Irish League of Credit Unions Foundation (ILCUF) is recruiting to fill the following positions:

1.) IT Support Analyst
2.) Monitoring Officer

See job details and how to apply below.

1.) IT Support Analyst

Job Title: IT Support Analyst at ILCUF Ltd Sierra Leone

Location: Sierra Leone

Reports To: Information Technology Officer (IT Officer) ILCUF Ltd-Sierra Leone. Liaises With: ILCUF Ltd. staff, Credit Unions, and Partners

Contract Details: 2-year contract (3 months probation)

The Irish League of Credit Unions Foundation (ILCUF) Ltd. is a Sierra Leone registered organization that provides financial and technical assistance to Sierra Leone credit unions (financial cooperative  organizations), NaCCUA (the Sierra Leone credit union Apex body), and relevant government authorities.  In its work ILCUF, Ltd. adheres to a Code of Conduct that sets out the ethical principles of its work in the  country and its commitment to the highest standards of openness, transparency, and accountability; its  nature of work is apolitical, secular, democratic and non-discriminatory.

The Irish League of Credit Unions Foundation (ILCUF) Ltd. is seeking an IT professional to monitor, manage  and maintain ICT systems for financial cooperatives in Sierra Leone. This individual will be a creative and driven problem solver who can work in a highly collaborative environment to spearhead the  transformation and implementation of Credit Union ICT systems and deliver ongoing support to ensure  the efficiencies and effectiveness of the system.

Candidates should possess a vision and commitment to achieving excellence in IT service provision and  experience in the support and development of a dynamic and complex IT system. Service delivery will  include liaising with IT service providers, IT users, and third parties alike.

Main Purpose of the Job: Support Monitoring, Management, and Maintenance of ICT Systems in Credit  Unions in Sierra Leone.

SPECIFIC DUTIES: 

The duties of the IT Support Analyst shall include, but not be limited to, the following:  Managing & Maintaining IT infrastructure: 

• Support the management and maintenance of the IT Infrastructure (Hardware & Network)  component of ILCUF Ltd, NaCCUA and their affiliate credit unions.
• Support the management and maintenance of ILCUF Ltd, NaCCUA and affiliate credit union  software and databases under the supervision of the General Manager.
• Support the procurement of hardware and introduce and deploy the hardware.  • Support the maintenance of ILCUF Ltd systems and data, including, general computer support,  software installations, license management, server setup and management, database

administration, data usage protocols, web applications and content management, network,  printers, audio and audio conferencing and remote support.

• Support ILCUF Ltd. and credit unions to achieve optimal connectivity from local ISPs. • Support the management and maintenance of a database of all software and hardware assets  within ILCUF Ltd.
• Maintain the security of ILCUF’s IT environment using best practice security measures including  but not limited to the use of passwords and anti-virus software.

Plan and Deliver Training: 

• Develop and deliver training courses in basic computer literacy (operating computers, computer  maintenance & troubleshooting, internet Applications and video conferencing, Microsoft Office  suite and Excel Cash Accounting templates and Excel reporting).
• Organise trainings, meetings and field trips involving participating credit unions and contribute  to the production of reports.

IT Policy and Security: 

• Support the development of IT Policies and Procedures for ILCUF Ltd. office and monitor  progress with the General Manager.
• Support ILCUF Ltd, NaCCUA and their affiliate credit unions to introduce and monitor  appropriate adoption of IT policies.
• Keep abreast of trends in IT security and implement the latest measures where appropriate. • Ensure that ILCUF staff are aware and adhere to best practice security measures.

Support the planning for introducing business applications to enhance financial controls within credit  unions:  

• Engage with and support ILCUF staff in planning for the introduction of business applications to  enhance the financial controls within credit unions.
• Provide technical assistance on the infrastructure and network design required for these  business applications.

General Management support: 

• Provide ongoing support to NaCCUA by supporting the NaCCUA website and Facebook/social  media presences and support NaCCUA Admin Secretary to manage and control content  published
• Plan project activities in the area of credit union IT development with the IT Officer.

