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MERSA Media Institute Vacancy

MERSA Media Institute Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with occasional domestic travelInterested candidates should fill out the application form using the provided application link.https://forms.gle/i8KkcAg114vCEAcG7

Role description

MERSA Media Institute is a nonprofit media policy think tank. We work to help create vibrant, responsible and independent media, professional unions and education centers through research, capacity building and institutional support in Africa.

We are based in Washington, D.C. and work in sub-Saharan Africa, with particular emphasis on Ethiopia. We believe free and independent media are lifelines to the development of peaceful, prosperous, and democratic societies.

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Position 1: Finance Intern

Position Summary: The intern will support the Finance unit in carrying out day-to-day financial, HR, procurement, and administrative tasks. The role involves assisting in maintaining proper documentation, supporting routine office operations, and ensuring smooth coordination within the Finance team. The intern will gain practical experience in financial management, organizational procedures, and general office administration while contributing to team objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Carry out assigned finance tasks accurately and on time to support team goals.
  • Work closely with the Finance team to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
  • Maintain a professional and respectful work environment through clear communication and teamwork.
  • Maintain proper documentation and carry out Finance-related, HR, procurement, and general administrative tasks, as well as other duties assigned by the Finance Lead.
About You
  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (final-year students or recent graduates with 0–1 years of experience).
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking abilities.
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work well with different teams.
  • Able to start within a short notice period.

To apply, please fill out the application form through this link: https://forms.gle/n4q8yi37kmgddJgu5

Position 2: Accountant

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Process and maintain accurate daily financial transactions, including invoices, payments, and receipts.
  • Ensure proper filing of documents by archiving, organizing, and updating financial documents both in hard and soft.
  • Ensure accuracy of all the financial data entered and timely closure of the accounts every month.
  • Reconcile financial discrepancies by collecting and analysing account information.
  • Prepare and reconcile bank statements and cash books.
  • Assist the project team and finance colleagues in the preparation of financial reports for donors, management and other relevant actors including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
  • Follow up on outstanding payments and receivables to ensure timely collection and disbursement.
  • Prepare and file necessary paperwork for tax and regulatory compliance.
  • Provide support to the finance and compliance officer in the preparation of budgets and forecasts.
  • Manage petty cash transactions, including receiving, disbursing, and reconciling petty cash funds.
  • Checks and pays office utilities bills including telephone, fax, water, and electricity.
  • Stay updated on relevant accounting standards and regulations.
  • Perform any other related task as may be assigned
About You

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
  • 0-2 years of experience in financial management preferably in NGO/private sector experience.
  • Strong understanding of basic accounting principles and practices.
  • Proven work experience in financial software (e.g., QuickBooks).
  • Training in IPSAS.
  • Good organizational and time management skills.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Knowledge of tax laws and regulations.

Desired Characteristics

  • A strong work ethic and commitment to accuracy.
  • A willingness to learn and develop new skills.
  • A positive attitude and a team player.
  • Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
  • A strong sense of responsibility and accountability.
  • Trustworthy and dependable.

To apply, please fill out the application form through this link: https://forms.gle/qMnXykDSjKAJ56do8

Position 3: Project Associate

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the day-to-day planning, implementation, coordination, and tracking of activities under the assigned project line.
  • Translate project plans and workplans into actionable tasks, timelines, responsibilities, and deliverables.
  • Monitor implementation progress, identify delays or challenges, and work with the Project Manager and team to develop timely solutions.
  • Lead the development, maintenance, and regular updating of project databases, tracking tools, and information systems.
  • Oversee the collection, organization, classification, digitization, and management of data generated or sourced through project activities.
  • Maintain and oversee data repositories, ensuring information is accurate, well-structured, accessible, and regularly updated.
  • Lead the tracking of activities, outputs, targets, participants, and other project indicators using appropriate data management tools.
  • Review and verify data collected by project staff, partners, and other sources and support basic analysis, visualization, and interpretation of data.
  • Ensure project information and data are readily available to support planning, reporting, learning, and decision-making.
  • Supervise and provide day-to-day guidance to the Project Associate and coordinate the division of tasks and responsibilities.
  • Coordinate project meetings, workshops, trainings, stakeholder engagements, and other activities, ensuring effective preparation and follow-up.
  • Lead the preparation of meeting agendas, minutes, action points, correspondence, and other project documentation.
  • Coordinate travel, accommodation, transportation, field movements, and event logistics with support from the Project Associate and relevant teams.
  • Lead or support procurement processes, including preparation of ToRs, collection and review of quotations, bid evaluation, and related documentation.
  • Support project budget tracking, activity-level financial planning, field advances, payment documentation, and expense settlement processes.
  • Maintain organized project records, contracts, official documents, resources, and digital archives.
  • Contribute to project progress reports, donor updates, and other reporting requirements by providing accurate and timely information and analysis.
  • Coordinate communication and working relationships with partner organizations, civil society organizations, government offices, community stakeholders, and other relevant actors.
  • Identify opportunities for improving project systems, processes, data management, and implementation efficiency.
  • Perform other project-related responsibilities as assigned by the Project Manager.
About You

