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Essential Job Details
- Position Title: Finance & Operations Assistant
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Employment Type: Full-Time (1-Year Renewable Contract)
- Number of Vacancies: 1
- Salary: Not Specified
- Category/Department: Finance and Operations
- Reporting To: Finance & Operations Officer
- Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
- Start Date: As Soon as Possible
Introduction
The Finance & Operations Assistant role is a dynamic career opportunity for a dedicated professional to contribute to a feminist and women’s human rights-focused organization in Nairobi, Kenya. This position offers a unique chance to support impactful financial and operational processes that empower women’s agency in democratic governance, economic justice, environmental sustainability, and conflict transformation across Africa. By leveraging strong bilingual skills in English and French, the successful candidate will play a vital role in ensuring efficient resource management, statutory compliance, and grantmaking support, making a tangible difference in advancing women’s rights and social justice.
About Urgent Action Fund-Africa
Urgent Action Fund-Africa (UAF-Africa) is a pan-African, feminist, and women’s human rights organization registered in Kenya and Zimbabwe. Operating as a virtual entity, UAF-Africa maintains a strategic presence across Africa’s five sub-regions: East Africa (Nairobi, Kenya; Kampala, Uganda), North Africa (Cairo, Egypt), Southern Africa (Harare, Zimbabwe; Lilongwe, Malawi; Antananarivo, Madagascar; Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Cape Town, South Africa; Gaborone, Botswana), West Africa (Abuja, Nigeria; Parakou, Benin; Lomé, Togo), and West/Central Africa (Yaoundé and Douala, Cameroon). The Fund specializes in rapid response grantmaking, supporting time-sensitive, innovative initiatives that promote women’s leadership in governance, economic empowerment, environmental justice, and conflict resolution. With a commitment to community-led development and grassroots movement building, UAF-Africa is a key player in advancing women’s rights and social justice across the continent.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Operations and Management Support
- Prepare payment vouchers by validating underlying documents to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Update QuickBooks with financial transactions to maintain accurate records.
- Conduct monthly bank, cash, and credit card reconciliations to ensure financial integrity.
- Monitor cash and bank balances to support effective financial reporting.
- File monthly statutory returns, including PAYE, NSSF, NHIF, and NGO compliance requirements.
- Assist in liaising with HR to ensure timely preparation of payroll and staff entitlements.
- Compute financial reports in the required format and timelines as directed by the Finance & Operations Officer.
- Provide French language support to the Finance team and Francophone grantees and partners.
- Support project and institutional audits, implementing recommendations to enhance financial processes.
- Monitor budgets to ensure sufficient funds for planned program activities.
- Update the fixed assets register and office equipment list, ensuring safe custody and usage.
- Ensure all Fund equipment and assets are fully insured at all times.
- Maintain electronic and hard copy filing systems for efficient document retrieval.
Grantmaking Support
- Administer grants by preparing vouchers for sub-grants after validating supporting documents.
- Initiate payment instructions at the bank for awarded grants, ensuring compliance with documentation.
- Update the grantmaking database to generate data and reports for program and funding partners.
- Prepare Fund-related reports for Heads of Programmes and external stakeholders.
- Compile Budget vs. Actual (BVA) reports for various programs/projects, updating UAF-Africa’s Finance plan.
- Communicate with grantees, particularly in Francophone countries, to confirm receipt of funds and provide updates.
- Review grantees’ financial reports and supporting documents, offering feedback as guided by the supervisor.
Other Responsibilities
- Generate periodic reports for internal and external communications to stakeholders.
- Collaborate with the Operations team to ensure smooth functioning of the Nairobi office and virtual staff across Africa.
- Maintain open communication with vendors, contractors, and grantee partners, especially in Francophone West Africa.
- Undertake additional tasks as assigned within the Finance and Operations portfolio to support organizational goals.
Qualifications and Skills
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Studies, or equivalent.
- CPA Part II or equivalent professional accounting qualification.
- Minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience in finance or operations, preferably with women’s rights or social justice organizations in Africa.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English and French, essential for supporting Francophone partners.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with grantmaking processes, particularly in a non-profit or feminist organization.
- Familiarity with QuickBooks software for financial management and reporting.
- Proven ability to work in a virtual setup, coordinating tasks and managing multiple deadlines.
- Experience in a cross-cultural team, demonstrating adaptability and collaboration.
Required Skills
- Strong analytical skills to interpret financial data and provide insights for decision-making.
- Effective presentation skills to communicate financial reports and findings clearly.
- Robust planning and organizational skills to manage high-volume, confidential tasks systematically.
- Commitment to UAF-Africa’s mission, with a passion for teamwork and transformative grantmaking.
- Flexibility to perform additional tasks in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
Company Culture and Values
Urgent Action Fund-Africa fosters a feminist, inclusive, and collaborative work environment dedicated to advancing women’s human rights and social justice. The organization is deeply committed to trust-based, transformative grantmaking, community-led development, and grassroots movement building. Employees and partners are encouraged to embrace innovation, equity, and accountability while working across diverse African contexts. UAF-Africa values flexibility, cross-cultural collaboration, and a passion for empowering women and marginalized communities. As part of a global UAF-Sisterhood network, staff occasionally collaborate with sister funds, contributing to a shared vision of gender equality and social impact.
How to Apply
Apply now for the Finance & Operations Assistant position.
To be considered, submit the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing your education, experience, and skills.
- Cover Letter outlining your interest in the role and alignment with UAF-Africa’s mission.
Follow these steps:
- Register on the UAF-Africa recruitment portal at http://uafahrrec.peopleshr.com/.
- Complete the application form for the Finance & Operations Assistant role.
- Upload your CV and cover letter.
- Submit your application. Applications are open until the position is filled.
Note: No phone calls, please. UAF-Africa is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks a diverse applicant pool. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The position is open to candidates with valid legal residency status in Kenya.
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Tags
Finance & Operations Assistant, Nairobi Jobs, Feminist Grantmaking, Women’s Rights, Financial Administration
Why Join as a Finance & Operations Assistant?
The Finance & Operations Assistant role at Urgent Action Fund-Africa offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a feminist organization dedicated to advancing women’s rights and social justice across Africa. By supporting financial operations and grantmaking, you will play a critical role in ensuring resources are allocated effectively to empower women in democratic governance, economic justice, and environmental sustainability. This position is ideal for professionals passionate about financial administration, cross-cultural collaboration, and making a tangible impact in marginalized communities.
What Does the Role Entail?
As a Finance & Operations Assistant, you will work under the guidance of the Finance & Operations Officer to manage critical financial processes, including payment preparation, reconciliations, and statutory compliance. You will also support grantmaking by administering sub-grants, updating databases, and communicating with Francophone partners. The role involves collaboration with virtual teams across Africa, requiring strong organizational skills and adaptability in a fast-paced environment. Your bilingual proficiency in English and French will be instrumental in supporting UAF-Africa’s work in Francophone West Africa.
Who Should Apply?
This position is tailored for individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or Business Studies and at least 3 years of relevant experience. Candidates with CPA Part II or equivalent qualifications and fluency in English and French are strongly encouraged to apply. Experience with women’s rights or social justice organizations, familiarity with QuickBooks, and a passion for feminist grantmaking are significant advantages. The role suits professionals who thrive in virtual, cross-cultural settings and are committed to UAF-Africa’s mission of transformative change.
Benefits of the Role
Joining UAF-Africa as a Finance & Operations Assistant offers numerous professional and personal rewards:
- Impactful Work: Contribute to initiatives that empower women and marginalized communities across Africa.
- Professional Growth: Enhance your skills in financial administration, grantmaking, and cross-cultural collaboration.
- Flexible Environment: Work in a virtual setup with opportunities for national and regional travel.
- Inclusive Culture: Join a feminist organization that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Global Network: Collaborate with the UAF-Sisterhood network, gaining exposure to international women’s rights initiatives.
