Finance Assistant Position at Danish Refugee Council – Join Our Humanitarian Mission in Kakuma

About Us

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a distinguished humanitarian organization with a global presence since 1956, actively involved in over 35 countries. In Kenya, we play a vital role as one of the largest protection actors, working tirelessly to enhance the protective environment for refugees and host communities. Our focus encompasses protection monitoring, child protection, GBV prevention and response programs, economic recovery, and humanitarian disarmament & peace-building activities.

Job Category: Finance

Department: Kenya

Location: Kakuma

Contract Type: National contract

Posted: 02 Jan 2024

Expires: 12 Jan 2024

Finance Assistant Role Overview

As a Finance Assistant at DRC Kakuma and Lodwar offices, you play a pivotal role in managing all financial aspects of our projects. Reporting to the Finance Officer, you ensure the efficient and effective financial operations, in strict compliance with DRC Operations Handbook and donor policies. Your responsibilities include implementing financial policies, cash management, monthly reconciliations, financial reporting, and supporting audits.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Implement Financial Policies and Procedures: Ensure adherence to financial policies and procedures to maintain transparency and compliance.
• Cash Management: Establish cash requirements, maintain cash controls, and oversee safe custody of safe keys.
• Financial Reporting: Assist in preparing financial reports for various donors, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Accountability: Confirm full accountabilities for all project expenditures, ensuring supporting documentation.
• Recordkeeping: Ensure accurate and timely recording of transactions in ERP Dynamics, with monthly reviews.
• Bank Reconciliation: Prepare monthly bank reconciliation to ensure financial accuracy.
• Payments Processing: Process approved payments in line with DRC/DDG financial policies and donor guidelines.
• Tax Compliance: Prepare schedules for taxes withheld or paid and submit them for verification.
• Audit Support: Assist in preparing for internal and external audits, ensuring all necessary documentation is in order.
• Safeguarding Donor Funds: Ensure the safeguarding of all available donor funds and maintain proper documentation.
• Accounts Reconciliation: Reconcile accounts payables, receivables, and staff advances, processing staff expense claims.

Personal Qualifications

• Highly organized, punctual, and delivery-focused.
• Flexibility to adapt to arising issues while respecting local differences.
• Passionate about promoting a Kenya free of armed violence and conflict.
• High levels of integrity and trustworthiness.
• Analytical with the ability to present logical arguments.
• Curious, with a strong drive to learn and improve own capacity.
• Proactive and able to work under minimum supervision.
• A good team player with attention to detail, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to resist external pressure.

Experience and Technical Competencies

• Basic degree in Economics, Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration, or compensating relevant work experience.
• 2 years’ experience in financial management/administration within an NGO.
• Experience in donor compliance and reporting.
• Familiarity with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.
• Ability to analyze financial information.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of local languages is an advantage.
• High degree of computer literacy, including advanced knowledge of Excel.
• A recognized accounting qualification (CPA II or ACCA II).

Key Stakeholders

Internal Stakeholders:

• Head of Support Services (HoSS)
• Supply chain staff
• Kakuma Area Manager
• Other DRC staff in Kakuma and Lodwar

External Stakeholders:

• Local government authorities
• Other NGOs and local authorities
• Community members
• Vendors/Suppliers

About You

In this role, you are expected to embody DRC’s five core competencies:

• Striving for Excellence: Focus on results while ensuring an efficient process.
• Collaborating: Involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the Lead: Take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: Listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating Integrity: Act in line with our vision and values.

Conditions

• Contract: 12 months with the possibility of extension, subject to funding and performance.
• Availability: February 2024
• Duty Station: Kakuma Refugee Camp

Application Process

Only motivated applications that address the stipulated duties and meet the required qualifications, along with a CV, will be considered. Please submit your application and CV in English no later than 12th January 2024.

Apply Here

Gender Equality

DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Equal Opportunities

DRC is an equal opportunity employer, valuing diversity and creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees. We do not discriminate based on age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, color, race, marital status, or other protected characteristics.

DRC’s Commitment

DRC conducts thorough background checks as part of the recruitment process. Visit drc.ngo to read more about our commitment to ensuring robust safeguarding mechanisms.

