Office Manager Position in Tanzania

Make a difference in the lives of underserved children in Tanzania by managing the financial and administrative functions of Orkeeswa Secondary School. Experience life in a traditional Maasai community and assist in day-to-day operations at a local school.

The Indigenous Education Foundation of Tanzania (IEFT) (www.ieftz.org) has an opportunity for an Office Manager to support the organization in operating Orkeeswa Secondary School in a remote area of East Africa, starting in early 2009.

The Office Manager will live and work in northern Tanzania and carry out financial and administrative functions of IEFT and Orkeeswa Secondary School. This position includes a stipend that covers living expenses and miscellaneous small purchases in Tanzania.

Your diverse duties will include: • Recording financial transactions and preparing financial reports, payroll and tax documentation • Preparing letters, proposals, reports, submissions, policies and procedures, and other documents • Recordkeeping • Visitor/volunteer liaison and coordination • Communication with US administration • Collection of photos and compilation of content for organization newsletter and sponsor contact, etc.

You will need the following skills and experience:

Personal qualities – reliability, flexibility, willingness to undertake numerous diverse tasks and work with a culturally diverse team of staff, attention to detail, autonomy and initiative.

Accounting – you should have experience in processing accounts including correct account allocation, payroll and taxation, reconciling accounts and financial reporting. Accounting qualifications will be highly regarded.

Administration – high level of general computer literacy including word-processing, spreadsheets, database, publishing etc., strong skills in grammar and composition, recordkeeping and general office systems development and maintenance.

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 capable to live and work in such conditions; be patient and mature, with a sense of humor; and deal with many diverse and, at times, 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 is an inspiring experience that will leave you with memories you will cherish for a lifetime.

In their free time, participants may choose to spend 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!

Contact [email protected] for more information.