WAVES Sierra Leone

01/10/2025

PARTICIPATION IN THE 7TH EARIMA CONFERENCE AND GOOD GRANT PRACTICE WRITING WORKSHOP
OVERVIEW OF THE 7TH EARIMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The 7th Eastern Africa Research and Innovation Management Association (EARIMA) Conference, held from September 22–26, 2025, at Protea Hotel, Entebbe, Uganda. Theme "Driving Research and Innovation for Socio-Economic Transformation," the conference focused on advancing the growth,
impact, and inclusivity of research and innovation management in Eastern Africa. It convened research managers, administrators, scholars, funders, and partners to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and strengthen regional research ecosystems
The event featured keynote speeches, oral presentations, panel discussions, and workshops addressing critical topics, including research integrity, grant management, intellectual property, policy translation, and strategic human capital development in research administration.

Mohamed Christian Ngaujah, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Officer at Women Against Violence and Exploitation in Society (WAVES) Sierra Leone, represented the organization at the conference. His participation encompassed both the broader EARIMA conference, and the parallel Good Grant Practice Writing Workshop organized by APHRC. Mohamed actively engaged in the conference by attending keynote sessions on research integrity and policy translation, contributing to panel discussions on grant management, and networking with regional funders to explore collaboration opportunities for WAVES. His involvement in the workshop focused on building capacity in effective grant proposal writing and management, where he made significant contributions through group work, discussions, and question-and-answer sessions.

Good Grant Practice Writing Workshop
Running concurrently with the conference from September 22–25, 2025, at a dedicated venue in the Protea Hotel, the Good Grant Practice Writing Workshop provided intensive training on grant proposal development. The workshop covered:
• Overview of grant proposal writing and funder identification

• Developing problem statements, goals, and objectives
• Implementation planning and project evaluation
• Budgeting for research proposals
• Risk management and sustainability considerations
• Writing abstracts, cover letters, and appendices
Mohamed’s contributions during the workshop were substantial. In group exercises, he led his team in drafting a problem statement for a WAVES initiative addressing gender-based violence, which received positive peer feedback for its clarity and alignment with funder priorities. During discussions, he shared insights from WAVES’ monitoring and evaluation practices, enriching conversations on project evaluation and sustainability. In question-and-answer sessions, Mohamed posed thoughtful queries on budgeting strategies, prompting facilitators to provide practical examples that benefited all participants. These contributions not only enhanced his learning but also elevated the quality of group outputs.

Mohamed’s participation in the EARIMA conference and Good Grant Practice Writing Workshop equipped him with advanced skills in grant writing, budgeting, and risk management. Notably, he gained expertise in crafting compelling problem statements and developing sustainable project plans, which will directly enhance WAVES’ ability to secure funding for community-based initiatives tackling violence and exploitation. His active engagement in the conference’s keynote sessions and networking with funders opened doors for potential partnerships, amplifying WAVES’ mission to drive socio-economic transformation. By applying these skills, Mohamed will strengthen WAVES’ monitoring, evaluation, and learning processes, ensuring more competitive grant proposals and impactful program outcomes.

His contributions during group work, discussions, and Q&A sessions underscored WAVES’ commitment to regional research and innovation platforms, positioning the organization to leverage capacity-building opportunities provided by EARIMA and APHRC for institutional growth.