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Expert Tips to Be a Successful Applicant

1. Showcase Your Financial Management Skills

Provide specific examples of how you’ve effectively managed finances in previous roles. Highlight your ability to implement financial policies and procedures, ensuring compliance and accuracy.

2. Demonstrate Donor Compliance Expertise

Share experiences where you’ve successfully navigated donor compliance requirements. Emphasize your understanding of donor policies, guidelines, and reporting.

3. Highlight ERP System Familiarity

Detail your experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, emphasizing your proficiency in using ERP Dynamics for financial recording and reporting.

4. Emphasize Your Analytical Abilities

Discuss instances where you’ve analyzed financial information to provide valuable insights. Showcase your analytical skills in optimizing financial processes.

5. Illustrate Team Collaboration

Provide examples of how you’ve collaborated with internal and external stakeholders. Highlight your ability to work seamlessly with team members, suppliers, and local authorities.

6. Stress Your Commitment to Safeguarding

Demonstrate your commitment to safeguarding donor funds and maintaining ethical financial practices. Illustrate your attention to detail in reconciling accounts and processing payments.

7. Showcase Multilingual Skills

If applicable, emphasize fluency in local languages as an advantage. Communication skills in diverse languages can be valuable in engaging with communities and stakeholders.

8. Prove Cultural Sensitivity

Share experiences that showcase your cultural sensitivity. Highlight instances where you’ve successfully navigated cultural differences in a professional setting.

9. Illustrate Proactivity and Initiative

Provide examples of instances where you took the initiative in identifying and addressing financial issues. Showcase your ability to work independently with minimum supervision.

10. Highlight Continuous Learning

Express your enthusiasm for continuous learning and capacity improvement. Discuss how you actively seek opportunities to enhance your skills and stay updated on industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the contract duration for this position?

A1: The contract is for 12 months with the possibility of extension, contingent on funding and performance.

Q2: When is the expected start date for the position?

A2: The expected start date is in February 2024.

Q3: What languages are considered an advantage for this role?

A3: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of local languages is considered an advantage.

Q4: How often are financial audits conducted?

A4: Financial audits are conducted internally and externally on a regular basis to ensure compliance and transparency.

Q5: Can I apply if I don’t have experience in an NGO?

A5: While NGO experience is preferred, relevant work experience in financial management/administration will be considered.

Q6: Are female candidates encouraged to apply?

A6: Yes, DRC is committed to achieving gender parity, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Q7: Is there room for career advancement within DRC?

A7: Career advancement opportunities exist based on performance, dedication, and available opportunities.

Q8: How can I address technical competencies in my application?

A8: Clearly outline your technical competencies in financial management, donor compliance, ERP systems, and analytical skills in your application.

Q9: What measures are in place for safeguarding against sexual exploitation?

A9: DRC conducts thorough background checks and has robust safeguarding mechanisms in place to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse.

Q10: Can I apply if I encounter issues with the online application process?

A10: Visit drc.ngo/jobsupport for assistance with any issues related to the online application process.

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Cover Letter Sample – Finance Assistant Position

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Finance Assistant position at the Danish Refugee Council, as advertised on your website. With a solid background in financial management within the NGO sector, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the impactful work of DRC.

In my previous role, I successfully implemented financial policies and procedures, ensuring strict compliance with donor guidelines. I have a proven track record of accurate financial reporting, managing cash controls, and supporting internal and external audits. My familiarity with ERP systems, especially Dynamics, further strengthens my ability to contribute effectively to DRC’s financial operations.

One of my key strengths is my analytical ability, demonstrated by my experience in analyzing financial information to provide valuable insights for decision-making. I am highly organized, detail-oriented, and possess excellent communication skills in both written and spoken English.

I am passionate about DRC’s mission and committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct. My ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, coupled with my cultural sensitivity, positions me as a valuable asset to the finance team.

I am eager to bring my skills and dedication to DRC and contribute to the organization’s commitment to gender equality and creating an inclusive environment.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills align with the goals of DRC.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

[Your Contact Information]