Vacancies and How to Get a Job at CIPHER (Salary, Roles & Application Guide)

CIPHER, the Center for Information Privacy, Human-Centered Technology, and Ethics Research, is recruiting for four positions in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The opportunities cover programmes and communications, finance and grants, office administration, and office support.

For professionals searching for CIPHER jobs in Sierra Leone 2026, these vacancies offer an opportunity to work with a Sierra Leonean research organisation focused on information privacy, cybersecurity, data protection and the human impact of technology.

All four positions are open until filled, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis. This means interested candidates should apply early rather than wait for a fixed deadline.

About CIPHER

CIPHER is a Sierra Leonean research institution working at the intersection of information privacy, cybersecurity and human-centred technology. Its work includes research, engagement with government and regulators, professional training and public discussions around technology-related issues.

The organisation is particularly relevant as issues such as data protection, digital rights and responsible use of technology become increasingly important in Sierra Leone.

The current recruitment also suggests that CIPHER is building its institutional capacity across several areas, including programme delivery, fundraising, financial management, administration and public engagement.

Available Positions

The current CIPHER recruitment includes:

• Programmes, Outreach & Communications Manager
• Office Administration, Finance & Grant Manager
• Office Admin
• Office Assistant

All positions are based in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

1. Programmes, Outreach & Communications Manager

What You'll Do (Simplified)

This is a senior programme and stakeholder-engagement role. The successful candidate will help CIPHER build partnerships, secure funding and communicate its work to government, regulators, professionals and the wider public.

Key responsibilities include:

• Building relationships with ministries, regulators, universities, civil society organisations and media organisations.
• Developing CIPHER's position as an independent source of evidence on privacy and data protection.
• Planning and delivering research and training programmes.
• Preparing concept notes and funding proposals for donors.
• Communicating complex issues such as privacy, data rights and online safety in simple language.
• Delivering training for public officials, journalists, students and data protection professionals.
• Organising public forums, roundtables and stakeholder consultations.
• Managing communications, publications and media relations.
• Acting as a key contact for press enquiries.

Who This Role Is Best For

This position is aimed at an experienced professional, not an entry-level applicant.

Candidates need a Bachelor's degree in Development Studies, Public Policy, Mass Communication or a related field, plus at least five years of programme management, institutional partnerships or advocacy experience.

At least two years of experience engaging government ministries or regulators is required. Candidates should also have experience developing successful funding proposals for institutional or UN donors.

Fluency in English and Krio is required, while proficiency in another local language is an advantage.

Estimated Salary

Negotiable based on experience.

The vacancy does not provide a specific salary figure.

How to Apply

Applicants should send their CV to recruitment@forwardersholdings.com and clearly state the position they are applying for in the email subject line.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is appointed.

How to Increase Your Chances

Your CV should show evidence of fundraising, government engagement and public communication, rather than simply listing communications duties.

If you have successfully secured donor funding, developed partnerships or led public policy campaigns, quantify those achievements wherever possible.

2. Office Administration, Finance & Grant Manager

What You'll Do (Simplified)

This role combines finance, administration, procurement and donor grant management. The successful candidate will help establish and manage the organisation's financial and compliance systems.

Responsibilities include:

• Setting up accounting systems, controls and a chart of accounts.
• Managing accounting in both US dollars and Sierra Leonean leones.
• Preparing monthly accounts and management reports.
• Managing restricted grants and donor budgets.
• Preparing proposal budgets and financial narratives.
• Handling capital, IT and donor-funded procurement.
• Managing statutory filings and regulatory reporting.
• Administering payroll, contracts, insurance and HR records.
• Supporting general office administration.

Who This Role Is Best For

This is an experienced finance and grants position.

Applicants need a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Economics or a related field. Part-qualified or qualified ACCA, ICASL, CIMA or CPA candidates are encouraged by the requirements.

At least five years of experience is required, including two years with responsibility for the full accounting function.

Experience managing grants from institutional, UN or bilateral donors is particularly important.

Estimated Salary

Negotiable based on experience.

No specific salary is stated in the vacancy.

