SSDO

Celebrating International Day of the Girl Child 2024: Inspiring Girls’ Vision for the Future

In commemoration of International Day of the Girl Child 2024, South Saharan Social Development Organization (SSDO), in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria, held an impactful seminar at Modern Ideal College, Abakpa, Enugu, under the theme “Girls’ Vision for the Future.” This inspiring event provided young girls with the opportunity to learn from accomplished women and empowered them to dream big, overcome barriers, and map out their aspirations.

Addressing Global and Local Challenges Facing Girls

The theme of this year’s International Day of the Girl Child, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” underscores the pressing need to address barriers girls face worldwide. According to UNICEF, over 129 million girls are out of school globally—a statistic that starkly highlights the gender disparity in education access. Around the world, young girls continue to experience early marriage, gender-based violence, and economic constraints, all of which stifle their growth and prevent them from reaching their full potential.

In Nigeria, these challenges are particularly pronounced. With one of the highest rates of out-of-school children, Nigerian girls face unique challenges tied to cultural norms, economic hardship, and security risks. For many girls, pursuing education or career ambitions can seem like an impossible dream. This context made SSDO and ActionAid Nigeria’s event all the more crucial. 

Empowering Girls Through Role Models and Education

Understanding the weight of these issues, SSDO and ActionAid Nigeria organized a seminar at Modern Ideal College to inspire young girls to dream beyond societal limitations. The seminar featured successful women from diverse professions who shared their journeys, challenges, and triumphs, giving the students real-life examples of how hard work, resilience, and ambition can overcome obstacles. 

By meeting these female role models, the students were exposed to a range of career possibilities and were encouraged to see themselves in similar roles in the future. The girls were also taught the importance of understanding their rights, speaking up against gender inequality, and confidently pursuing their passions.

Building Aspirations, Confidence, and Vision

The seminar’s impact on the girls was transformative. Through the interactions and activities, the students were encouraged to set ambitious educational and career goals, think about their futures more strategically, and recognize that their voices and dreams hold value. With actionable career guidance, these young girls were given tools to visualize their paths and take confident steps toward achieving their goals. 

By fostering a sense of self-worth and helping students map out their aspirations, SSDO and ActionAid Nigeria aim to help each girl walk away with strengthened confidence and a clear vision of what they want to accomplish.

Creating a Ripple Effect for Change

Empowering girls to see beyond current limitations creates a ripple effect that touches families, communities, and even the nation at large. When girls are supported and encouraged to pursue their dreams, they become powerful agents of change who can uplift their families and contribute to building stronger communities. 

Looking to the Future

Through this event and ongoing initiatives, SSDO and ActionAid Nigeria remain committed to supporting Nigerian girls by providing them with platforms that encourage learning, mentorship, and personal growth. Together, let’s continue working toward a world where every girl has the opportunity to create her own vision for the future—and the support to make it a reality. Let’s keep inspiring and empowering girls today for a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.

VACANCY – FINANCE and COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

FINANCE OFFICER – LAGOS at South Saharan Social Development Organisation

Job Title: Finance Officer 

Location: Lagos, Nigeria 

Reporting to: Finance Manager, South Saharan Social Development Organisation (SSDO)

Duration of Engagement: 12 months

About South Saharan Social Development Organisation (SSDO):

South Saharan Social Development Organization (SSDO) is a non-profit organization committed to empowering women, youth, and children across Sub-Saharan Africa. Through targeted interventions in health, education, livelihoods, governance, climate change, and WASH, SSDO helps marginalized groups achieve a better quality of life and prepares them for sustainable success in a dynamic world.

Job Description:

SSDO seeks an experienced and detail-oriented Finance Officer to manage our financial operations, ensure compliance with financial regulations, and support high-quality project implementation. This role will involve overseeing financial transactions, preparing reports, and ensuring that all accounting practices meet SSDO and donor standards.

Key Responsibilities

– Financial Management: Oversee daily financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and bank transactions.

– Data Accuracy & System Oversight: Ensure accuracy of financial data entered into accounting software and assist in optimizing internal accounting processes.

– Budget & Reporting: Prepare and manage budgets, track expenses, and generate monthly financial reports for management review. 