The Impact of Your Contribution
Your work as a Finance & Operations Assistant will directly support UAF-Africa’s rapid response grantmaking model, which addresses urgent opportunities and threats for women across the continent. By ensuring accurate financial management and timely grant disbursements, you will enable grassroots organizations to advocate for democratic governance, economic justice, and environmental sustainability. Your role will also strengthen UAF-Africa’s ability to maintain transparency and accountability, fostering trust with grantees, partners, and donors.
Application Tips for Success
To stand out as a candidate for the Finance & Operations Assistant role, consider the following:
- Tailor Your CV: Highlight your finance and accounting experience, especially with women’s rights or social justice organizations.
- Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Emphasize your bilingual skills, passion for feminist grantmaking, and alignment with UAF-Africa’s mission.
- Showcase Technical Skills: Mention proficiency in QuickBooks or similar financial software if applicable.
- Demonstrate Organizational Skills: Provide examples of managing multiple deadlines or working in virtual teams.
- Apply Promptly: Submit your application early, as the position is open until filled.
UAF-Africa’s Commitment to Diversity
Urgent Action Fund-Africa is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. The organization actively seeks candidates from varied backgrounds to reflect the communities it serves. By fostering an inclusive environment, UAF-Africa ensures its financial and operational processes are informed by diverse perspectives, strengthening its impact in promoting women’s rights and social justice across Africa.
The Recruitment Process
The selection process for the Finance & Operations Assistant role is thorough and transparent:
- Application Review: UAF-Africa screens applications to verify qualifications and experience.
- Shortlisting: Only candidates meeting the criteria will be contacted for further steps.
- Interviews: Shortlisted candidates may participate in virtual or in-person interviews.
- Onboarding: The selected candidate will begin as soon as possible, with support for a smooth transition.
Why Nairobi?
Nairobi, Kenya’s vibrant capital, is a strategic hub for UAF-Africa’s East African operations. The city offers access to a dynamic network of non-profits, government bodies, and community organizations, making it an ideal base for the Finance & Operations Assistant role. The position’s virtual setup also allows flexibility for collaboration with teams across Africa, ensuring seamless coordination from Nairobi.
Preparing for the Role
If selected as the Finance & Operations Assistant, you will receive comprehensive support to excel in your role:
- Orientation: Learn about UAF-Africa’s financial systems, grantmaking processes, and operational protocols.
- Training: Gain insights into QuickBooks and other tools used for financial management.
- Team Collaboration: Work closely with the Finance & Operations Officer and virtual teams across Africa.
- Ongoing Support: Receive guidance to manage high-volume tasks and meet deadlines effectively.
How Your Skills Shape the Future
Your expertise in finance, accounting, and bilingual communication will directly enhance UAF-Africa’s ability to deliver rapid response grants and maintain operational excellence. For example:
- Financial Management: Ensure accurate budgeting and reporting to support program sustainability.
- Grantmaking Support: Streamline grant disbursements to empower grassroots women’s initiatives.
- Bilingual Communication: Facilitate seamless interactions with Francophone partners, expanding UAF-Africa’s reach.
- Operational Efficiency: Maintain robust systems for asset management and statutory compliance.
By joining UAF-Africa, you will contribute to a legacy of feminist leadership and transformative change across the continent.
Final Call to Action
The Finance & Operations Assistant role is a chance to make a lasting impact in women’s rights and social justice. If you are a skilled finance professional with a passion for feminist grantmaking, apply now to join Urgent Action Fund-Africa’s mission-driven team. Submit your application at http://uafahrrec.peopleshr.com/ and take the first step toward a rewarding career in Nairobi.
Disclaimer: JobKenya.org is not the hiring company. For any inquiries, please contact Urgent Action Fund-Africa directly via http://uafahrrec.peopleshr.com/. Please do not send applications to JobKenya.org, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of inquiries, we may not respond to all messages. Thank you for your understanding.
