Finance Specialist

Position Title

Finance Specialist

Supervised by
Finance Manager

Reporting to
Finance Manager

Duty Station
Abuja, Nigeria

Area of Operation
Nigeria

Employment Period
12 Months, with the possibility of extension.

Type of Contract (Expat/National/Trainee)
National

Salary & Benefits
NM-G

Introduction
Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a Danish international non-governmental organisation, which promotes and supports durable solutions to the problems faced by refugees and internally displaced people all over the world. DRC is present in more than 30 conflict territories around the world assisting displaced people with shelter, food, income-generating activities, and a wide range of other assistance. It is of utmost importance for DRC to work in compliance with the DRC Accountability and Quality Management system and national legislations. Smooth, reliable and effective operational systems are preconditions for DRC to maintain its position as a trustworthy and reliable partner for our donors and an accountable organisation towards our beneficiaries

Background
Danish Refugee Council (DRC) has had an operational presence in Nigeria since 2015 and has experience working in 33 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across the BAY states. DRC provides life-saving assistance and protection to vulnerable, conflict-affected populations including IDPs, returnees, and host communities in the sectors of armed violence reduction, livelihoods, nutrition and food security, protection, shelter and non-food items (NFI) and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).

The operational context in northeastern Nigeria remains challenging, as the ongoing conflict impedes conflict-affected communities’ access to what limited basic services are available, as well as DRC and other humanitarians’ access to persons of concern.

Purpose
The position of Finance Specialist is a crucial position within the DRC Abuja office, with primary responsibilities for Finance and other support functions for DRC operations in Abuja and support in field offices when needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Set up the BFUs (Budget Follow Up) into the Dynamics system.
• Reviewing all the BFUs and the GL (General Lager) for all Nigeria projects.
• Carry out the internal financial reviews during the project cycle to ensure that DRC offices and donor guidelines are correctly implemented.
• Responsible of preparation of the financial reports.
• Assist the country finance Manager in preparing and updating the Master Budget.
• Responsible for collecting cash forecasts from all offices and requesting funds from Headquarters in a timely manner;
• Responsible for preparing monthly end closure reconciliation for DRC Nigeria
• Responsible for updating the monthly program staff cost as per the actual expenditures.
• Responsible for updating the donor instalment tracker.
• Contribute to the development of proposals with regards to budgeting in cooperation with the Country Finance Manager and the HoSS.
• Responsible and support preparation of all required documentation for financial audits in cooperation with national finance staff and Headquarters
• Mainly involved in the closures of grants and the kick-off meetings of the new grants.
• Coordinate with Head of programme, project managers, and other support departments to control budgets expenditures.
• Reviewing monthly payroll according to DRC Nigeria procedures and ensure compliance with Nigerian labour and tax laws.
• Regular visit to field offices and check their financial records and report.
• Works closely with the Finance staff in All the Offices to ensure correct coding and hence allocation of expenditure to donors, as appropriate and applicable.
• Perform other tasks requested by the CFM to ensure smooth running of the programme.

To be successful in this role you must have:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience working for INGOs in the field of Finance.
• Excellent management, interpersonal and negotiation skills and a demonstrated ability to promote harmonious/cohesive teamwork, in a cross cultural context.
• Very good professional English, both written and spoken.
• Proven ability to plan long-term, organize priorities and work under administrative.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values.

Moreover, we also expect the following:
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in relevant field.

Note: Applications will be reviewed on rolling bases due to the urgency, therefore a candidate who closely meets the requirements may be selected before the above deadline.

• Only short-listed applicants will be invited for written tests and oral interviews.
• For general information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult: www.drc.dk

Deadline: Applications close on the 17th of December 2024 at midnight (GMT time).

However, all applicants shall take into consideration that DRC cannot offer an international work contract to a citizen of the country of assignment (in this specific case, Nigeria)

Application Process

• All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in English.
• DRC provides equal opportunity in employment and prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, sex, colour, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability.
• DRC encourages all applicants to apply and does not practice any discrimination in any recruitment process.
• Applications submitted after the closing date will not be considered.
• Due to the urgency of the position, DRC has the right to recruit a candidate who matches the required profile before the above deadline.

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s National Terms of Employment; This position will be placed at level (Non- manager, G).

We offer
DRC will offer the successful applicant a 12-month contract, renewable, dependent on both funding and performance. You must be available to start work approximately in January/February 2025 and be willing and able to work in Abuja - Nigeria. Designation of Duty Station: Non-Family Duty Station

- External vendors.

- RO and HQ Finance Colleagues

- Budget Holders and Program teams

- SMT in country office

- Finance Teams

Key stakeholders: (internal and external)

Languages:

• English (Fluent)

Location: Abuja, Nigeria