Job Title                : Head of Finance and Administration Reports to           : Executive Director Job type               : Full-time Location             :  Kampala About us: Faraja Africa Foundation- (FAF) is a youth-led and focused regional organisation with the ultimate goal of preparing emerging leaders to initiate, develop and sustain youth community development and economic initiatives. Our methodology is peer-based and seeks to educate, empower, and engage youth by informing them, equipping them with 21st-century skills for economic empowerment and engaging them in the peaceful-sustainable local, national and regional development agenda in Africa. FAF envisions moulding young African leaders who are socially and economically empowered). FAF exists to facilitate the process of youth empowerment by creating platforms for meaningful economic, social and political engagement).FAF’s work is guided by its core values [1] (Equity & justice, Teamwork, Integrity, Excellence and Professionalism) and guided by this philosophy[2]. Faraja Africa Foundation refers to the other subsidiaries of Faraja Africa Enterprises (such as Safaris, Digital, FDTv, etc.) It also covers all the duty stations in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. The BoD is the supreme policy making organ and the day-to-day business is conducted by the Executive Director along with the Senior Management Team. The organization also works with volunteers who provide support when called upon to do so. Job Role:  To provide administrative, financial management support, monitoring and coordination of activities within the framework of FAF together with the ED, Human Resources Management of the office. This position must ensure contractual integrity of all agreements entered into by the office, managing the procurement processes and looking out for the organisation’s interests. The Head of Department will assist staff in implementing and compliance with regulations and ensuring all policies and procedures, donor regulations, accounting standards and local laws are complied with. Competencies: •       Strategic leadership •       Risk & change management •       Budgeting and budgetary control •       Analytical & problem solving skills •       Transformative feminist leadership skills •       Communication and stakeholder management •       Donor financial accounting and reporting procedures •       Knowledge of Tax laws and compliance laws/systems in Uganda •       Financial management & Planning
S/N	Key Result Areas	Duties and Responsibilities
1.	Strategic decision making	Contributes to the SMT agenda. Contributes to the Board’s decision making through SMT by providing financial perspectives Implements and follows-up on SMT key actions with the Finance Directorate
2.	Finance	Oversee all financial aspects of the organisation and ensure all necessary financial records and compliance. Develop and monitor annual budgets with the Director and Development Lead; oversee payment set up and authorization and management of Faraja’s bank and credit card accounts. Prepare the institutional annual budget and forecasts and perform financial analysis on a regular basis. Work with the accountants to analyse and review expenditure to ensure adherence to the annual budget, advising the team and trustees accordingly. Liaise with Auditors over the annual review and submission of appropriate returns to the Foundation by the due date. Work closely with fundraising staff and consultants on grant bids, approaches and events, including organising events such as conferences where requested. Oversee grant management functions including financial reporting, budgeting & compliance
3.	Risk management & Compliance	Act as the Data Protection Officer for Faraja and ensure compliance with current data legislation. Ensure compliance with financial regulations, Uganda laws & standards, including those related to grants, donations & tax exemption status. Responsible for updating the risk register & business continuity plans. Identify, assess and suggest mitigation measures to financial risks to ensure financial stability & security. Oversee the Health & Safety policies and practices
4	Human Resource and administration Management	Responsible for the HR function of Faraja including recruitment, performance management and HR policies and practices. Manage the Faraja assets and facilities, including office space. Lead on Safeguarding for the organisation, including maintenance of safeguarding policy and records. Lead, motivate and develop a high performing team
5.	Communication	·      Work with the Executive Director, Communications officer and Other staff to shape Faraja’s key messaging and engage effectively with key stake holders. ·      Work with the Communications Officer to disseminate impact analysis ·      Work with the HR officer to communicate to staff the policies as well as other relevant information.
6.	Operations and Project Management	Ownership and oversight of the budget and operating plan, following up with and supporting team members to ensure delivery of the FAF’s objectives. Day to day liaison with Strategic Leads for different thematic areas and Evaluation to ensure smooth operation of the organisation and progress towards goals. Report to the Executive Director on progress and activity of the operational plan across all areas. Supervise other members of staff including the Finance and Administrative Officer, Accountant, HRO and ensure all administrative tasks are completed appropriately and efficiently. Preparation and maintenance of policies and procedures. Management of the FAF’s assets.
7.	Relationship Management	Relationship management of third-party suppliers, ensuring the FAF achieves good value for money. Build & maintain relationships with FAF stakeholders partners in the promotion of Faraja’s vision and to represent its interests.
8.	Others	Other duties may be assigned from time to time in the governance of the institution and as a Head of department, you will be required to steer the teams to achieve goals and missions.

