Head of Administration at Goethe-Institut Ghana

The Goethe-Institut in Accra is seeking a Head of Administration. The Goethe-Institut is the cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany, active worldwide. We promote international cultural cooperation, convey a comprehensive picture of Germany and support access to the German language.

We are seeking a dedicated, responsible individual with strong leadership skills for the position of Head of Administration at the Goethe-Institut Ghana, starting on 1 February 2027. The position will initially be offered on a one-year fixed-term contract. An extension is possible. Remuneration will be based on the Goethe-Institut’s local salary scheme.

Your tasks:

As Head of Administration, you will be responsible for the institute’s administrative, financial, human resources and infrastructure processes and advise the Institute Director on all administrative matters.

Finance and controlling

• Financial controlling: monitor the institute’s budget and progress against targets; coordinate forecasts and planning at the institute; manage year-end budget adjustments in close consultation with the Institute Director.
• Ensure proper accounting, cash handling and payment processes, including responsibility for cash audits.
• Process and verify invoices relating to the administration department.
• Oversee liquidity management and financial controlling, including the preparation of financial plans, forecasts and analyses.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and relevant legal requirements.
• Advise the Institute Director on economic and financial matters.
  
  

Human resources management

• Take professional and organisational responsibility for HR administration.
• Ensure compliance with labour, tax and social security regulations.
• Oversee payroll, personnel records and contract management.
• Contribute to workforce planning, staff development and recruitment processes.
• Advise managers and staff on HR-related matters.
• Manage personnel budget planning and staff cost controlling.

Legal matters, compliance and procurement

• Advise the Institute Director on legal, tax and regulatory matters; advance and clarify issues concerning the institute’s legal and tax status in close consultation with the Institute Director, including communication with law firms, tax advisers and local authorities.
• Liaise with authorities, banks, tax advisers, auditors and other external partners on administrative matters.
• Ensure compliance with internal compliance and governance requirements, including designing and delivering training for the institute.
• Assist in responding to enquiries arising from external and internal inspections and audits.
• Serve as the institute’s Data Protection Officer, including responsibility for the record of processing activities and data deletion policies.
• Oversee contract management and procurement processes in accordance with Goethe-Institut guidelines.

Qualification Required & Experience

• A university degree in business administration, public administration, finance, law or a comparable field.
• Several years of relevant professional experience in finance, administration, human resources or controlling.
• Experience in a leadership role is an advantage.
• Very good knowledge of financial management, HR and contract administration.
• Strong analytical and strategic skills.
• A high level of integrity, discretion and responsibility.
• An independent, structured and solution-oriented approach to work.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills in an international environment.
• The ability to work effectively under pressure and strong intercultural competence.
• Very good knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel; knowledge of SAP is an advantage.
• Very good German language skills (at least level B2).
• Very good written and spoken English.
• A valid work permit for Ghana or eligibility to obtain one.

What we offer

• A responsible leadership role with considerable scope to shape your area of work.
• An international and diverse working environment.
• Close collaboration with the Institute Director and Goethe-Institut colleagues across the region and internationally.
• Opportunities for professional and personal development.
• Market-aligned remuneration based on the Goethe-Institut’s local salary scale.

Location: Accra

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