Reporting: 

• Ensure timely submission of reports to the General Manager, ensuring that they are consistent  with ILCUF and donor reporting requirements.
• Support ILCUF Ltd Staff and credit unions in the development and updating of Excel based credit  union reporting templates (Monthly Financial Report, Loan Ageing Report, CU analysis Report,  CU Delinquent leaders and staff, work plans).

KEY COMPETENCY AREAS: 

HARDWARE & NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE  

Essential Skills:

• Understanding and experience in the set-up, configuration, and troubleshooting of desktops,  laptops, servers, printers, outers and modems.
• Understanding and experience in the upkeep of hardware and network infrastructure  components including capacity management, updates, upgrades, and other maintenance tasks.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience in the management of LANs and wired/wireless networks to connect various devices.  • Knowledge of different architecture approaches, cloud configurations, hybrid models, and on premise solutions.

SOFTWARE ENGINEERING, SCRIPTING & DATABASES  

Essential Skills:

• Knowledge of working with a variety of software in the context of operating systems and  supporting software environment (Windows, Linux, Java etc.).
• Experience is using advanced Excel to support business processes and reporting. Desirable Skills:
• Experience in the supporting and maintaining data and database systems to meet business  delivery specifications and needs, including knowledge of MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server and/or  other DB System Software.
• A working knowledge of how various software components interact within a system and an  ability to troubleshoot related problems.
• Basic understanding of coding and scripting for reports.
• Experience in the design and development of test plans.
• Experience with programming and the use of advanced SQL queries.
• Experience with Administration of MS SQL server (backups, data migration).

GENERAL IT MANAGEMENT & TRAINING  

Essential Skills:

• Excellent skills in communications technology and computer applications
• Experience of maintaining security in the IT environment which extends to multiple regions and  a high number of users, most of whom are inexperienced.
• Ability to develop and deliver training courses in MS Office software and other packages as  required, in particular to individuals with limited computer literacy.
• Strong interpersonal, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to learn quickly to adapt to ever changing challenges in a dynamic environment. • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience of reporting to management on project progress.
• Ability to work to strict communication schedules.
• Willingness to undergo professional training and development in order to gain expertise to  international standard.
• Ability and readiness to travel and work in the regions of Sierra Leone.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience of financial institutions and management.
• Sound understanding of credit union financial structures.
• Understanding of microfinance and its role in development, especially rural development.  • Understanding of Project Management techniques for the delivery of IT Projects.

OTHER 

• Undertake other related duties as may be assigned by the General Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS AND KEY COMPETENCIES 

 Essential

• Diploma in relevant field – Computer Science, Information Technology or equivalent IT related  qualifications.
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Willingness to travel within and outside Freetown to credit unions occasionally.
•  Good competence in MS Excel and willingness to develop deeper MS Excel skills.

Desirable

• An IT related Degree qualification will be an added advantage.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a technical IT role, preferably an established and renowned  financial institution.
• Excellent technical knowledge of and experience with a variety of technologies, including, MS  office suite, MS SharePoint, office 356 etc.
• Knowledge of adult training theories and participatory methods.
• Experience in maintaining system backups and configurations of applications
•   Strong knowledge in software development.
• Excellent analysis and interpretation skills of financial and non-financial information.
•  knowledge of other local languages is an added advantage.
• Strong sense of ethics and a commitment to work in an open, transparent and accountable  manner.
• Experience working in a financial institution in the area of bookkeeping, accounting or finance.
•  Strong commitment to poverty reduction through community, cooperative and voluntary  initiative.
• Familiar with credit unions and cooperatives.

HOW TO APPLY

The application should be addressed to: The General Manager of ILCU Foundation Ltd-Sierra Leone.

45 Fort Street, Freetown. Email: smwongyere.ilcuf@gmail.com and copy Email:  daviditofficer.ilcuf@gmail.com 

The application deadline is January 6, 2023

All applicants are thanked for their interest in the assignment. However, only those selected for an  interview will be contacted

2.) Monitoring Officer

Job Title: Monitoring Officer (MO)

Location Freetown

Reports To: Head of Monitoring

Liaises With: ILCUF Ltd. and Credit Union staff as required

Contract Details: 2-year contract (3 months probation) With the

possibility of extension based on performance and funding

The Irish League of Credit union Foundation (ILCUF) Ltd. is a Sierra Leone registered  organization that provides financial and technical assistance to Sierra Leone credit unions  (financial cooperative organizations), NaCCUA (the Sierra Leone credit union Apex body), and  relevant government authorities. In its work ILCUF, Ltd. adheres to a Code of Conduct that sets  out the ethical principles of its work in the country and its commitment to the highest standards of  openness, transparency, and accountability; its nature of work is apolitical, secular, democratic,  and non-discriminatory.