Professional qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in commerce, Business Administration, Financial Management or Accounting from a recognised University
• Membership of a reputable Professional Accountancy body e.g. ACCA, CIMA or CPA is required .

Experience

• A minimum of 5 years of similar experience in financial management preferably in an NGO setting 3 of these should have been at management level.

How to Apply:

If you are a motivated and experienced finance professional looking for a challenging and rewarding role, please submit your application by email to [email protected], including:

• A cover letter outlining your experience, skills, and motivation for applying.
• A detailed CV outlining your education, experience, and qualifications.
• Contact information for at least three professional references.

Deadline for application is 24^th June 2025 at 5pm

The European Union Delegation to Uganda launched the second cohort of the Youth Sounding Board (YSB) in a vibrant ceremony at the EU Residence in Kololo. The event also doubled as a farewell to the outgoing cohort, who were honored for their impactful contributions to shaping EU-Uganda Development Cooperation.

The EU-Youth Sounding Board aims to ensure that EU Development Cooperation is inclusive, participatory and relevant to the needs of young Ugandans. It also provides a platform for youth to share insights, offer recommendations and co-shape EU external action on its priority areas including Green and Climate Transition, Sustainable and Inclusive Growth and Jobs and Democratic Governance and Social Inclusion.

In his remarks, H.E Jan Sadek, EU Ambassador to Uganda commended the outgoing Youth Sounding Board members for strengthening the links between grassroots youth and the EU, creating a platform for meaningful dialogue, collaboration and youth-led development.

“The EU has a long history of supporting youth participation in Uganda through grants to a tune of 8.5 million Euros, since 2022 to civil society organisations addressing critical issues such as Youth participation in policy, teenage pregnancy and economic empowerment. Notably, the EU through the German Cooperation and Faraja Africa Foundation has supported the National Youth Parliaments which bring youth representatives from village to national level to discuss youth issues” H.E Jan Sadek

Hon. Betty Amongi, Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development, expressed gratitude to the European Union Delegation for its strong and respectful partnership with Uganda through its continued support to trade, civil society peacebuilding and refugee response. She emphasized that initiatives such as the Youth Sounding Board, Ugandans give Ugandans a chance to co-create solutions that respond to their needs. Hon. Amongi also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to youth empowerment through initiatives such as the Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP), Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga which have equipped many young Ugandans with the skills and financing to improve their livelihoods and contribute to national development.

Dr. Jemba Micheal, the incoming Chairperson of the Board urged the new YSB members to use their voices creatively and relentlessly to share their lived experiences. He thanked the EU for believing that youth participation is not an obligation but a strategic choice and called upon EU representatives and the Board to co-create a space that is inclusive, brave, supportive and relevant to the needs of young Ugandans.

This year’s call for applications attracted an overwhelming response, with over 1,217 applications received from across Uganda. After a rigorous selection process, 20 outstanding young individuals aged between 18 and 30 were chosen to form the second cohort. The newly inaugurated board reflects a rich diversity of backgrounds, regions and expertise, ensuring broad representation of Ugandan youth. The European Union remains committed to fostering meaningful youth engagement and ensuring that young people are empowered as key stakeholders in the country’s development journey.

