Senior Finance Officer -SPARK

• Position:Senior Finance Officer
• Location:Tunis,Tunisia
• Application Deadline:20th October 2026
• Start date:ASAP
• Duration:12 months with possible extension
• Position type:Full-time

About SPARK

SPARK is an international non-governmental organization dedicated to creating opportunities for young people in fragile and conflict-affected contexts through entrepreneurship development and higher education. By strengthening local ecosystems, supporting entrepreneurs, and building institutional capacities, SPARK contributes to inclusive economic growth and sustainable employment.

Senior Finance Officer

The Senior Finance Officer is responsible for the day-to-day financial administration and financial management of the FEMFOCUS programme in Tunisia. The role ensures that payments, accounting records, supporting documentation, reconciliations and financial reporting inputs are complete, accurate, timely and compliant with SPARK procedures and applicable Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) requirements.

The Senior Finance Officer is based in Tunis and reports to the Regional Finance Manager. The position works closely with the Tunisia Programme Manager, Senior Partnerships & Sub-grants Officer, Procurement/Admin Officer and other programme staff, and supports the Finance Controller and audit processes by ensuring that complete and reliable financial records are available for review.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities:

The responsibilities and tasks include, but are not limited to:

Financial Operations and Accounting

• Process and follow up programme payments, advances and settlements in accordance with approved budgets, SPARK procedures and delegated authorities;
• Check payment requests and supporting documentation for completeness, accuracy, required approvals and correct budget coding before processing;
• Record programme financial transactions accurately and on time in the accounting system and maintain complete supporting documentation and financial files;
• Prepare regular bank, cash, advance and other assigned account reconciliations and follow up outstanding items;
• Support monthly and periodic financial closing processes and ensure required finance documentation is complete and submitted on time;
• Maintain clear and organised electronic and physical financial records in line with SPARK document retention requirements.

Budget Monitoring and Financial Reporting

• Provide accurate and timely financial information to the Regional Finance Manager and Tunisia Programme Manager for budget monitoring, forecasting and financial planning;
• Prepare country-level financial reporting inputs and schedules and support the Regional Finance Manager in the preparation of programme financial reports;
• Support cash-flow planning by providing updated information on expected programme payments, partner disbursements and other financial commitments;
• Follow up outstanding advances, receivables, commitments and other finance actions within agreed timelines;
• Support Programme Managers and budget holders with practical financial information and clarification on routine finance requirements.

MFA and SPARK Financial Compliance

• Apply SPARK financial procedures and the applicable financial provisions of the MFA grant in day-to-day finance processes;
• Check that programme expenditure is eligible, properly approved, supported by adequate documentation and incurred within the approved programme budget and period;
• Identify incomplete, unclear or potentially non-compliant transactions and follow up with the responsible staff before processing, escalating significant issues to the Regional Finance Manager;
• Ensure a clear audit trail is maintained for financial transactions and that requested documentation can be readily retrieved for internal reviews, donor checks and audits;
• Keep up to date with programme-specific finance guidance provided by the Regional Finance Manager and Head of Finance and apply it consistently.

Partner and Sub-grant Financial Management

• Work with the Senior Partnerships & Sub-grants Officer on the financial administration and monitoring of partner grants;
• Review partner budgets, financial reports, expenditure listings and supporting documentation for accuracy, eligibility, completeness and compliance with grant conditions;
• Carry out financial checks required before partner disbursements and prepare finance inputs for disbursement recommendations;
• Track partner expenditure, balances, advances and financial reporting deadlines and follow up identified financial issues with the Senior Partnerships & Sub-grants Officer;
• Support financial due diligence and financial capacity assessments of prospective partners using the tools and procedures established for the programme;

Audit and Control Support

• Prepare and organise financial documentation required for external audits, donor reviews and Finance Controller checks;
• Respond to finance-related audit and control queries and provide supporting records under the guidance of the Regional Finance Manager;
• Follow up assigned corrective actions arising from financial reviews, audits or control findings and maintain evidence of completion;
• Flag recurring documentation, accounting or compliance issues to the Regional Finance Manager and contribute practical suggestions for improvement;
• Maintain appropriate segregation of duties and cooperate fully with independent control and sampling carried out by the Finance Controller.

Requirements and Skills

• Bachelor degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or a related field;
• Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience in finance, accounting or project finance, preferably within an NGO or donor-funded programme;
• Practical experience processing payments, checking financial documentation, maintaining accounting records and preparing reconciliations;
• Experience with budget monitoring and preparation of financial reporting inputs;
• Experience reviewing partner or sub-grantee financial reports and supporting documentation is a strong asset;
• Good understanding of donor financial compliance, eligible costs, supporting documentation and audit requirements. Experience with Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs funding is an asset;
• Good Excel skills and experience using accounting software. Experience with Exact Online is an asset;
• Strong attention to detail and ability to identify errors, missing documentation and inconsistencies;
• Good organisational skills and ability to manage recurring finance deadlines;
• Ability to work constructively with programme, grants, procurement and finance colleagues;
• High level of integrity, accuracy and confidentiality;
• Good professional English;
• Professional proficiency in Arabic and or French;
• Experience working with international NGOs or institutional donor-funded programmes is an asset;
• Willingness to travel within the country and occasionally within the region if required;

SPARK Offers

• A remuneration based on SPARK’s function grid and relevant experience;
• Training and professional development opportunities;
• Full-time employment contract, subject to applicable local conditions and programme funding;
• A challenging and responsible position in an international working environment;

How to apply?

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following documents (in English & French):

• A cover letter outlining their motivation and demonstrating how their qualifications and experience meet the requirements of the position.
• An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV), including the contact details of at least three professional references.

Applications must be submitted no later than 20th October 2026 through https://vacancy.spark-online.org/Tab1/LoadProfile/718 .

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. As interviews may take place before the closing date, early applications are strongly encouraged.

SPARK is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage qualified women, persons with disabilities, and candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. Recruitment and selection are conducted in accordance with SPARK’s safeguarding, integrity, and equal opportunity policies.

If you have not received a reply, we regret to inform you that we have continued with other candidates.