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Medicine (Medical Doctor), Economics, Law, Social Studies, Development Studies, Management, or a related field.
  • 0–2 years of relevant work experience in project coordination, program implementation and management, research, or a related field.
  • Strong organizational, coordination, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and deliver results.
  • Strong computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, or Google Workspace.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
  • Strong data management and documentation skills.
  • Knowledge of project management, administrative, and financial procedures is an advantage.

Desired Characteristics

  • Takes ownership of responsibilities and moves work forward without constant supervision.
  • Focuses on getting things done, meeting deadlines, and producing quality results.
  • Identifies challenges early and looks for practical solutions rather than waiting for instructions.
  • Curious, adaptable, and willing to learn new tools, systems, and areas of work.
  • Able to coordinate others, provide guidance, and work effectively with colleagues and external stakeholders.
  • Has demonstrated initiative through academic, professional, volunteer, extracurricular, or community activities.
  • If you have a track record of taking responsibility and getting things done, you will enjoy working with us.

Duration of Employment: 1 months, with possibility of extension

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with occasional domestic travel

Interested candidates should fill out the application form using the provided application link.

https://forms.gle/i8KkcAg114vCEAcG7

Position 4: Finance and Compliance Lead

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Ensure compliance of all financial transactions including administrative and project with all relevant laws, regulations, and donor requirements.
  • Supervise day to day accounting and reporting in order to maintain accurate financial records, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
  • Ensure proper filing of documents by archiving, organizing, and updating financial documents both in hard and soft formats.
  • Prepare and manage budgets, forecasts, and financial reports.
  • Oversee and manage financial transactions, including payments, receipts, and bank reconciliations.
  • Reconcile financial discrepancies by collecting and analyzing account information.
  • Monitor and control expenses to ensure adherence to budget guidelines.
  • Review and ensure accuracy of all the financial data entered and timely closure of the accounts every month.
  • Conduct regular reviews and audits to ensure compliance with grant terms and conditions.
  • In close coordination with the project team, prepare the monthly cash forecast and cash request for all projects to ensure cash flow.
  • Overlook petty cash transactions, including receiving, disbursing, and reconciling petty cash funds by the accountant.
  • Process payments directly to suppliers, other vendors and other agencies.
  • Develop and implement internal control systems to safeguard assets and prevent fraud.
  • Conduct monthly internal thorough audit due diligence and report to management.
  • Participate in project meetings to review financial status and assist in decision-making related to budgeting and expenditures.
  • Respond to inquiries from donors and auditors in a timely and professional manner.
  • Serve as the primary liaison between the project team, stakeholders, and finance departments.
  • Communicate effectively with project team members to ensure financial information is accurate and up-to-date.
  • Coordinate with external auditors and consultants to facilitate smooth audits and reviews.
  • Detect and report to management any irregularity and/or major audit finding that required special attention or management action.
  • Provide financial guidance and training to project staff, ensuring proper implementation of financial procedures.
  • Assist in the procurement process, including selection, purchase order generation, and invoice verification.
  • Ensure compliance with procurement policies and procedures.
  • Maintain accurate records of procurement transactions.
  • Perform any other related task as may be assigned
About You

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in financial management and compliance, with at least 1 year specifically within the NGO sector.
  • Professional accounting qualification and work experience in due diligence and audit preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of financial accounting principles and practices.
  • Proven work experience in financial software (e.g., QuickBooks).
  • Training in IPSAS.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Desired Characteristics

  • Strong work ethic and commitment to excellence.
  • Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.
  • Proactive and solution-oriented approach.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to adapt to changing priorities and requirements.
  • A passion for contributing to the project’s mission and goals.
  • Trustworthy and dependable.

To apply, please fill out the application form through this link: https://forms.gle/n4q8yi37kmgddJgu5

MERSA Media Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Location: Addis Ababa

Deadline : November 6th, 2026