Finance assistant Jobs in Sherwood Park, AB

This Volunteer Placement is Located in : Iringa, Tanzania

Start Date : March / April 2025

Placement Length : 6 months with the possibility of extension

Language Requirements : English Level 5-Fluent

Eligibility : Open to Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada only

The Volunteer’s Role

As the Financial Management Advisor, apply your financial expertise to mentor small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) under the SHARE project support in Mwanza, Tanzania.

The SHARE project supports SMEs to overcome existing barriers to grow their businesses in food production, natural resource products, and other agribusiness value chains. SHARE pays particular attention to the challenges which women and youth-led SMEs face by matching them with skilled volunteers with management and entrepreneurial experience to provide guidance. The project also helps start ups through the incubation program and the use of shared technology to start business and provides financial mentorship to support SMEs that are ready to expand their operations.

Funded by Global Affairs Canada, SHARE project is delivered in 3 strategic regions of Tanzania – Mtwara / Lindi, Iringa / Njombe, and Mwanza / Shinyanga – through the supervision of a field manager and full project team based in Dar es Salaam. SHARE implements its deliverables through the collaboration with 2 NGO organizations, the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA) and the Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC), as well as one 1 government body, Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO) and one commercial financial consulting company (EMMAC). International volunteers with various skill sets play an essential role in collaborating with the SHARE project team to address the challenges SMEs face.

The aim of the Financial Management Advisor role is to coach various SMEs to grow their enterprises in food processing and natural resource product production. You will establish working relationships with local SMEs through the introduction of SIDO and the SHARE project team and build a mentor-mentee relationship. By utilizing your management skills, SMEs will learn from your business insights in the production and sale of goods. This role does entail a solid understanding of business fundamentals, as well as some work experience as an entrepreneur or in manufacturing, to properly advise SMEs on the growth of their businesses.

You will be well supported by the Mwanza project partners, all eager to collaborate with you to improve the local growth of SMEs through your knowledge and input.

Come join a dynamic SHARE team!

As a volunteer, you will :

• Train SME staff in simple financial and basic accounting
• Working with SME staff to develop sound financial processes for budgeting and managing expenditure
• Coach and mentor SIDO staff to improve business support services
• Develop tools and training materials with SIDO staff that can be used in their business development services

Essential Requirements :

Essential Background :

What’s in it for YOU? A life-changing experience!

About Us, the Project and the Partner

Cuso International

Cuso International is an international cooperation and development organization that works to create economic and social opportunities for marginalized groups. Together with our partners, we are focused on efforts to advance gender equality and social inclusion, improve economic resilience, and deliver progress on climate action. We believe that by sharing skills, we can build better futures. Founded in 1961, Cuso International works in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada.

We seek individuals who share our values and are committed to supporting marginalized groups, including those from the LGBTQIA+ communities.

Project - Sharing Canadian Expertise for Inclusive Development and Gender Equality (SHARE)

Cuso International will deliver the Sharing Canadian Expertise for Inclusive Development and Gender Equality (SHARE) project, with a contribution from Global Affairs Canada (GAC) over seven years (2020-2027). SHARE aims to improve the economic and / or social well-being of the poorest, most marginalized and vulnerable people, particularly women and girls, in developing countries, to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. In addition to increasing the engagement of Canadians in international development and key global issues, this project will aim to increase the performance of country partners to deliver more inclusive, innovative and environmentally sustainable development initiatives that advance gender equality, in support of the action areas of Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy.

Partner - Small Industries Development Organization

The Small Industries Organization (SIDO) was established by the Act of Parliament No. 28 of 1973.

The organization was tasked with providing a service aimed at facilitating the establishment of small industries focused on increasing the value of the country's resources; Develop and use flexible technology available in the country; Prioritizing production projects that use more manpower; Facilitate the production of goods to meet the needs of the people especially in rural and surplus exports; Influence, encourage and oversee the establishment and development of small businesses in the country.

Some of the services provided by the Corporation are; Technical services and technology development, Establishment of small scale rural industrial projects, Training, Consulting and extension services, Marketing and Information, and Financial Services.

The organization provides its services through its network of service offices located at each Regional Headquarters, coordinated by the Central Office in Dar es Salaam. The organization also has Localities to serve Small Industries in 18 regions and seven (7) Technology Development Centers.

The organization is also engaged in the implementation of special projects such as Strengthening rural service delivery by implementing the One Product District (ODOP) strategy, Strengthening the Capacity of Food Processing and the Rural Entrepreneurship Development Project (MUVI).

Terms and Conditions

Cuso International's terms and conditions allow you to lead a modest and healthy lifestyle similar to local living standards. This support package will cover basic living expenses for one volunteer and is not intended to cover home-based expenses (eg. loans, support payments, etc.) or luxury items such as imported items in placement or international personal travel.

Support Package

Selection Requirements

Please note that if you are shortlisted for the placement, you will be required to :

Pre-placement Training and Briefing - Skills and Knowledge for Working in Development (SKWID)

We commit to helping you prepare as best as possible for your placement. You will have a Volunteering Mobilization Advisor (VMA) to support you through the process and will participate in pre-placement training as part of your preparation. You will also have access to self-directed briefing documents, online training, and external resources through the volunteer portal. This training is designed to maximize your understanding of your placement and culture, help you identify and plan your learning, and help you stay safe and healthy during your placement.

Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

Cuso International works with poor, vulnerable and marginalized people, mainly women and girls, to eradicate poverty and inequality. We understand the need to uphold and enforce the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct.

At Cuso International, we believe that all people, regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed (religion), sex, age, record of offences, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, gender expression and identity or disability have the right to live lives free of harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse.

Cuso International considers all forms of harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse to be incompatible with fundamental belief in the human dignity of all people, international and national agreements and standards, and its core values. Cuso International volunteers must agree to uphold the Child Protection, Prevention of Workplace Violence, Prevention of Workplace Harassment and Discrimination, and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Policies and Code of Conduct.

Residency and Citizenship

During the application and pre-placement phases, most Cuso International applicants are based in Canada, although we also receive applications from outside Canada. Regardless of your location, it's crucial for us to maintain easy and prompt communication with you between your application and start dates. We may request your passport, need to know your current residence, and be informed of any travel plans.

Leaving your country of residence can impact your citizenship status. If you're leaving your residence for a placement, it is your responsibility to research the implications with local immigration authorities. By applying, you accept full responsibility for any consequences regarding citizenship, residency, or immigration status. Canadian Permanent Residents should make arrangements with immigration authorities before travelling to avoid any risks to their residency status.