverse team of staff and volunteers.

Accounting: experience in processing accounts and account allocation; payroll and taxation; reconciling accounts and financial reporting; preference will be given to candidates with professional accounting experience or education.

Administration: high level of computer literacy including word-processing, spreadsheets, database management; record-keeping; strong writing skills including grammar and composition; and general office systems development and maintenance.

As an IEFT representative, you must show a strong commitment to empowering vulnerable children, while preserving their culture and traditions. You must be courteous, prompt and accommodating while working to meet deadlines. You must be able to work independently and collaborate as a strong team member.

The Office Manager has to create a friendly and inviting environment for numerous visitors and volunteers, build relationships with various Tanzanian and western individuals and organizations and serve as a communications liaison between the Tanzanian operations and the US office.

You must have the willingness and ability to be flexible and to cope with challenging living and working conditions in a developing country. Tanzania is the fifth poorest country in the world and IEFT works in a rural area with little or no running water, unreliable electricity and a lack of Western amenities. Volunteers who apply must feel they are able to live and work in such conditions. You will need to be patient and mature, with a sense of humor to deal with many difficult situations.

By working together with IEFT staff and volunteers, you will benefit from a real sense of global solidarity, lasting friendships, and the life changing impact of such a unique and meaningful experience. You will gain a deeper insight into a different culture and experience things that broaden your perspective in life. It will be an inspiring experience that will leave you with memories you will cherish for a lifetime.

Many volunteers choose to spend their free time exploring some of East Africa’s treasures, including safaris on the Serengeti Plain, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, hiking the Ngorongoro Crater, or relaxing on the beaches of Zanzibar Island. Experience Tanzania’s diverse indigenous cultures and traditions, distinct wildlife and breathtaking scenery!

This position includes a $300/month living stipend. Average living expenses are US$300 per month and include shared room and board at the IEFT staff house, food and miscellaneous expenses. Volunteers and staff members who wish to spend weekends in hotels in the nearby City of Arusha and enjoy Arusha's restaurants and nightlife, will need an additional $200 per month on average (this is not included in the living stipend).

A minimum 1-year commitment is preferred, starting in June 2010. The first month will include hands-on training with the current Office Manager; your last month will consist of training the next Office Manager to ensure a smooth and effective transition.

You must be at least 21 years old to apply and hold a Bachelor’s degree.

To apply, email CV/resume to [email protected].