Job offers & Volunteer opportunities
Working at ACfA
ACfA has a small, hard-working team that is driven by the mission to improve access to finance for African entrepreneurs through crowdfunding. First and foremost, we seek to hire individuals with professional integrity, maturity and ethical conduct. We operate like a start-up and use technology across our operations. Team members are focused on the job, multitasking and acquiring new skills as needed. As a donor-funded organisation, ACfA relies on volunteers and student researchers for tasks and projects for which our core team does not have enough time. Volunteers are highly valued, integrated into our team and enjoy their learning experience with us.
published: 06.07.2022
Senior Project Manager – Regulations
Two-year full-time consulting opportunity
About Us
ACfA has a small, hard-working team that is driven by the mission to improve access to finance for African entrepreneurs through crowdfunding. First and foremost, we seek to hire individuals with professional integrity, maturity and ethical conduct. We operate like a start-up and use technology across our operations. Team members are focused on the job, multitasking and acquiring new skills as needed. As a donor-funded organisation, ACfA relies on volunteers and student researchers for tasks and projects for which our core team does not have enough time. Volunteers are highly valued, integrated into our team and enjoy their learning experience with us.
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Senior Project Manager – Regulations
Two-year full-time consulting opportunity
Apply before 30 July 2022
published: 06.07.2022
Assignment: Senior Project Manager – Regulations
Company: African Crowdfunding Association NPO
Location: Cape Town (preferred)
Workplace: Hybrid home- and coworking office-based (preferred)
Contract type: Full-time consulting services contract
Contract duration: 24 months (possible extension)
Maximum contract value: USD 96,000 (possible extension)
TO APPLY, PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CV AND REFERENCES BEFORE 30 JULY 2022 TO: elizabeth@africancrowd.org
About the Organisation
The African Crowdfunding Association (ACfA) is the industry association for the crowdfunding industry in Africa. Its mission is to develop and foster crowdfunding as a formalised development finance tool to broaden SME access to finance. Its membership base spans crowdfunding platforms, angel investor syndicates, SME accelerators and incubators, blockchain-based fundraising infrastructures, “RegTech” companies as well as fund managers and investment companies. ACfA plays a crucial role in the development of standards and norms for crowdfunding in Africa. Its team has worked with 17 African regulatory authorities towards the goal of implementing a harmonised pan-African regulatory framework in the spirit of the AfCFTA. ACfA is also committed to developing diaspora crowdfunding through engagement with regulators in key diaspora markets such as the UK and Europe.
About the Project
In partnership with national regulatory authorities in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania, the African Crowdfunding Association (ACfA) is providing a 2-year programme of technical assistance to regulators which will see the implementation of a harmonised regulatory framework for securities-based crowdfunding in the East African Community. The project will also put in place a novel co-regulation mechanism between the industry association and the participating regulatory authorities. This framework will enable the development of a new mechanism to finance SMEs directly and via innovative fund structures and syndicates. The first of its kind, this exciting and impactful project is financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and is expected to create thousands of jobs for youth and women in East Africa.
About the Team and Culture
Our “why”. ACfA has a small, highly skilled and hard-working team of consultants and Board who are driven by the impact of their work on job creation and prosperity in Africa. This “bigger picture” mentality is what brings this team together and sustains their motivation for long-haul projects such as regulatory change. The team has built trusted relationships with its stakeholders since embarking on its mission in 2016 as a pro-bono group of volunteers. Today, this trust and domain expertise in FinTech are what has positioned it to lead ground-breaking projects in African capital markets development.
How we work. The team relies heavily on technology and smart processes to work remotely across geographies and within strict timelines and budgets. Our team members have families and we value flexible working hours and workplace set-ups to accommodate them. The team has a flat management structure and values humility, personal accountability and the ability to self-manage. Individuals who have developed these values and skills through experience will thrive at ACfA.
We are diverse. While ACfA is incorporated in South Africa, its team is pan-African and multilingual. With crowdfunding being a tool available to the general public, it is critical that our team members can bring diverse points of view including insights into different socio-economic groups.
