Based full-time, in-person in Accra, Ghana (to begin as soon as possible)

About Aquaya

The Aquaya Institute (Aquaya) is a nonprofit research and consulting organization dedicated to advancing global health through universal access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). We deliver critical insights, data, and tools to support informed policy, program, and financing decisions. This knowledge helps to secure safe water and sanitation for vulnerable populations, improving human health and well-being.

Aquaya’s portfolio spans public health, economics, technology development, and social entrepreneurship in over 20 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. We have published or contributed to over 40 peer-reviewed research articles and produced numerous other reports and publications.

Aquaya maintains an office in Nairobi, Kenya, and Accra, Ghana. Staff members are also in the US, France, Uganda, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Morocco. Many of our projects are carried out in collaboration with academic research groups and expert consultants.

About the position

We are recruiting a Finance and Operations Associate for a full-time position based in Accra, Ghana. The Finance and Operations Associate will report to Aquaya’s Finance Manager and will focus on supporting Aquaya’s operational needs in Ghana. The current Aquaya team includes over 40 employees across seven countries. Aquaya has seven full-time employees based in Accra and five full-time employees remote across Ghana (Kumasi, Sunyani, Tamale) as well as numerous contractors. The Finance and Operations Associate will support the finance and operations work in Ghana and beyond. In addition, they will be responsible for supporting with the following key activities:

• Accounting: Manage all accounting activities for Aquaya’s Accra office, including
• complete preparation and recording of all bills, payroll support, bank-related matters, contractor management, and audit support.
• Office management: Maintain the office, including printing, document preparation, managing utilities, mail, and other related duties.
• Immigration: Obtain travel visas and work permits for staff and consultants.
• Legal: Liaise with legal counsel to ensure policies are compliant with Ghanaian law.
• Business licenses: Maintain business licenses and relevant insurance policies for the Accra office.
• Benefits: Support renewals and upkeep of benefits plans (social security/pension, health insurance, etc.).
• Recruitment and onboarding: Support recruitment of staff to be based in Ghana and orientation for new hires in Ghana.
• Program support: Provide logistical support to the programs team in Ghana as needed, such as organizing events, preparing materials, and procuring technical equipment.

Criteria for the position

The following qualifications are necessary for this position:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Business administration.
• At least four (4) years of experience in finance, operations, office management, and/or HR administration experience.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Outstanding computer skills and facility using Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, and online platforms.
• Fluency in English.
• Willingness to work across numerous time zones, which may include early morning or late evening video calls.

We are also looking for the following skills and attributes:

• CPA license.
• Quickbooks or other accounting software experience.
• Previous experience working with international teams and communicating with different stakeholders/vendors.
• Excellent problem-solving and time-management skills.
• Strong work ethic and a commitment to delivery.
• Ambition to set and achieve high standards for quality of work.
• Superb critical thinking to optimize operational activities.
• Outstanding organization with an attention to detail and an ability to establish systems to manage constant flows of information and deliver on deadlines.
• Proven ability to work closely with a growing team and to successfully manage multiple and changing priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while maintaining a positive and productive attitude and a good sense of humor!

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time position with an initial 3-month probationary period. Aquaya offers competitive salaries that are commensurate with experience. Benefits include medical insurance and enrolment in a pension plan.

To apply

Please submit your resume via e-mail to [email protected] and a thoughtful cover letter. Once your resume is received, there will be an additional screening survey and activity. This position will be open until filled.

Please explain why you are interested in Aquaya’s mission and activities in your cover letter. Please also tell us why your skills, background, and accomplishments make you the ideal candidate for this position, specifically highlighting your experience. Please note that we will only consider applications with a cover letter. In your e-mail subject line, please specify “Finance and Operations Associate – Ghana 2023”. No phone calls, please.