Systems Director

Job Description

INTERNAL & EXTERNAL 

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GOAL has been operating in Sierra Leone since 1999, with the overall aim of reducing poverty and vulnerability through  integrated, multi-sectoral interventions. Our primary focus is on improving Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child and  Adolescent Health (RMNCAH), with a specific emphasis on addressing teenage pregnancy. We also work to improve rural  water supply and urban WASH, including faecal sludge management, while promoting social inclusion, empowerment,  and decent work through systems-based approaches and community-led social and behaviour change. GOAL currently  operates in Western Area Urban (Freetown), Kambia, Bombali, Moyamba, and Kenema districts. Our work is supported by  Irish Aid, Charity: Water, FCDO, CFI, JOA, and UN-Habitat. 

On this note, GOAL Sierra Leone invites qualified, experienced Sierra Leonean professionals to apply for the  position below: 

The Systems Director is a member of the Country Management Team responsible for the leadership and strategic  direction of the country programme. The System Director leads the systems functions (IT, Logistics, Procurement,  Compliance, and Security) ensuring efficient, effective, and compliant support to the delivery of the country  programme. The System Director will ensure a culture of continuous improvement based on department performance  and changing contextual needs. Collaboration with the global team of systems directors will form part of the role to  learn from others, share experiences, and input to global organisational systems improvements.  

Main Duties and Responsibilities 

➢ Align the systems functions with the country and global strategic plans. Develop department plans, key performance  indicators (KPIs), realistic budgets, and appropriate staffing requirements for effective delivery the country  programme now and in the future. 

➢ Collaborate closely with the country management team and HQ technical leads on funding opportunities to ensure  appropriate systems functions and cost allocations.  

➢ Ensure full systems participation in grant management processes with a focus on timely, efficient, and compliant  grant implementation and reporting. 

➢ Accountable for the implementation of GOAL systems procedures. 

➢ Lead the country systems team and directly manage the team functional leads. Ensure a team culture that enables  learning and development of team members. 

➢ Track all systems functions performance, monitor KPIs, and take corrective action. Seek to identify and tackle root  cause problems thus providing sustained solutions. 

➢ Support the Country Director in ensuring the safety of GOAL staff through establishing and implementing  appropriate procedures across the country team. Act as a member of the crisis management team as requested. ➢ With the Country Management Team, actively manage the Country’s risk profile by ensuring that policies and  procedures are in place and participate in the management of the country Risk Register.  

➢ Set a strong example for adherence and improvement of GOALs accountability, safeguarding and protection  initiatives, both internally and for the people reached by the programme.  

➢ Act at the country programme Data Protection Focal Point ensuring implementation of GOAL standards and  compliance with national requirements. 

➢ Represent GOAL and the country programme where relevant to external stakeholders.  

➢ Deputise for the Country Director when required and undertake any additional duties as mutually agreed with the  Country Director. 

Procurement and Logistics (Supply Chain)

➢ Direct management of the technical leads.  

➢ Coordinate the two teams ensuring context appropriate and cost-effective support to the country programme. ➢ Ensure coordination between programmes, logistics, and procurement on project design and delivery, including but  not limited to fleet requirements, procurement plans, staffing, stock movements. 

➢ Monitor the performance of the departments and ensure delivery on KPIs. Seek to deliver continuous improvements  through efficiencies based on a strong strategic and contextual understanding. 

➢ Manage facilities contracts ensuring compliance with GOAL standards and providing an appropriate work  environment for the GOAL team. 

➢ Ensure strong collaboration and joint working between country office and field office teams to delivery effective,  timely, supply chain services to the country programme. 

Information Communication Technology / Digital Transformation 

➢ Develop and deliver a country technology plan sufficient for current and future programme requirements. ➢ Advise the senior management team on implementation of technology solutions including ensuring correct digital  document management, management of SharePoint, and cyber security actions.  

➢ Ensure country compliance with GOAL policies and standards for technology adoption. Be proactive in asking for  technical support and ensure timely engagement of HQ technical functions. 

➢ Manage the IT team ensuring appropriate service support to the country programme. Use KPIs to track service  performance and be proactive in tackling root cause problems. 

Financial / budget management  

➢ Prepare and manage the overall core cost budgets for the country programme.  

➢ Manage the equipment budget and fleet budget for the country programme.  

➢ Support the Financial Controller (FC) with the preparation of budgets and forecasts for donor proposals, annual  budgets and support the preparation of the year-end financial statements.  

➢ In conjunction with the FC, monitoring and controlling expenditure on the core costs budgets and highlight, as  appropriate, under/overspends and agree actions required.  

Internal, Donor and Regulatory Compliance 

➢ Stay informed of and ensure adherence to the standard of GOAL procedures and policies in relation to Procurement,  Logistics, Finance, HR and Programmes as set out in the relevant manuals, policies and guidelines.  ➢ Lead on implementation of GOAL’s assurance framework in the systems functions, and work with the country  management team to identify areas of improvements.  

➢ Provide support to any internal audit, compliance and financial investigation assignments ensuring GOAL policies  are followed.  

➢ Responsible for the management of the country Conflict of Interest register updating users and tracking completion  of all declarations. 