– Compliance & Policy Adherence: Maintain compliance with SSDO’s policies, donor regulations, and GAAP standards. Ensure statutory deductions (e.g., WHT) are remitted timely.

– Reconciliation & Auditing: Conduct monthly bank reconciliations, manage cash flow, and assist in audit preparations, responding to audit queries as needed.

– Training & Support: Provide financial guidance to project teams and conduct training on finance policies and procedures as required.

– Forecasting & Analysis: Conduct financial analysis, including cash flow forecasting, to support decision-making and ensure organizational sustainability.

Qualifications and Requirements:

– Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field; an advanced degree is an advantage.

– At least two years of experience in financial management within the NGO sector.

– Proficiency in accounting software, such as QuickBooks, and advanced skills in Microsoft Excel.

– Strong understanding of financial regulations, accounting standards, and compliance.

– Excellent analytical, organizational, and time-management skills.

– Strong communication skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

– Demonstrated integrity and commitment to ethical financial practices.

Desired Characteristics

– Resident in Lagos, Nigeria.

– Knowledge of financial management practices for development projects.

– Familiarity with donor regulations and experience with subgrants management is an advantage.

Method of Application:

Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and cover letter to hr@southsaharan.org by November 11, 2024, with “Finance Officer Application” as the subject line. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER – ENUGU at South Saharan Social Development Organisation

Job Title: Communications Officer 

Location: Enugu, Nigeria 

Reporting to: Head of Programmes, South Saharan Social Development Organisation (SSDO)

Deadline: November 11, 2024 

About SSDO 

South Saharan Social Development Organization (SSDO) is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women, youth, and children across Sub-Saharan Africa. Through targeted interventions in health, education, livelihoods, governance, climate change, and WASH, SSDO helps marginalized groups achieve a better quality of life and prepares them for sustainable success in a dynamic world.

Position Overview 

The Communications Officer will play a key role in shaping and delivering SSDO’s messages to both internal and external audiences, helping to enhance SSDO’s public presence and build strong relationships with stakeholders. The ideal candidate will be a skilled communicator with proven experience in media relations, content creation, digital media, and strategic communications.

Key Responsibilities 

– Develop and implement effective communications strategies to promote SSDO’s objectives and initiatives.

– Craft and distribute a variety of content including press releases, articles, newsletters, reports, speeches, and website content.

– Manage SSDO’s social media accounts, creating engaging content and ensuring consistent branding and messaging.

– Build and maintain relationships with media outlets, journalists, bloggers, and influencers, responding to inquiries, arranging interviews, and acting as the organization’s spokesperson.

– Track and analyze media coverage, compiling reports and analytics to inform SSDO’s communication efforts.

– Design and produce communication materials (brochures, posters, banners, etc.) in line with SSDO’s branding guidelines.

– Document program activities, outcomes, and impact through stories, photography, and video.

– Support SSDO’s field teams by providing training in communication skills, photography, and videography.

– Coordinate donor visibility activities, including the development of success stories and program highlights.

– Lead media engagement activities, supporting SSDO’s visibility and fundraising efforts.

– Plan and execute internal communication initiatives, including quarterly newsletters, and manage communication during events, conferences, and public relations activities.

Qualifications and Experience

– Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field; Master’s degree or certification is a plus.

– Minimum of 3 years of experience in corporate communications, media relations, or related roles.

– Proficiency in digital communications, social media management, and content creation.

– Experience with graphic design (Adobe applications), photography, and videography (shooting and editing).

– Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain relationships with media professionals.

– Knowledge and experience with main social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn).

– Strong storytelling, writing, and editing skills, with a proven ability to craft clear, compelling messages.

– Strong project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

– Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity.

Skills Required

– Strategic Communication: Develop and execute communication strategies and campaigns.

– Writing and Editing: Crafting high-quality written content across various formats.

– Media Relations: Building and managing relationships with journalists and influencers.

– Digital Communication: Managing social media and digital platforms to enhance visibility.

– Storytelling: Conveying SSDO’s impact through engaging narratives.

– Photography and Videography: Capturing and editing visual assets.

– Collaboration and Teamwork: Working effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

– Adaptability and Problem-solving: Staying calm under pressure and adapting to changing priorities.

Method of Application:

Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and cover letter to hr@southsaharan.org by November 11, 2024, with “Communications Officer Application” as the subject line. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.