Finance Advisor

Cuso International; Saint John; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A volunteer organization is seeking a Financial Management Advisor to mentor SMEs in Tanzania under the SHARE project. You will leverage your financial expertise to train staff, develop financial processes, and support the growth of various enterprises. Ideal candidates have a Bachelor's degree in Finance and relevant experience in financial management. Come be part of a mission-driven team committed to improving lives.

Benefits

Modest monthly living allowance

Accommodation while in placement

Medical Health Insurance

Round-trip airfare and visa costs

Pre-placement training and support

Qualifications

• 3 – 5 years’ work experience in developing financial management systems.
• Ability to formulate and implement financial regulations, policies and procedures.
• Good experience in establishing and supporting organization development.

Responsibilities

• Train SME staff in simple financial and basic accounting.
• Work with SME staff to develop sound financial processes for budgeting and managing expenditure.
• Develop tools and training materials with SIDO staff.

Skills

Mentoring

Financial management

Coaching

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Finance or related field

Job description

Overview

This Volunteer Placement is Located in: Iringa, Tanzania.

Start Date: December 2025.

Placement Length: 6 months with the possibility of extension.

Language Requirement: 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 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!

Responsibilities

• Train SME staff in simple financial and basic accounting.
• Work 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

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance or related field.

Essential Background

• 3 – 5 years’ work experience in developing financial management systems.
• Ability to formulate and implement financial regulations, policies and procedures.
• Good experience in establishing and supporting organization development.
• Facilitation and training skills; experience in development and delivering workshops.

Benefits

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

Support Package

• Modest monthly living allowance.
• Accommodation while in placement.
• Medical Health Insurance (including the cost of required vaccinations and antimalarial medication).
• Round‑trip airfare and visa / work permit costs.
• Pre‑placement training, In‑Country Orientation (ICO) and Reintegration Debriefing.
• Support while in placement through Cuso International's Country Program Office (CPO) and local partners throughout your placement.
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) while in placement and upon return.
• Bonus: Additional return flight home or cash in lieu after 12 months of service for volunteers who extend for another 6 months.

Selection Requirements

• Confirm Passport or Permanent Resident details for travel purposes.
• Provide 2 Professional References and 1 Personal Reference.
• Complete a language assessment during the preliminary telephone interview in the language required for your placement.
• Obtain a satisfactory Police Check.
• Complete a medical exam and be medically cleared before your departure.
• Due to the COVID‑19 situation, be double vaccinated following the World Health Organization‑approved vaccines.

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.