Finance and Support Services Intern

About the role

Sightsavers, which works in over 30 countries in Africa and South Asia to eliminate avoidable blindness and promote the rights of people with disabilities, is looking for a Finance and Support Services Intern in Dakar, Senegal. This is a full-time, 35-hour-per-week position on a 12-month fixed-term contract, with the possibility of extension, paid under local terms and conditions.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare payment requisitions and bank deposit slips, process expense payments and keep accurate accounting records.
• Track outstanding advances and help reconcile them on time.
• Update and maintain the fixed asset register.
• Organise and file financial and administrative documents.
• Support coordination of travel, meetings, seminars and workshops, and help with hotel bookings and transport for staff and visitors.
• Help check assets and run periodic physical inventory.
• Help obtain and organise quotations for programme and office procurement.
• Enter, check and organise financial and administrative information accurately.
• Maintain a safe, positive office environment and provide general administrative support to the Finance and Support Services team.

Required profile

• Recent degree in Finance, Accounting or a related subject, or final-year enrolment in such a degree.
• Good numerical skills and a basic understanding of finance and accounting.
• Good written and spoken English; fluency is not required but effective professional communication is needed.
• Willingness to learn, respond to feedback and work independently while knowing when to ask for guidance.
• Ability to handle financial and organisational information responsibly and confidentially.

Required skills

• Basic budget and data analysis skills.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Desirable: a professional accounting qualification, some experience of financial administration or record keeping, and an interest in international development, disability inclusion or Sightsavers' work.

To apply, candidates complete the application form and submit their CV through the recruitment portal. Appointment is subject to pre-employment checks, including reference checks and verification of qualifications, and possibly a police or criminal record check.