How to Apply

Send your CV to recruitment@forwardersholdings.com. Include the job title in your email subject line.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

How to Increase Your Chances

Highlight experience with donor accounting, grant budgets, financial reporting, statutory compliance and multi-currency accounting.

If you have used QuickBooks, Sage or similar accounting systems for donor-funded projects, make this prominent in your CV.

3. Office Admin

What You'll Do (Simplified)

The Office Admin will help keep CIPHER's day-to-day operations organised and ensure that the front office runs efficiently.

The role includes:

• Managing visitors, telephone calls and reception activities.
• Keeping the office organised and anticipating operational needs.
• Obtaining quotations and managing routine procurement.
• Receiving goods and checking deliveries.
• Monitoring office supplies and consumables.
• Supervising the Office Assistant.
• Managing petty cash and maintaining proper receipts.
• Supporting meetings, training sessions and visitor arrangements.
• Maintaining administrative records and equipment schedules.
• Reporting equipment faults and other operational issues.

Who This Role Is Best For

This role is suitable for an experienced administrative professional.

Applicants need a Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, Secretarial Studies or a related discipline.

At least three years of office administration, front-office or operations experience is required, including experience supervising at least one staff member.

Fluency in English and Krio is also required.

Estimated Salary

Negotiable based on experience.

How to Apply

Submit your CV to recruitment@forwardersholdings.com and quote the position title in the subject line.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

How to Increase Your Chances

Demonstrate that you can run an office independently. Experience with procurement, petty cash, inventory, visitor management, Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook should be clearly stated.

4. Office Assistant

What You'll Do (Simplified)

The Office Assistant will provide practical support to ensure that the CIPHER office is clean, organised and ready for staff and visitors.

The role includes:

• Opening the premises and completing daily readiness checks.
• Cleaning office areas according to established standards.
• Carrying out scheduled deep-cleaning activities.
• Preparing meeting and training rooms.
• Monitoring water, generator fuel and power equipment.
• Receiving supplies and assisting with stockroom activities.
• Running administrative errands for banks, NRA, NASSIT and suppliers.
• Supporting photocopying, filing, binding and reception when required.

Who This Role Is Best For

This is the most accessible of the four positions and may suit candidates with practical office support, cleaning, housekeeping or facilities experience.

Candidates need at least two years of relevant experience. They must be able to read and complete written checklists in English and speak Krio, with functional spoken English required.

A police clearance and two verifiable character references are mandatory for this position.

Estimated Salary

Negotiable based on experience.

How to Apply

Send your CV to recruitment@forwardersholdings.com with the position title clearly stated in the subject line.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

How to Increase Your Chances

Reliability and discretion are particularly important for this position. Highlight previous experience in office cleaning, facilities support, housekeeping or similar environments.

If you have worked in an office where confidentiality and punctuality were important, mention it.

How to Successfully Apply for Jobs at CIPHER

A good application should be tailored to the specific position rather than using the same CV for all four vacancies.

Useful keywords to include where they genuinely match your experience include:

• Programme management
• Grant management
• Donor compliance
• Public policy
• Data protection
• Cybersecurity
• Digital rights
• Stakeholder engagement
• Government relations
• Communications
• Financial management
• Procurement
• Office administration
• Facilities management
• Microsoft Excel
• Research
• Advocacy
• Partnership development

For the senior positions, focus on measurable achievements. For example, explain how much funding you helped secure, how many stakeholders you managed or how a programme improved because of your work.

For the administrative and support roles, emphasise reliability, organisation, attention to detail and practical experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without stating the job title: The recruitment notice specifically asks applicants to quote the position in the email subject.
• Sending a generic CV: Tailor your CV to the specific CIPHER position.
• Ignoring language requirements: English and Krio are important requirements for several of the roles.
• Failing to demonstrate relevant experience: Clearly show your years of programme, finance, administration or support experience.
• Waiting too long to apply: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the positions will close once suitable candidates are appointed.
• Leaving out required documentation: Office Assistant applicants should pay particular attention to the police clearance and character-reference requirements.

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