The Monitoring Department in ILCUF Ltd. works closely with NaCCUA and the relevant  government authorities to ensure all affiliated credit unions are operating in accordance with  generally accepted best practices for credit unions and all approved Sierra Leone policies and  procedures and regulations.

Main Purpose of Job: Monitor the performance of credit unions and ensure compliance of these  credit unions with generally acceptable standards for credit unions in Sierra Leone by collecting,  verifying, and compiling credit union-level data and offering suitable recommendations for  improving credit union performance.

SPECIFIC DUTIES 

Monitoring Officers will conduct regular visits to credit unions. The duties of the Monitoring  Officer (MO) shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

Understanding and appreciation of policies, procedures, financial information, and reports 

• Know, understand, and appreciate written policies, procedures, financial information,  plans, and reports.
• Able to imbibe the credit union ethos and philosophy
• Ability to translate credit union ethos, philosophy, and policies into Standard Operating  Procedures (SOPs) for Credit Unions

Information Gathering and Compilation 

• Collect and verify information on credit union performance using standardized tools and  accounting software.
• Review bookkeeping and accounting records for completeness and integrity.

Analysis 

• Analyze operational and financial reports and documentation, offering appropriate  solutions to deal with any weaknesses identified in consultation with the Head of  Monitoring.
• Proffer recommendations on the financial performance of the credit unions through ratio  analysis

Communication and Follow-up 

• Present and explain recommendations and analysis reports to credit union staff and  leaders, in a constructive and supportive manner.
• Follow-up with credit union staff and leaders in relation to recommendations.
• Ensure the board of directors performs their governance roles and is in compliance with  the rules

Reporting and Liaising 

• Provide in full all required reports on monitoring work and credit union performance to  the Head of Monitoring in a timely manner, ensuring they are free from error to the  extent possible.
• Provide feedback to the Head of Monitoring on the effectiveness of the monitoring  system.
• Liaise with ILCUF Ltd. Training Officer on credit union training needs.
•  Liaise with ILCUF Ltd. IT department to determine the IT training needs and support for  CUs
• Ensure staff of Credit unions understand and are able to prepare financial reports
•  Provide feedback to the Head of Monitoring any observed governance issue in the Credit  Union

Other 

• Undertake other related duties as assigned by the Head of Monitoring.

QUALIFICATIONS AND KEY COMPETENCIES

Education 

Essential 

• Diploma in relevant field – preferably in accounting, finance, or other related professional  fields.

Desirable 

• Degree in relevant field – preferably in accounting, finance, or other related professional  fields.

Experience, Skills, Aptitude, or Personality 

Essential 

• Experience in accounting and financial management.
• Excellent computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Word and Excel)
• Excellent analysis and interpretation skills of financial and non-financial information.
• Ability to transfer knowledge to others.
• Ability to work on one’s own initiative.
• Ability to work as a part of the team, even while working remotely.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Flexible and adaptable to a changing environment.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Willingness to travel frequently to credit unions and Strong taste for fieldwork.
•  Fluent in written and spoken English, spoken Krio, and knowledge of other local  languages is an added advantage.

Desirable 

• Experience working in a financial institution in the area of bookkeeping, accounting or  finance.
• Strong commitment to poverty reduction through community, cooperative and voluntary  initiatives.

HOW TO APPLY

The application should be addressed to The General Manager of ILCU Foundation Ltd-Sierra  Leone.45 Fort Street, Freetown. Email: smwongyere.ilcuf@gmail.com

and copy Email: headofmonitoring.ilcuf@gmail.com

The application deadline is January 6, 2023

All applicants are thanked for their interest in the assignment. However, only those selected for  an interview will be contacted