- Full Time
- Zomba
- Applications have closed

Sparkle Foundation
Overview
Vacancy
Sparkle Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable children, families, and communities through holistic and sustainable interventions in health, education, nutrition, and empowerment. At Sparkle, we believe that lasting change begins at the grassroots level and is driven by compassion, integrity, and accountability.
We are looking for a passionate and suitably qualified candidate to fill the following vacancy.
Job Title: Finance and Operations Director
Job Specification:
The Finance and Operations Director will lead the Foundation’s financial management and operational functions, with approximately 70% of responsibilities focused on finance and the remaining 30% on human resources and administration. This is a strategic role that ensures the organization’s financial sustainability, compliance with donor and statutory regulations, and effective stewardship of resources. The ideal candidate will be a results-oriented leader with a strong financial background, coupled with the ability to oversee operations that enable Sparkle Foundation to deliver impact effectively.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Management (70%)
- Lead development and implementation of financial strategies, policies, and systems aligned with organizational goals.
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning, ensuring alignment with programmatic priorities.
- Oversee the month-end close process, constantly reviewing procedures while eliminating inefficiencies
- Ensure accurate, timely financial reporting to the COO, Board, donors, and regulatory bodies.
- Monitor cash flow, investments, and reserves to ensure financial sustainability.
- Establish and maintain effective internal controls, risk management, and compliance with accounting standards, donor requirements, and local regulations.
- Maintain a comprehensive organisation asset register
- Oversee the protection of the country’s office assets (cash, inventory and Fixed Assets)
- Oversee external and internal audits, ensuring timely resolution of audit findings.
- Lead grant financial management, including proposal budgeting, donor reporting, and cost recovery strategies.
- Supervise finance staff, build capacity, and ensure high-quality financial operations across the organization.
- Drive continuous improvement in financial systems, including use of accounting software and financial dashboards.
- Human Resources Management (15%)
- Develop and implement HR policies, procedures, and systems that align with labour laws and organizational values.
- Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and staff performance management.
- Support employee development, training, and retention initiatives.
- Ensure fair, transparent compensation and benefits administration.
- Promote a positive, inclusive, and ethical workplace culture.
- Administrative & Operations Management (15%)
- Oversee procurement, logistics, and office administration to ensure cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
- Develop and manage administrative budgets.
- Ensure compliance with organizational policies, contracts, and health & safety standards.
- Supervise operations and administrative staff, fostering accountability and excellence.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field; Master’s degree or professional qualification (e.g., ACCA, CPA, CIMA) strongly preferred.
- Minimum of 7 years’ progressive financial management experience, at least 3 in a leadership role, ideally within the nonprofit or development sector.
- Strong knowledge of financial regulations, donor compliance, and international grant management.
- Experience managing HR and administrative functions, preferably in resource-constrained environments.
- Proven leadership skills with the ability to build teams, manage change, and drive performance.
- Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- High level of integrity, discretion, and commitment to accountability.
- Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Zero, QuickBooks, Sage) and Microsoft Office Suite.
This is a full-time leadership position requiring a strategic thinker and team-oriented individual with a passion for making a sustainable impact on children’s lives and community development.
Join Sparkle Foundation and help us build brighter futures.
Application procedure
If you are an energetic and purpose-driven individual who aligns with our values, we invite you to submit your application at the following link. The Sparkle Foundation – Finance and Operations Director.
As a requirement of The Sparkle Foundation Child Safeguarding Policy, the successful candidate shall be required to undergo a police background check.
The Closing date for receiving applications is September 15th, 2025