On April 24, 2025, I was invited as a panelist to the 2nd Guild Leaders’ Summit at Makerere University, hosted by the Guild Leaders Academy. The theme, “Leaders with Integrity: Building Foundations for Good Governance in East Africa,” was a powerful reminder that we, as young people, hold the key to transforming our region. The summit brought together passionate student leaders from across the East African Community with several key government stakeholders from Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, including H.E. Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, H.E. Jessica Alupo, former Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Justice Simon Byabakama, Hon. Mathew Rukikaire, and European Union Deputy Ambassador Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, among others.

During the summit, several critical topics were discussed, including:

• Institutional Accountability: The Backbone of Good Governance
• Youth Participation in Governance: Transforming Vision into Action
• Youth and Elections: Ensuring Participation and Accountability for a Democratic Future

The theme that echoed louder than any other was “Youth Participation in Democratic Governance”. Across many countries, constitutional reforms have opened the door for youth and women to claim space in leadership, from youth councils to affirmative seats in parliament. These are critical wins. But the deeper question remains: Are these pathways truly equitable? Are our electoral systems fair and inclusive, or do structural barriers still keep us from real power?

While speaking on the second panel, I paused a series of important questions to fellow young people: How do we boldly step into leadership and drive the kind of change our societies desperately need? How do we harness the platforms and privileges we now have to shape a future grounded in justice, integrity, and accountability?

I addressed head-on the barriers that continue to silence and sideline young voices, including tokenism, the exorbitant cost of running for office, and the pervasive threat of sexual violence in politics. These are not abstract challenges, they are lived realities that limit our access to power and corrupt the promise of democracy. As such, I called for urgent electoral reforms, pushing for policies that cap campaign spending, ensuring the political playing field is open to all and not just the privileged few. We must confront the uncomfortable truths that too often go unspoken. Tokenism, sexual violence in politics, and the prohibitive cost of running for office continue to block young people from stepping into leadership. These barriers don’t just limit our participation, they erode the integrity of democracy itself, weakening the foundations of genuine representation and accountability.”

“We cannot continue to let short-term handouts dictate long-term leadership. It’s time to elect leaders with vision, integrity and the courage to enact policies that uplift and transform our nations.”

          Vicky Namugobe, 7th Speaker of the National Youth Parliament

On the growing menace of sexual violence in political spaces,  I said, “We must not remain silent. As the next generation of leaders, we must be unwavering in our stand against exploitation in all its forms. Stronger laws must be enacted and enforced to protect those most vulnerable and to ensure our political spaces are safe, inclusive, and just for everyone.”

To every young changemaker listening or reading this: The time is now. We can no longer afford to sit back and wait for the perfect moment to act. Whether your path is in politics, civil society, entrepreneurship, or advocacy, the opportunity to make a difference is already in your hands. The future belongs to us, but only if we claim it.

The summit concluded with the Kampala Declaration, a bold call to action from the guild leaders across East Africa to prioritise.

• Advancing gender-sensitive policies that empower women and girls to effectively participate in decision-making processes.
• Strengthening civic engagement to ensure active youth participation in governance
• Championing environmentally sustainable development.
• Improving cross-border infrastructure to support trade and integration.

As we reflect on the outcomes of the summit, I leave you with the powerful words of two leaders:

“Leadership can take many forms—not only through elective or public office. As one aspires to leadership positions, they must remember that every decision made today will shape the future for generations to come.”

          Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, EU Deputy Ambassador

“Leadership with integrity is a journey, an ongoing responsibility. It does not begin with a title, nor does it end with applause. It is defined by what it builds and what it leaves behind.”

          Justice Simon Byabakama, Chairperson, Electoral Commission

These words capture the essence of true leadership: one that is principled, people-centered, and enduring. Let us not wait for change. Let us be the change.

Namugobe Vicky

7th Speaker, National Youth Parliament