01/10/2025

HANDING OVER OF COMMUNITY-BASED PARALEGALS AND SAFE SPACE MENTORS IN THEIR VARIOUS COMMUNITIES IN BO DISTRICT, SOUTHERN SIERRA LEONE.
Women Against Violence and Exploitation in Society-Sierra Leone (WAVES-SL), through Comic Relief Project: Titled: “Promoting Access to Justice and Transforming Negative Social Norms through Women Human Rights Awareness in Sierra Leone”; in seven Communities, in six Chiefdoms (Niawa Lenga, Valunia, Wonde, Bongor, Lugbu and Bagbo), in Bo District.
On the 23rd to the 26th of September, 2025; The Executive Director (Hannah Fatmata Yambasu) and team visited the seven communities of the said project, by officially handing over Paralegals and Mentors to their community stakeholders. This Agreement is entered into between Women Against Violence and Exploitation in Society-Sierra Leone (WAVES-SL), a National Non-Governmental Organization headquartered at 4 Amara Street, Shellmingo Section, Bo, Southern Sierra Leone, West Africa, and Community-Based Paralegals and Safe Space Mentors (hereinafter referred to as "Participants") operating in selected chiefdoms of Bo District, Sierra Leone.
The official community-based ceremony climaxed with an Agreement between WAVES-SL and the Participants which outlined the Purpose, Scope of Operation, Roles, Responsibilities, and Expectations.
During the ceremony, the Participants were warmly welcomed by the stakeholders in the community and wholeheartedly extend thanks and appreciation to WAVES-SL for professionally training their children, deployed them and now officially handing them over to them.
The community stakeholders affirmed their supports to the participants, and the project in their communities.

22/09/2025

Terms of Reference: Hiring a Training Facilitator for Financial Management and Procurement Training
Organization: Women Against Violence and Exploitation in Society (WAVES)
Location: Bo, Southern, Sierra Leone
Date: July 17, 2025
1. Background
Women Against Violence and Exploitation in Society (WAVES) is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering women and girls, reducing gender-based violence, and promoting economic inclusion in Sierra Leone. To strengthen internal capacity and ensure effective financial oversight, WAVES seeks to hire a qualified training facilitator to deliver a comprehensive training program for its staff on financial management, controls, and procurement processes. This initiative aligns with WAVES’ commitment to transparent and accountable resource management, supporting its mission to advance women’s economic empowerment and sustainable development.
2. Objective
The objective of this consultancy is to engage a training facilitator to design and deliver a high-quality, interactive training program to equip WAVES staff with the knowledge and skills needed to manage financial resources effectively and comply with best practices in procurement. The training will focus on the following key areas:
• Income and expenditure management
• Asset management
• Cash management and working capital
• Financial management systems and reporting
• Budgeting
• Procurement processes
3. Scope of Work
The training facilitator will undertake the following tasks:
1. Training Needs Assessment:
 Conduct a pre-training assessment to understand the current knowledge level of WAVES staff and tailor the training content to their needs.
 Consult with WAVES management to align training objectives with organizational goals.
2. Training Design and Materials Development:
 Develop a detailed training curriculum covering the specified topics, incorporating practical examples and case studies relevant to non-profit operations in Sierra Leone.
 Prepare comprehensive training materials, including presentations, handouts, templates, and exercises, to facilitate learning.
 Ensure materials are clear, accessible, and culturally relevant, considering the diverse educational backgrounds of participants.
3. Training Delivery:
 Deliver a 3-5 day in-person training workshop in Bo, Sierra Leone, for approximately 11 WAVES staff members (3 finance staff, 6 programme staff and 2 Technical support staff from MEL and Communications Units)
 Use interactive methods such as group discussions, role-plays, and hands-on exercises to enhance engagement and practical application.
 Address the unique challenges of financial management and procurement in the non-profit sector, emphasizing compliance, transparency, and accountability.
4. Post-Training Support:
 Provide a post-training report summarizing participant feedback, key outcomes, and recommendations for ongoing learning.
 Offer follow-up resources, such as a digital toolkit or reference guide, to support staff in applying learned concepts.
 Be available for remote consultation (up to 5 hours) within one month post-training to address implementation questions.
4. Deliverables
• A detailed training curriculum and agenda submitted to WAVES for approval at least two weeks before the training.
• Comprehensive training materials (digital and hard copies) tailored to WAVES’ context.
• Delivery of a 3-5 day interactive training workshop in Freetown.
• A post-training report submitted within 10 days of workshop completion, including participant evaluations and recommendations.
• A digital toolkit or reference guide for ongoing use.
5. Qualifications and Experience
The ideal candidate should possess:
• A degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in financial management, controls, and procurement, preferably in the non-profit sector.
• Proven experience as a trainer or facilitator, with expertise in delivering engaging, practical training on financial management and procurement.
• Knowledge of Sierra Leone’s regulatory and financial environment, including non-profit compliance requirements.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with gender-sensitive approaches to financial empowerment, aligning with WAVES’ mission.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of local languages (e.g., Krio) is an asset.
6. Timeline
• Application Deadline: August 15, 2025
• Selection and Contracting: August 20-25, 2025
• Training Needs Assessment: September 1-5, 2025
• Submission of Curriculum and Materials: September 15, 2025
• Training Delivery: September 25-29, 2025
• Post-Training Report: October 10, 2025
• Follow-Up Support: October 15-November 15, 2025
7. Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:
• A detailed CV highlighting relevant experience in financial management, procurement, and training facilitation.
• A cover letter outlining their approach to delivering the training and addressing WAVES’ needs.
• A proposed training outline (1-2 pages) with a sample agenda and key topics.
• A financial proposal detailing consultancy fees, travel costs (if applicable), and material development costs.
• Two references from previous training or financial management assignments.
Submissions should be sent via email to WAVES email contact: [email protected] by August 15, 2025, with the subject line: “Training Facilitator – Financial Management and Procurement.”
8. Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
• Relevant experience and qualifications (40%)
• Quality and relevance of proposed training outline (30%)
• Cost-effectiveness of the financial proposal (20%)
• References and demonstrated track record (10%)
9. Budget
WAVES will cover reasonable costs for training delivery, materials, and travel (if applicable). The consultant should provide a detailed financial proposal, ensuring alignment with market rates in Sierra Leone for similar services.
10. Reporting and Supervision
The consultant will report to the WAVES Finance and Operations Manager and coordinate with the program team to ensure alignment with organizational objectives. Regular updates on progress will be required during the preparation phase.
11. Confidentiality
The consultant must maintain confidentiality of all WAVES financial and operational information accessed during the assignment and sign a non-disclosure agreement if required.
12. Contact Information
For inquiries, contact WAVES contact person: Abibu Taylor-Kamara, Finance Officer, email: [email protected] and phone number: +232 78 896505].
Note: This Terms of Reference is tailored to WAVES’ mission and the specified training needs, drawing on best practices for financial management and procurement training in the non-profit sector. If additional details about WAVES’ operations or specific requirements are available, they can be incorporated to further refine the document.

23/08/2025

Women Against Violence and Exploitation in Society-Sienna Leone (WAVES-SL), with support from Comic Relief, successfully hosted a three (3) days event at The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs Regional Office in the Southern part of Sierra Leone.

Twenty- one community-based paralegals from seven communities in the six chiefdoms in the project targeted communities . Seven women and fourteen men took part in the process .

Topics covered include Human Rights and gender laws to effective communication and conflict resolution. The sessions covered vital and meaningful topics to drive change .

The event wrapped up with an action plans tailored for each community, setting the stage for lasting impact.

Join us in celebrating this milestone in the fight for equality and justice in Sierra Leone. # WAVES-SL # Access to Justice # Human Rights # Sierra Leone.

14/08/2025

Women Against Violence and Exploitation in Society-Sierra Leone (WAVES-SL); with support from EQUALITY NOW organized a day training for Adolescent Girls and Boys through the project titled: “ Advancing Child Rights: A strategic Advocacy Campaign for Collaboration, Awareness, and Action “, at the Don Bosco Hall, Manjama Institute of Agriculture, Shellmingo, Bo city, Southern part of Sierra Leone

The training targeted forty(40) adolescent Gil’s and boys, (25 girls and 15 boys) across Bo. The participants as mentioned above were drawn from different learning institutions; with enormous expertise in child safety and wellbeing activism

Topics covered include the following: Human Rights, Advocacy Strategies, National and international legal frameworks, FGM/C were successfully discussed

The one day training was climaxed with an Action Plan developed, which will serve as a dashboard for continuous engagement and monitoring.

PHOTOS

06/08/2025

Job Advert: Field Officers (4 Positions) – Women and Girls Empowerment Project (WAGE)

Location: Bo District, Sierra Leone
Organization: Women Against Violence and Exploitation in Society Sierra Leone (WAVES-SL)
Partners: Defence for Children International (DCI), Falaba District Women Network
Funder: Irish Aid
Contract Type: Full-time, Fixed-term (12 months, with possibility of extension)
Application Opening Date: 4th August 2025 Closing Date: August 15, 2025
Start Date: 1st September 2025
Click the link for full details 👉

Location: Bo District, Sierra Leone Organization: Women Against Violence and Exploitation in Society Sierra Leone (WAVES-SL) Partners: Defence for Children International (DCI), Falaba District Women Network Funder: Irish Aid Contract Type: Full-time, Fixed-term (12 months, with possibility of extens...

19/07/2025

Women Against Violence and Exploitation in Society-Sierra Leone ( WAVES-SL), through Comic Relief Project: organized a three-days match in three communities namely (Mandu, Telu, and Sumbuya).

The football match was an inter-community Safe Space competition, which covers seven communities in six chiefdoms ( Niawa Lenga, Valunia, Wonde, Bongor, Lugbu,), in Bo District.

On the 15th July, 2025; the first match was organized at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Junior Secondary School field, Mandu town between Valunia FC and Niawa Lenga FC. A mentee by the name of FATU from Valunia FC scored three goals in the second half of play.

On the 16th July, 2025; another massive encounter between Bongor FC and Wonde FC was hosted at the RC Primary School field, where Telu vs Gboyama clashed. In the first half of play, Mamie FODAY of Telu, Bongor FC scored the first goal, and the second goal was scored by Adama Kamara of the same team. The end result was tow goals to Neal.

On the 17th July, 2025; the final tour match was hosted at the Methodist Primary School field, Sumbuya town, between Lugbu FC and Bagbo FC. The match was tied between these two chiefdoms ( Jimmi & Sumbuya). After eighty minutes of encounter, no goal was scored by the two teams. And ten minutes was added and they got no goal. They finally entered into penalty kicks, where Jimmi (Bagbo FC) community safe space team secured a victory against Sumbuya ( Lugbu FC) by five goals to three.

WAVES-SL is fighting hard to make sure that, women and girl child are protected in all forms of life. With one accord our girls will be educated.

13/07/2025

Women Against Violence and Exploitation in Society Sierra Leone (WAVESS-SL) embarked on three days intensive training on ‘ Roll-Out Training on Human Resource Policies and Procedures 2025. At the conference hall of the organization.

The training was presented by Mr. Alhassan Augustine Turay Chief Consultant of the Human Capital Institute Sierra Leone

In her keynote address. Director Hannah Fatmata Yambasu said that, as we embark on the HR training, she emphasizes the importance of holding our organization’s values, and policies. She further iterated that, after completion of this training all employees understand their roles and responsibilities in maintaining a workplace culture that is respectful, equitable and supportive.

Moreover, during the training various policies were discussed like: 1. Condition & Services. 2. Recruitment & Selections. 3. Performance & Management. 4. Leave policies. 5. Disciplinary Code. 6. Grievance Policy. 7. Termination & Retirement. 8. Compensation & Benefits. 9. Temporary Employees. 10. Health & Safety. 11. Staff Movement.12. Training & Development and the like.

At the closure of the training. A lot of contributions were made by staff. It all ended with a joy celebration.

PHOTOS BEFORE AND AFTER TRAINING