Financial Support Worker

We are looking for someone to work in a mental health project in South East Nigeria as a financial support worker. This project is run by the Methodist Church in Nigeria with financial support from the church, the Nigerian government and funding from the UK.

A volunteer is needed to work alongside the Welfare Officer, who is currently an overseas volunteer, to provide financial support and training to him and each of the five project co-ordinators, most of whom are Nigerian. 

This post would suit someone who has a management accounting background, with a good knowledge of financial systems and strong teaching skills. Also someone who would like to live as part of a community in a beautiful, rural part of Nigeria for at least one year.

The job involves:

• Reviewing existing financial systems in Amaudo Nigeria, both centrally and for each project, ensuring that the system is safe and easy to use.
• Implementing any alterations to the existing financial systems as necessary.
• Training the Welfare Officer and Project Coordinators to use the financial systems effectively.
• Continuing to train and support Project Co-ordinators in areas such as planning and budgeting, recording data accurately and regularly, presenting financial information and reporting to the Welfare Officer, Board and Management, funders/potential funders appropriately.
• Ensuring the systems implemented are transparent and have as many safeguards as possible to prevent fraud.
• Working with the Auditor to ensure systems comply with their requirements.

This job does not involve:

• Handling cash
• Making spending decisions
• Fundraising
• Ensuring the financial accountability of individual

Person Specification

• Management accounting experience or a background which includes strong financial budgeting and management - Essential
• Knowledge of spreadsheets particularly Microsoft Excel - Essential
• Training and supervisory experience - Essential
• Experience of reviewing and changing financial systems - Essential
• Respect and/or awareness of Nigerian Christian culture - Essential
• Awareness of working with positive and challenging aspects of a developing country - Essential
• Personal attributes of maturity, flexibility and responsiveness - Desirable
• Understanding of issues surrounding funding and fundraising within an NGO - Desirable

This placement would be for a minimum of one year.

Working conditions:

The project is located in Abia State, near Umuahia. It has good local support, a local management team,  an d is supported by the UK Methodist Church and a separate charity called AmaudoUK. Accommodation is free and there is electricity and water available, together with food which is shared with the residents and other staff.  UK support will include payment of a 'local salary', plus travel and health insurance, air fares and baggage allowance, a small recruitment payment and a small resettlement grant. The initial appointment is for 12 months beginning in early 2008,  It will berk possible to link appointed person with the present and previous holders of the post. Currently there is no suitable local candidate.