| PROGRAMME OVERVIEW |
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The Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) site aims to determine and track the causes of under-five mortality and stillbirths through epidemiologic surveillance, including reporting within 24 hours, clinical sampling, and use of advanced laboratory testing and diagnostics across a network of international sites. The area selected for CHAMPS in Sierra Leone is Bombali Sebora chiefdom in Bombali district (population 606,544). The site area has a population of 161,383 and is mostly urban because it includes the city of Makeni (population 125,970). The Minimal Invasive Tissue Sampling (MITS) procedure used by CHAMPS was developed to reduce the uncertainty regarding causes of death. The data collected from the CHAMPS Sierra Leone site will be added to that collected from other sites and will help reduce child deaths in LMICs by providing detailed evidence on the cause of death to influence policy of funders and stakeholders. Beginning from the 2025/26 financial year, The Africa Research Collaborative (The ARC), a local NGO in Sierra Leone, has been tasked to support the direct implementation of the CHAMPS programme in Sierra Leone, with initial support from Deloitte, Ghana. As a dedicated group of African researchers, the ARC aims to generate robust local evidence that informs national policies, health guidelines, and service delivery practices. We work collaboratively with governments and health partners to ensure that our research findings lead to culturally appropriate and sustainable solutions. With a long-term, infinite mindset, we manage resources wisely to create an enduring platform that empowers individuals and communities to thrive. The ARC is seeking dedicated employees who are humble, hungry and (people-)smart, and who are deadly committed to our collective mission. More information about the CHAMPS project can be found at https://CHAMPShealth.org/ and more about the ARC at www.theARChealth.org The role will be based in Makeni with regular visits to the Bo and Freetown offices. |
| MAIN JOB PURPOSE | The Finance and Grants Manager will provide strategic financial leadership, ensuring compliance with donor regulations and CHAMPS policies while driving efficiency and accountability in financial operations. The role will oversee financial planning, budgeting, grants management, financial reporting, and risk mitigation, ensuring sound oversight of project funds. Additionally, the Finance and Grants Manager will develop and maintain robust financial and grants management frameworks to support high-level decision-making and long-term sustainability. |
| MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES OF JOB | Financial Strategy and Management- Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of financial policies, procedures, and systems aligned with CHAMPS objectives and donor requirements.
- Work directly with an external consultant to align CHAMPS policies and procedures with those of a full-fledged NGO
- Oversee financial planning, forecasting, and budget management, ensuring the efficient allocation and utilization of resources.
- Conduct high-level financial risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies to safeguard CHAMPS funds and assets.
- Provide strategic financial recommendations to senior management to support decision-making and organizational growth.
Grants Management and Compliance Oversee the full grants lifecycle including proposal budgeting, sub-award issuance, financial monitoring, compliance, and grant close-out including to: - Design and oversee grant financial management frameworks, ensuring compliance with donor regulations and CHAMPS policies.
- Develop and implement processes, guidelines, and reporting templates to enhance financial accountability and transparency.
- Conduct financial due diligence and risk assessments of grant applicants, ensuring alignment with funding requirements.
- Oversee the financial monitoring of grants, including financial audits, spot-checks, and capacity-building support for implementing partners.
- Ensure timely submission of accurate financial reports to donors and CHAMPS leadership.
Financial Control and Oversight - Establish and maintain strong internal controls to prevent financial mismanagement, fraud, and misuse of funds.
- Review and approve financial transactions, ensuring compliance with policies and budgetary allocations.
- Lead periodic financial audits, ensuring prompt resolution of audit findings and implementation of recommendations.
- Oversee cash flow management, including funds disbursement, reconciliation, and liquidity planning.
- Ensure that all implementing partners adhere to strict financial reporting and expenditure verification procedures.
Capacity Building and Stakeholder Engagement - Provide financial training and technical assistance to CHAMPS staff and implementing partners to strengthen financial management capacity.
- Engage with donors, government agencies, and other stakeholders to align financial management practices with regulatory and contractual obligations.
- Lead efforts to integrate financial and grants management best practices within CHAMPS operations.
Financial Authority - Oversee and manage the operational budget of CHAMPS in coordination with the Site Director.
- Ensure financial integrity in all CHAMPS transactions, providing high-level oversight on expenditure approvals and disbursements.
Perform any other duties as appropriate to the position, as requested. |
| GENERAL | - Aware of and adhere to organization quality standards and procedures in accordance with The ARC commitment to working to the highest quality standards and striving for continual improvement
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| SAFEGUARDING | - Be aware of and compliant with all the standards following Safeguarding procedures and policies.
- Promote The ARC’s speak up culture in order to protect the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
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| FINANCIAL AUTHORITY | - As stipulated in the Policy and Authorities SOP
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| REQUIRED EDUCATION | - Finance qualification or Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.
- Professional certification such as ACCA, CPA, or equivalent is highly desirable
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| REQUIRED SKILLS EXPERIENCE | - Minimum of 7 years of experience in financial management, accounting, and reporting within donor-funded programs.
- This position is open only to Sierra Leone nationals
- At least 5 years of experience in grants management, particularly working with NGOs, CSOs, and international donor agencies.
- Proven experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets and overseeing complex financial systems.
- Familiarity with international donor regulations and financial reporting requirements.
- Experience in capacity building and financial training of partner organizations.
- Health sector or West Africa experience is an added advantage.
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| KNOWLEDGE | - Advanced knowledge of financial management, auditing, and
- compliance within grant-funded programs.
- Strong understanding of financial risk management and internal control systems.
- Proficiency and documented experience in financial software and tools for accounting and reporting, especially QuickBooks, SUN systems and SAP.
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| ABILITY | - Strong leadership and strategic thinking skills to drive financial efficiency and compliance.
- Ability to analyze financial data, identify risks, and provide strategic recommendations.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
- High level of integrity, accountability, and commitment to transparency in financial operations.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, financial management systems, and reporting software
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| REPORTING | - This role reports directly to the CHAMPS Site Director.
- The Finance and Grants Manager will supervise finance and grants staff, including Finance Officers, Accountants, and support staff as applicable.
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