About the Consultancy
ACfA is seeking a full-time Senior Project Manager – Regulations to manage the flagship project of EAC regulatory harmonisation and implementation of the co-regulation model. Working closely with the CEO, the Senior Project Manager will undertake the following duties:
- Coordinate (scheduling, taking of minutes, etc) several committees and working groups including the Program Steering Committee, Legal Sub-Committee and the ACfA Member Working Group, as well as ad-hoc working groups as needed throughout the assignment duration;
- Manage relationships with key stakeholders including the CEOs of regulatory authorities (Central Banks, Capital Markets Authorities, Government Ministers…);
- Ensure multiple regulatory work streams are on track using our project management tool;
- Draft official documentation for key deliverables;
- Draft presentations (Powerpoint) and present online and offline;
- Manage a knowledge base on key regulatory texts;
- Manage or supervise junior staff and interns;
- Contribute documentation to the impact measurement frameworks and liaise with Impact measurement team members;
- Participate on deliverable/ milestone calls with the Program Steering Committee, Board and Donors of ACfA;
- Signal timeline and other risks to the deliverables and propose mitigation strategies;
- Undertake any other official task that may be assigned by the CEO.
The consultant will need to make regular use of:
- G-Suite, including Google Sheets (Excel), Powerpoint and Airtable
- Microsoft 360
- WordPress (no coding ability required)
- Productivity and communication apps: Slack; Zoom; Calendly; Click-up; Evernote… as well as Whatsapp
As a successful consultant, you will have:
- Professional integrity, reliability and trustworthiness;
- A willingness to master new technologies and tools to facilitate project management and teamwork;
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the maturity to navigate complex group dynamics in a sensitive and agreeable manner;
- The ability to identify consensus and propose solutions when issues arise;
- The ability to maintain group morale, motivation and general enthusiasm over the long term.
- An understanding of the realities of small teams working in a “startup” environment and the ability to manage your time, to work without daily supervision, and to provide support proactively to team members;
- Excellent drafting, editing, formatting and design skills in both Word and Powerpoint;
- A high standard of professional English
- Fluency in written and spoken professional French is considered a strong advantage;
- Excellent organisational skills; ability to follow processes and be responsive across platforms.
- An MBA or Master’s degree in Project Management, Commerce, Economics, Law or related field from a top-rated university;
- At least 10 years of experience in project management, preferably with non-profit or public sector clients;
- Previous experience in a law firm, corporate (fintech) legal role or regulatory role is considered a strong advantage; a demonstrable interest or willingness to learn the domain vocabulary and concepts will be critical in the absence of previous experience.
- Previous experience managing teams of junior staff or interns;
- A strong interest in FinTech, crowdfunding, development finance, impact investing or financial inclusion.
published: 05.07.2022
Financial Manager
Apply before 20 July 2022
About Us
ACfA has a small, hard-working team that is driven by the mission to improve access to finance for African entrepreneurs through crowdfunding. First and foremost, we seek to hire individuals with professional integrity, maturity and ethical conduct. We operate like a start-up and use technology across our operations. Team members are focused on the job, multitasking and acquiring new skills as needed. As a donor-funded organisation, ACfA relies on volunteers and student researchers for tasks and projects for which our core team does not have enough time. Volunteers are highly valued, integrated into our team and enjoy their learning experience with us.
Share
Financial Manager
Apply before 20 July 2022
Two-year full-time consulting opportunity
published: 05.07.2022
Role: Financial Manager
Location: Cape Town (preferred); hybrid home- and coworking office-based
Contract type: Consulting services contract
Contract duration: 24 months (possible extension)
Maximum contract value: USD 96,000 (Average of USD 4,000 per month)
TO APPLY, PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CV AND REFERENCES BEFORE FRIDAY 20 JULY 2022 TO: elizabeth@africancrowd.org
About the Organisation
The African Crowdfunding Association (ACfA) is the industry association for the crowdfunding industry in Africa. Its mission is to develop and foster crowdfunding as a formalised development finance tool to broaden SME access to finance. Its membership base spans crowdfunding platforms, angel investor syndicates, SME accelerators and incubators, blockchain-based fundraising infrastructures, “RegTech” companies as well as fund managers and investment companies. ACfA plays a crucial role in the development of standards and norms for crowdfunding in Africa. Its team has worked with 17 African regulatory authorities towards the goal of implementing a harmonised pan-African regulatory framework in the spirit of the AfCFTA. ACfA is also committed to developing diaspora crowdfunding through engagement with regulators in key diaspora markets such as the UK and Europe.
About the Project
In partnership with national regulatory authorities in East Africa, the African Crowdfunding Association (ACfA) is providing a 2-year programme of technical assistance to regulators which will see the implementation of a harmonised regulatory framework for securities-based crowdfunding in the East African Community. This framework will enable the development of a new innovative mechanism to finance SMEs. The first of its kind, this exciting and impactful project is financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and is expected to create thousands of jobs for youth and women in East Africa.
