Office Manager Position in Tanzania

Make a difference in the lives of children in a remote area of East Africa by managing the financial functions of Orkeeswa Secondary School. Portland-based Indigenous Education Foundation of Tanzania (IEFT) (www.ieftz.org) is a non-profit organization that collaborates with rural communities in Tanzania to provide quality, affordable secondary education to indigenous children. IEFT has an opportunity for an Office Manager to support the organization in operating Orkeeswa Secondary School, located between Mt. Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti. The position is currently open and includes a stipend to cover living expenses in Tanzania. The Office Manager will be responsible for carrying out the financial and accounting functions of IEFT and Orkeeswa Secondary School.

IEFT is looking for an energetic and motivated professional, committed to education and empowerment of vulnerable children, with experience in finance, accounting and/or administration. 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 Office Manager will work with IEFT staff and volunteers as a team, sharing the following duties and responsibilities:

• Recording financial transactions and preparing financial reports, payroll and tax documentation

• Recordkeeping and data entry

• Communication with US administration

The Office Manager will need the following skills and experience:

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. IEFT uses “Quickbooks” for account keeping, so knowledge of this program is highly preferred.

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

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.

As an IEFT volunteer you must represent the organization with 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. Applicants 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 per month stipend to cover average living expenses in rural Tanzania, including shared room and board at the IEFT staff house, food and miscellaneous expenses.

A minimum 1-year commitment is preferred, starting as soon as possible.

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

To apply, submit your resume to [email protected].