Our partner is a locally led NGO based in Mwanza, Tanzania, working to improve access to quality healthcare for underserved communities.
Its work includes weekly medical outreach for street-connected children, providing health assessments, nutrition screening, hygiene support, psychosocial care and access to follow-up treatment. The organisation also trains community members, including boda boda drivers and firefighters, to provide first aid and emergency response, helping trauma victims access appropriate healthcare following road traffic accidents and other emergencies.
It also operates an affordable medical dispensary providing primary healthcare services, including immunisations, maternity-related care, laboratory and dental services, and access to basic medicines. The organisation estimates that its work benefits approximately 45,000 people each year.
Finance responsibilities are currently managed by the Founder and Executive Director alongside the Programme Manager. Records are maintained manually and using Microsoft Excel, before being passed to an external CPA accountant to prepare and submit the organisation’s accounts.
The organisation has recently introduced online banking and now handles limited amounts of cash, but would benefit from practical support to strengthen its record keeping, budgeting, forecasting, procurement procedures, reporting and internal financial controls.
They are seeking a volunteer accountant or finance professional to work closely alongside the Founder, Programme Manager and wider team. The placement will begin with a broad finance health check, helping the organisation review its current systems, processes and controls, identify the most important areas for improvement, and agree clear and practical priorities.
Key areas of support are likely to include:
- Reviewing current financial records, processes, supporting documentation and internal controls
- Identifying practical priority areas for improvement
- Assessing whether a simple accounting system or improved Excel-based tools would be appropriate
- Strengthening budgeting, forecasting and financial monitoring
- Developing simple tools to support planning and decision making
- Reviewing procurement processes and recommending improvements
- Supporting financial planning for a proposed new maternity section
- Improving the quality and consistency of information shared with the external accountant, donors and management
- Strengthening financial documentation and reporting processes
- Providing hands on coaching and mentoring to staff
- Helping ensure any new processes and tools are practical and sustainable
This is a broad and practical placement focused on helping a growing community health organisation establish clearer, more consistent and better documented financial processes as it continues to expand its services.
The placement would suit a collaborative and adaptable volunteer who is comfortable working closely with a small, hands on team and providing practical support across financial management, controls, budgeting, procurement and reporting.