About the Team and Culture
The “why”. ACfA has a small, highly skilled and hard-working team of consultants and Board who are driven by the impact of their work on job creation and prosperity in Africa. This “bigger picture” mentality is what brings this team together and sustains their motivation for long-haul projects such as regulatory change. The team has built trusted relationships with its stakeholders since embarking on its mission in 2016 as a pro-bono group of volunteers. Today, this trust and domain expertise in FinTech are what has positioned it to lead ground-breaking projects in African capital markets development. This is a hard-earned privilege and a great responsibility.
How we work. The team relies heavily on technology and smart processes to work across geographies and within constrained timelines and budgets–without sacrificing family and personal life. The team has a flat management structure and values humility, personal accountability and the ability to self-manage. Individuals who have developed these values and skills through experience will thrive at ACfA– and help ACfA thrive.
We are diverse. While ACfA is incorporated in South Africa, its team has always been pan-African and multilingual. The ability of its team members to bring diverse points of view and insights into different socio-economic groups is critical, as crowdfunding is a tool available to the general public.
About the Role
ACfA is seeking a qualified Chartered Accountant to be its Financial Manager and form part of its Project Implementation Unit (PIU) that is charged to deliver on a USD1mn programme. Working under the supervision of the Project Coordinator and CEO, the Financial Manager will notably ensure ACfA’s compliance with national tax (and other) authorities and with the financial management policies and procedures of its donors. The Financial Manager will also play an integral role in the operational team by supporting revenue growth, donor relations and fundraising.
Note: It is possible for the successful candidate to allocate some responsibilities below to a junior accountant as outlined below.
Responsibilities and duties
- Development and oversight of internal financial management and procurement policies and processes;
- Ensure compliance with existing and new donor requirements regarding financial management, accounting and procurement;
- Oversee project-based accounting in the context of multiple donors with ring fenced funding for projects
- Compile Annual Financial Statements;
- Compile Quarterly financial management reports;
- Other tasks that may be assigned by the CEO.
Responsibilities and duties of the junior accountant (if relevant to the applicant)
- Prepare monthly reconciliations and variations analyses;
- Preparing grant disbursement requests as needed for donors;
- Providing management and guidance to junior support staff as needed;
- Assist CEO with budgeting and keeping abreast of line item budgets, variations and reallocations;
- Full operational oversight of accounting and book-keeping functions including training team members on the use of apps;
- Processing invoices and payments for all members, contractors and suppliers;
- Liaise with banking and forex partners;
- Other tasks that may be assigned by the CEO.
The consultant will need to make regular use of:
- Xero; Receipt Bank; Paypal Business
- G-Suite
- Excel; Airtable
- Slack; Zoom; Whatsapp
Qualifications and experience
- A Chartered Accountant qualification (for the senior consultant)
- At least a Bachelor’s degree in Financial Accounting or other SAIPA qualification (for the junior consultant, if relevant)
- At least 10 years of experience in accounting and financial management
- Previous experience with the policies of the African Development Bank and/or other donors (strongly preferred);
- Previous experience with project-related accounting;
- Experience with implementing tech-enabled accounting and book-keeping solutions;
- Professional integrity, reliability and trustworthiness;
Important:
- This role requires applicants to have their own laptop, smartphone and a permanent internet connection. It is essential that applicants are suitably equipped to work productively as a team member in a remote environment.
published: 05.07.2022
Procurement Officer
Apply before 20 July 2022
About Us
ACfA has a small, hard-working team that is driven by the mission to improve access to finance for African entrepreneurs through crowdfunding. First and foremost, we seek to hire individuals with professional integrity, maturity and ethical conduct. We operate like a start-up and use technology across our operations. Team members are focused on the job, multitasking and acquiring new skills as needed. As a donor-funded organisation, ACfA relies on volunteers and student researchers for tasks and projects for which our core team does not have enough time. Volunteers are highly valued, integrated into our team and enjoy their learning experience with us.
Share
Procurement Officer
Apply before 20 July 2022
Six-month part-time consulting opportunity
published: 05.07.2022
Assignment: Procurement Officer
Company: African Crowdfunding Association NPO
Location: Cape Town (preferred) or remote within the time zone range of GMT to GMT+4
Workplace: Full-time coworking-based (preferred), or hybrid.
Contract type: Part-time consulting services contract
Contract duration: 6 months (possible extension)
Maximum contract value: USD 15,600 (possible extension)
About the Organisation
The African Crowdfunding Association (ACfA) is the industry association for the crowdfunding industry in Africa. Its mission is to develop and foster crowdfunding as a formalised development finance tool to broaden SME access to finance. Its membership base spans crowdfunding platforms, angel investor syndicates, SME accelerators and incubators, blockchain-based fundraising infrastructures, “RegTech” companies as well as fund managers and investment companies. ACfA plays a crucial role in the development of standards and norms for crowdfunding in Africa. Its team has worked with 17 African regulatory authorities towards the goal of implementing a harmonised pan-African regulatory framework in the spirit of the AfCFTA. ACfA is also committed to developing diaspora crowdfunding through engagement with regulators in key diaspora markets such as the UK and Europe.
About the Project
In partnership with national regulatory authorities in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania, the African Crowdfunding Association (ACfA) is providing a 2-year programme of technical assistance to regulators which will see the implementation of a harmonised regulatory framework for securities-based crowdfunding in the East African Community. This framework will enable the development of a new innovative mechanism to finance SMEs. The first of its kind, this exciting and impactful project is financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and is expected to create thousands of jobs for youth and women in East Africa.
About the Team and Culture
The “why”. ACfA has a small, highly skilled and hard-working team of consultants and Board who are driven by the impact of their work on job creation and prosperity in Africa. This “bigger picture” mentality is what brings this team together and sustains their motivation for long-haul projects such as regulatory change. The team has built trusted relationships with its stakeholders since embarking on its mission in 2016 as a pro-bono group of volunteers. Today, this trust and domain expertise in FinTech are what has positioned it to lead ground-breaking projects in African capital markets development.
How we work. The team relies heavily on technology and smart processes to work remotely across geographies and within constrained timelines and budgets. Our team members have families and we value flexible work hours to accommodate them. The team has a flat management structure and values humility, personal accountability and the ability to self-manage. Individuals who have developed these values and skills through experience will thrive at ACfA..
We are diverse. While ACfA is incorporated in South Africa, its team is pan-African and multilingual. With crowdfunding being a tool available to the general public, it is critical that our team members can bring diverse points of view including insights into different socio-economic groups.
About the Consultancy
ACfA is seeking a part-time Procurement Officer to form part of its Project Implementation Unit (PIU). Working under the supervision of the Project Coordinator, the Procurement Officer will notably ensure ACfA’s compliance with all procurement policies of the African Development Bank and oversee the procurement activities needed for Project Implementation. Duties include the following:
- Draft internal Procurement policies and procedures for all contractors to follow;
- Train staff and contractors on Procurement policies and procedures;
- Oversee the procurement of works, goods and service, and bid analysis reports;
- Review bidding dossiers to ensure their conformity with AfDB rules of procedures, and make recommendations;
- Contribute to reviewing new fundraising proposals, bid dossiers, terms of reference and requests for proposals, and make recommendations to guarantee compliance with AfDB rules and procedures;
- Assist and advise the Program Coordinator and CEO during the review of bid opening and evaluation reports, technical and financial proposals, and make recommendations;
- Undertake any other official task that may be assigned by the CEO.
The consultant will need to make regular use of:
- G-Suite, including Google Sheets (Excel) and Airtable
- Microsoft 360
- WordPress (no coding ability required)
- Productivity and communication apps: Slack; Zoom; Calendly; Click-up; Evernote… as well as Whatsapp
As a successful consultant, you will have:
- Professional integrity, reliability and trustworthiness;
- An understanding of the realities of small teams working in a “startup” environment and the ability to manage your time, to work without daily supervision, and to provide support proactively to team members;
- The ability to write emails and long-form documentation in a high standard of professional English (fluency in written and spoken French is considered a strong advantage);
- A Master’s degree in procurement, project management, law, management, commerce or a related field;
- At least 5 years of experience in formulating and implementing procurement policies, and previous experience with the policies of the African Development Bank and other donors;
- Excellent organisational skills; ability to follow processes and be responsive across platforms.
Important:
- This role requires candidates to have their own laptop, smartphone and a permanent, reliable, high-speed internet connection.
- For candidates requiring a remote work set-up, it is essential that they are suitably equipped to work productively as a team member. The ability to self-manage and problem-solve independently is critical.
- The total estimated time is 2 days per week on average, with periods of high and low activity. The candidate should be reachable at regular office hours (8am – 5pm) during the work week (Monday – Friday).