➢ Manage the compliance team and coordinate with other functions to ensure adequate training, and support is  provided to GOAL staff to enhance their knowledge and understanding of GOAL and Donor policies and procedures  and ensure proper implementation and on-going use.  

Safety and Access  

o Support the Country Director and the Area Coordinators in the management of Safety and Access. o Ensure all office and accommodation meet minimum standards, including fire prevention, lockdown and  evacuation procedures. 

o Monitor the context and provide regular information to the CD of any incidents, changes or adverse  conditions affecting staff safety or project operations in the region. 

o Ensure timely reporting of an incidents in accordance with GOAL procedures. 

REQUIREMENTS  

Education & Qualifications 

➢ Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Business Administration, Development Studies, Public Policy, Economics, or  related field

EXPERIENCE 

➢ Minimum of five 5 years’ working experience in a leadership capacity, particularly in procurement, Logistics, IT,  Safety, and Access 

➢ Experience working with large donors, e.g., FCDO, Irish Aid, Concern Worldwide, or similar ➢ Experience in capacity strengthening with ability to empower staff through growth & development opportunities 

Technical & Management Skills 

➢ Financial management skills, including budget forecasting and reporting 

➢ Strategic planning and performance management tools 

➢ Strategic thinking, vision, and strong analytical and problem-solving skills 

Communication & Interpersonal Skills 

➢ Good communication, interpersonal, and motivational skills, with proven ability to collaborate under  challenging field conditions 

➢ Excellent oral and written communication skills 

➢ Excellent communication and presentation abilities 

➢ Ability to work under pressure and manage complexity with interpersonal and diplomatic skills Leadership & Personal Attributes 

o Strong leadership and people management skills 

o Visionary and results-driven 

o High integrity and professionalism 

o Adaptability in dynamic and challenging environments 

o Good judgment and commitment to GOAL’s objectives and policies 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT WORKING WITH GOAL: 

Accountability within GOAL 

A commitment to GOAL values and GOAL’s integrity framework is critical to working with GOAL. Any candidate offered a job with GOAL will be expected to adhere to the following key areas of accountability:  

1) Comply with GOAL’s policies and procedures with respect to safeguarding, code of conduct, health and safety,  confidentiality, do no harm principles and unacceptable behaviour protocols;  

2) Report any concerns about the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult or any wrongdoings within our programming  area;  

3) Report any concerns about inappropriate behaviour of a GOAL staff or partner. 

Safeguarding 

Children and vulnerable adults who come into contact with GOAL as a result of our activities must be safeguarded to the maximum possible extent from deliberate or inadvertent actions and failings that place them at risk of abuse, sexual exploitation, injury and any other harm.One of the ways that GOAL shows this on-going commitment to safeguarding is to include rigorous background and reference checks in the selection process for all candidates. 

Equal Employer Statement 

• Consistent with GOAL’s core values of humanitarianism; integrity; respect; partnership and courage, we place a significant emphasis on equality in our working environment. 
• GOAL is committed to treating all its employees with dignity and respect and values diversity, which it believes enriches an organisation. To reinforce this commitment, all company activities, policies, practices and procedures are to be carried out in accordance with this global standard. 
• All employees share in the responsibility for fulfilling GOAL’s commitment to equal employment opportunity and equal treatment. GOAL does not discriminate against any employee or volunteer; or any applicant for employment or volunteering based on age, gender identity, ancestry, political opinion, civil status, medical condition, ethnic background, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.
• GOAL believes that our strong commitment to equal opportunity and equal treatment helps to ensure that there is no unjustifieddiscrimination in the recruitment, hiring, training and development, promotion, compensation, benefits, retention, and discipline of staff and volunteers. 
• GOAL aims to provide a work environment that fosters fairness, equity, and respect for social and cultural diversity, and that is free from discrimination, harassment [and vilification] as determined by applicable laws. 

General terms and conditions 

• GOAL has a Staff Code of Conduct, Safeguarding, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion, and a Child Protection  Policy, which have been developed to ensure the maximum protection of programme participants and children  from exploitation. GOAL also has a confidentiality policy ensuring the non-disclosure of any information  whatsoever relating to the practices and business of GOAL, acquired in the course of duty, to any other person or  organisation without authority, except in the normal execution of duty. Any candidate offered a job with GOAL will  be expected to adhere to these policies any job offer made is also subject to police clearance. GOAL is an equal  opportunities employer. 

If you have these skills and interested in joining our committed and dynamic team, please send your cover letter and up to-date CV to jobs@sl.goal.ie. on or before 5:30 pm – 10th June, 2026 

PLEASE NOTE THAT A COPY OF THE APPLICATION LETTER (written or typed) MUST BE SENT TO THE NGO DESK OFFICER,  MINISTRY OF LABOUR, NEW ENGLAND OR EMAILED to: employmentdesk71@gmail.com 

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview. 

Children and vulnerable adults who come into contact with GOAL as a result of our activities must be safeguarded to  the maximum possible extent from deliberate or inadvertent actions and failings that place them at risk of abuse,  sexual exploitation, injury and any other harm. One of the ways that GOAL shows this on-going commitment to  safeguarding is to include rigorous background and reference checks in the selection process for all candidates. 

GOAL provides equal opportunity in employment and prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race,  sex, colour, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability. 

“WOMEN APPLICANTS ARE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY”