Finance Specialist

Who are we?

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.

All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

About the role

Overall purpose of the role:

Provide guidance in all areas of finance, including project controlling and technical support to non-finance professionals.

• Functions as a specialist in Finance within the country.
• Provide overall advice, coordination, and technical support to the Finance teams in the Country
• Ensure compliance with the finance chapters of DRC’s Operations Handbook + Donor compliance

Geographic scope: Country (Yemen)

• This role has a country focus and ensures compliance to DRC procedures and guidelines within the country. The role contributes to the development of country strategies, which are translated into action plans and day-to-day tasks. The role provides support and/or technical guidance to country operations while overseeing country activities.            and reporting

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Support
   • Support the development and implementation of financial management capacity building of staff, both finance and non-finance professionals.
   • Provide technical support and advice to the country finance teams.
   • Provide required reports to country finance manager and SMT.

1. Strategic Financial Planning:
   • Lead Budget Creation: Initiate the creation of new project budgets in the ERP system, ensuring alignment with signed agreements and approved plans. Collaborate with stakeholders to gather necessary data, maintain open communication, and issue timely BFUs for effective expenditure tracking.
   • Adjust Budgets: Accurately reflect all budget revisions in the ERP system, accommodating changes in scope, funding, or unforeseen costs. Regular updates enhance financial transparency, resource management, and donor compliance, supported by audits for accuracy.
   • Maintain MB: Continuously manage and update the Master Budget to reflect real-time data and financial performance. Regular reviews and adjustments, along with team feedback, enhance financial oversight and decision-making. Provide training to staff for effective MB utilization.
   • BFUs Development: Enhance the BFU tool for comprehensive tracking and reporting of project expenditures, establishing clear budget allocation guidelines, regular review processes, and fostering collaboration among project teams to optimize resource use.

1. Resource and Allocation Management:
   • Prepare Resource Schedules: Manage the monthly scheduling of resources for both national and international staff, ensuring precise allocations and processing final salaries posting.
   • Fair Cost Sharing: Implement a strategy for the equitable distribution of country support costs across various projects to promote transparency and fairness.
   • Allocations Plans: Prepare and share the monthly allocation plan for the CO.

1. Financial Analysis and Reporting:
   • Work with Program Managers: Work closely with program managers to accurately forecast budget lines, ensuring alignment with donor and HQ requirements while updating the Master Budget accordingly.
   • Participating in Budget Meetings: Actively participate in monthly Budget Follow-Up meetings, providing financial analysis and insights to inform discussions.
   • BFUs monthly meeting: Participate in the monthly meetings to review the BFUs of ongoing projects. These sessions will enable project teams to present expenditure updates, discuss challenges, and assess budget alignment. Participants will collaborate to identify areas for improvement, share best practices, and ensure transparency in financial reporting. The meetings aim to enhance financial oversight and support informed decision-making, with regular follow-ups on action items to ensure effective resource management.

1. Stakeholder Collaboration and Coordination:
   • Coordination with HoSS and Finance Manager: Collaborate to maintain the country Master Budget, ensuring that financial strategies are aligned and up to date..
   • Collaboration with HR and Area Teams: Work closely with HR to update HR data in the online Master Budget and engage with area teams to address their Master Budget requirements.
   • Creation of 2025 Master Budget Templates: Develop and decentralize a simplified Master Budget template for 2025, including necessary training for field teams to ensure effective implementation.

1. Coordinating with audit.
2. Manage the  monthly booking and allocation of accrued costs.
3. Any other tasks requested by Manager.

Experience and technical competencies:

•  Minimum of 5 years of practical experience in financial management in a similar role within an INGO or comparable organization.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing and developing Master Budgets, cost allocation strategies, and financial tools.
• Proficient in developing policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Strong awareness of internal controls and related skills.
• Excellent proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to provide technical guidance and training.
• Proven strong analytical skills.
• Experience with ERP-style financial software packages is an advantage

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance/accounting.

Languages:

• Professional proficiency in English
• Arabic (preferred)

All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC’s core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes.  
•  Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.  
• Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.  
• Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly.  
• Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer.

Contract length: One year contract  

Position Band:  This position will be placed in the non-Management (G2) band.

Start date: ASAP

Duty station: Sana’a

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s National Terms of Employment.
 

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.
 

Closing date for applications: November 4th 2024, recruitment process is planned to start in maximum 2 weeks after the closing date.

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.