Finance Manager (Freelance / Company-Contracted Consultant)  -BBC Media Action   Retour vers les opportunités

Division: BBC Media Action  

Reports to: Country Director  

Location base: Tunis, Tunisia  

Nationality requirement: Tunisian nationals only  

Contract type: Service contract  

Initial duration: 06 months  

Purpose of the Job  

BBC Media Action is seeking a qualified Finance Manager to lead the financial management and  administration of its North Africa programmes, based in Tunis. This opportunity is open to Tunisian  nationals who are either independent consultants (freelancers) or are contracted through a legally  registered company.  

Reporting directly to the Country Director, the Finance Manager will be responsible for accounting  systems, internal financial controls, donor compliance, legal and statutory compliance, and providing  financial support for project implementation. S/he will also be required to build capacity through training of  internal staff and external partners, while ensuring that all financial transactions are guided by the  principle of value for money.  

The Finance Manager will oversee the Finance Officer and work collaboratively with project teams, HQ  colleagues, donors, and Tunisian authorities.  

Main Duties and Responsibilities  

Financial Control  

• Maintain the financial integrity of BBC Media Action North Africa operations, ensuring full  compliance with internal policies and procedures, particularly regarding cash handling, advance  management, banking, and asset tracking.  
• Oversee the management of all bank and cash accounts, ensuring monthly reconciliations are  performed and robust financial controls are enforced.  
• Act as the principal source of financial expertise within the team, providing guidance on best  practices, internal controls, and donor/government compliance requirements.  
• Manage all financial transactions related to MENA-region programmes implemented by BBC  Media Action.  
• Safeguard all assets of the Tunis office, including oversight of the fixed asset register and  procedures for procurement and disposal.  
• Ensure procurement complies with both BBC Media Action policy and donor-specific procurement  regulations. 
• Support the selection of quality vendors and service providers, ensuring transparency and value  for money in the awarding of all contracts and procurement processes.  

Financial & Management Accounting  

• Maintain robust financial systems for the North Africa office.  
• Ensure monthly deadlines are met, including submission of financial returns, checklists, project  financial reports, and cash-flow forecasts to headquarters.  
• Prepare detailed budget analysis reports for senior management with all required supporting  documentation.  
• Ensure projects are accurately budgeted, regularly forecasted, and monitored for financial risks  and discrepancies.  
• Provide budget holders and relevant teams with timely and accurate financial information for  decision-making.  
• Advise on necessary revisions to internal financial procedures and handbook policies as needed.  
• Ensure compliance with all Tunisian financial regulations, including tax and social security laws,  and keep management informed of relevant legislative changes.  
• Maintain consistency in the use of organisational account codes and ensure accuracy of financial  entries within the accounting software.  
• Ensure that all legal agreements, contracts, and MoUs are up to date, legally compliant, and  properly archived.  

Donor Compliance  

• Serve as the primary contact point on financial and administrative matters for in-country donor  organisations.  
• Build and maintain good working relationships with donor finance personnel.  • Ensure full compliance with donor financial reporting and forecasting obligations.  
• Provide up-to-date and accurate financial data to senior management, budget holders, and  auditors upon request.  
• Demonstrate knowledge of at least one key international donor standard (such as the EU, FCDO,  USAID, or others).  

Leadership, Training & Capacity Building  

• Provide line management support to the Finance and Operations team in North Africa.  
• Deliver internal training on financial policies, systems, and compliance issues to project and  finance staff.  
• Build the financial capacity of local partners where appropriate. 
• Contribute to organisational strategy and planning as a member of the North Africa senior  management team.  

Administration  

• Oversee the monthly payroll process and ensure legal compliance with tax authorities and social  contributions in Tunisia.  
• Ensure that finance-specific technical systems and software tools (including BBC Media Action  software) are implemented effectively and maintained.  
• Support other duties as assigned by the Country Director or HQ Finance team.  Essential Skills and Experience  
• Bachelor’s degree (or national equivalent) in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a  related field.  
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in financial management, preferably within the international  development or humanitarian sector.  
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex programme budgets with annual totals of at least  USD 1 million.  
• Proven ability to develop, manage, and monitor budgets with a focus on cost-efficiency and value  for money.  
• Strong financial management and analysis skills, with the ability to clearly communicate complex  financial data and recommendations.  
• Excellent proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including advanced formulas and analysis tools.  • Experience working with financial ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or similar.  
• Solid understanding of financial reporting requirements of international donors (e.g. EU, FCDO,  USAID).  
• Strong planning, time management, and organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple  deadlines under pressure.  
• High attention to detail and accuracy while maintaining strategic awareness.  
• Fluency in French and Arabic, with strong professional English, especially for finance, accounting,  and donor reporting  

Preferred Qualifications  

• Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. Finance, Accounting, Public Administration) • OR internationally recognized accounting certification, such as ACCA, CPA, or CIMA 
• Additional training or certification in Tunisian accounting standards, taxation, or audit  procedures.
  

Application Instructions  

Interested applicants should submit:  • A CV detailing relevant experience  

• An estimated daily rate, based on 18 working days per month  
• A copy of their “patente” or fiscal registration document proving their legal capacity to invoice as a  freelancer or through a registered company in Tunisia  

Only applicants with legal capacity to invoice (as freelancers or through a registered company in  Tunisia) will be considered.  

Start date: As soon as possible.  

Evaluation Criteria  

Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:  

1. Technical Expertise and Experience – 40%  

• Depth and relevance of experience in financial management (minimum 5 years).  • Demonstrated proficiency in Excel and familiarity with ERP systems (e.g. SAP).  
• Experience managing budgets of $1M+ and working with international donors (EU, FCDO,  USAID, etc.).  
• Understanding of Tunisian tax and legal compliance frameworks.  
• Language proficiency: fluency in Arabic and French; strong professional English, especially for  finance, accounting, and donor reporting  

2. Organisational Fit and Management Capacity – 25%  

• Ability to lead teams and support training and capacity building.  
• Experience collaborating with donor representatives and managing compliance obligations.  • Track record of strategic financial oversight in complex environments.  

3. Commercial Offer – 35%  

• Competitiveness and clarity of the proposed daily rate.  
• Justification of the rate in relation to experience and market standards.  
• Legal eligibility to invoice as a consultant or company in Tunisia.