ToR-Finance-for-Non-Finance-Training At Fairtrade Africa

INTRODUCTION

Established in 2005, Fairtrade Africa is the independent non-profit umbrella organisation representing all Fairtrade certified producers in Africa. Fairtrade Africa (FTA) is owned by its members, who are African producer organisations certified against international Fairtrade standards producing traditional export commodities such as coffee, cocoa, tea, cotton, bananas, mango and non-traditional commodities including shea butter and rooibos tea. Currently, the organisation represents over 1.4 million smallholder farmers and workers across 29 countries in Africa.

FTA is also part of the global Fairtrade system and as a Producer Network has 50% ownership of the Fairtrade system. FTA activities are enabled through primary structures such as product groups, country and regional networks which enable members to have a strong voice in the governance and management of the organisations.

BACKGROUND

Fairtrade Africa is dedicated to enhancing the livelihoods and resilience of African farmers and workers through the promotion of fair-trade practices. To achieve this, it is crucial that all staff, regardless of their primary role, possess a fundamental understanding of financial concepts and practices. This training is aimed at equipping non-finance staff with the necessary financial knowledge and skills to enhance their efficiency and effectiveness in their respective roles.

OBJECTIVE OF TRAINING

The primary objectives of the finance training for non-finance board members are to:

• Enhance the financial literacy of the board members.
• Enable board members to understand and interpret financial reports and statements.
• Improve budget management and financial planning skills.
• Promote effective communication between finance and non-finance board members.
• Understand internal control systems and importance of compliance with financial policies and donor procedures.
• Understand the right documentation for transactions support.

SCOPE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

FTA is seeking the services of a qualified individual / training institution to provide training on finance for non-finance individuals. The goal is to enhance the financial literacy and capability of non-finance board members in Fairtrade Africa.

The scope of the training will cover the following key areas:

• Basic Financial Concepts: Introduction to financial terminology, principles, and concepts.
• Finance documents and their applications.
• Financial Statements: Understanding and interpretation balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
• Budgeting: Fundamentals of budgeting, variance analysis, and forecasting.
• Financial Reporting: Reading and interpreting financial reports.
• Cost Management: Basic cost accounting and cost control techniques.
• Internal Controls: Importance of internal controls and how to ensure compliance.
• Grant Management: Basics of grant budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance.

METHODOLOGY

The training will employ a combination of some or all the following methodologies:

• Interactive Lectures: To introduce key financial concepts and principles.
• Case Studies: To provide practical examples and enhance understanding.
• Group Discussions: To encourage participation and exchange of ideas.
• Hands-on Exercises: To practice budgeting, financial reporting, and other key skills.
• Q&A Sessions: To address specific queries and concerns from participants.

EXPECTED DELIVERABLES

1. Training Plan and Materials: Develop and submit a detailed training plan, including agenda, materials, and handouts, at least two weeks before the training.
2. Pre-training Assessment: Conduct a pre-training assessment to gauge the current financial knowledge of participants.
3. Training Sessions: Facilitate the finance training sessions as per the agreed schedule.
4. Post-training Assessment: Conduct a post-training assessment to evaluate the knowledge gained by participants.
5. Training Report: Submit a comprehensive training report and training
6. Certificates within two (2) weeks after the training, including an evaluation of the training effectiveness, participant feedback, and recommendations for further capacity building.

DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT

23rd February 2025 or 7th March 2025. The exact date and schedule will be finalized in consultation with the selected trainer and Fairtrade Africa management.

LOCATION

The training will be held at a location in Ghana, to be communicated once determined.

TRAINER QUALIFICATION

The selected trainer/consultant should possess the following qualification:

• Advanced degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in financial management and training.
• Proven track record of conducting finance training for non-finance professionals.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Familiarity with Fairtrade Africa’s financial policies and procedures will be an added advantage.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested consultants/trainers are requested to submit the following documents:

• A detailed proposal outlining the training approach and methodology.
• CVs of the trainer(s) highlighting relevant experience and qualifications.
• A financial proposal including the total cost of the training.
• References from previous clients.