Finance & Human Resources Manager At Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe

ABOUT DIAKONIE KATASTROPHENHILFE

Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (DKH) is a German NGO providing humanitarian aid in 31 countries, supporting people affected by natural hazard related disasters, war, and displacement and who are not able to cope on their own in the emergency situation they find themselves in. DKH emphasizes locally led responses through a global network of partners, promoting localized humanitarian action and equal partnerships. Committed to long-term, equitable partnerships, DKH strengthens local partners’ capacities and facilitates mutual learning and innovative cooperation, empowering partners and communities in decision-making. Fostering localized humanitarian action and an equal partnership approach lies at the very core of our work.

Part of the Protestant agency for Diakonie and Development (EWDE) under the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD), DKH’s Regional Office for West & Central Africa and the Caribbean (WaCAR) in Dakar, Senegal, oversees operations in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Central African Republic, DR Congo, Haiti, and Niger.

Join our team to support ensure the smooth functioning of the regional office in Dakar as well as to provide support to our country programs and regional projects in West & Central Africa and the Caribbean.

WORK CONTEXT

The Regional Office of DKH for West & Central Africa and the Caribbean was established in Dakar in 2023 and was legally registered in Senegal in 2024. This decision was part of DKH’s global reorganization aimed at increasing operational efficiency, enhancing ownership of decision-making processes, fostering greater learning and exchange, and sharpening our geographic focus. The francophone countries of West & Central Africa and the Caribbean, where DKH is actively partnering with local and national organizations, are now grouped together under this regional office.

Located in the Ngor neighborhood of Dakar, Senegal, the office is easily accessible and positioned to serve the region effectively. The team is currently being built and will consist of around 10 staff members, with some working remotely from other countries in the region. The Finance & Human Resources Manager will be based in Dakar, Senegal and will undertake occasional travel throughout the region as needed in support of the country programs.

DKH’s regional office prioritizes innovation, authentic partnership, and locally led processes in its delivery of aid. We are committed to strengthening civil society while supporting crisis-affected populations. Our team fosters a collaborative approach and strives to create a safe and nurturing environment for all staff members.

PURPOSE OF ASSIGNMENT

As part of a small office in Dakar, the Finance & Human Resources Manager will be directly responsible for all finance, HR and administration for the regional office functioning. The postholder is responsible and accountable for the setup of internal control and reporting systems to ensure that office operations in the West & Central Africa and Caribbean region are kept consistent with the standards and operating procedures of the organization and its donors. As the regional office in Dakar is still in the construction phase, the position will contribute significantly to establishing back-office functions, including the payroll system and accounting software, among others.

In addition, the role is responsible for final verification prior to approval of all project and operational budgets in the region and will undertake the task of consolidating multi-country project budgets and financial reports for projects.

The position currently foresees the supervision of 1 staff and will provide technical assistance to counterparts in the country offices in the region.

The regional Finance & Human Resources Manager is part of the regional senior management team (SMT), and within the function, advises the SMT on any matter related to operations within the scope of this role in the region.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Reporting: The Finance & Human Resources Manager is supervised by the Regional Director, based in Dakar.

Supervision: The role will remotely supervise the regional IT Officer who will be based in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Areas of Responsibility: The following tasks shall be fulfilled.

Responsibilities in the initial office setup phase

1. Establishment, management and monitoring of operations systems

• Setup the payroll system in line with DKH’s global remuneration philosophy and the Republic of Senegal’s labor law and requirements
• Implement the accounting software in line with DKH financial standards and procedures and the requirements of the Senegalese ONECCA, including OHADA
• Collaborate with the Berlin office to implement and update operating procedures summarized in the Office Operations Manual and ensure compliance with local requirements, laws and regulations.
• Lead the implementation of the transfer of the program management software from Berlin to the regional office; support the country programs in this process.

Core responsibilities of the role

2. Financial management and reporting

• Guide on the development of the master budget and the OP budget for the RO
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of operational reports for management and donors.
• Supervise financial operations and monitoring of obligations, budgets, and expenditures.
• Oversee reconciliation of accounts receivables and payables.
• Oversee correct deductions and statutory payments.
• Lead on the institutional audit.

3. Human resources and office operations (management)

• Ensure respect of all requirements in line with legal registration and right to operation in Senegal
• Maintain contracts and agreements with external service providers (i.e. legal cabinet, audit firm, registration consultant, etc.)
• Maintain up-to-date personnel files, application of benefits and all other HR related tasks, including initiating annual performance appraisals
• Organize and monitor onboarding/ offboarding of regional staff
• Ensure maintenance and reporting of assets

4. Collaboration and supervision

• Support the annual work plan process and other strategic planning processes.
• Provide expert advice to the Senior Management Team on all operational matters within the region.
• Supervise and support the IT officer (and any future staff) to ensure high standards of performance through clear roles and responsibilities, on-going feedback, and appraisals.
• Evaluate the performance of the IT officer (and any future staff) and provide guidance and support as needed including pro-actively address performance issues through timely constructive feedback and coaching.
• Support/coach finance, HR, admin and other operational support staff in country offices, as necessary.
• Contribute input and feedback to operations staff in country offices, as requested.

5. Quality support and compliance

• Develop, implement, monitor, maintain, and optimize internal control systems in collaboration with the Compliance and Risk Assessment Coordinator in Berlin for Dakar operations.
• Oversee compliance with standards and operating procedures, regulatory and statutory requirements logistics, finance, ICT/data protection, HR, admin.
• Oversee and support the country offices in the region in developing their own internal control system.
• Support the annual work plan process and other strategic planning processes.
• Ensure the set operational objectives are implemented and be responsible for analyzing overall performance (cost-benefit ratio, etc.).
• Identify and implement process enhancements to streamline operational efficiency.

QUALIFICATION, EXPERTISE AND SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• At least 10 years of progressive experience in Finance, HR, Administration and Operations management (or a combination of these), with at least 3 years in a management role.
• Proven track record of implementing and improving internal control and reporting systems within a multinational organization.
• Strong understanding of donor compliance requirements and ability to ensure adherence to these guidelines.
• Proficiency in relevant software and technology tools, with a strong understanding of data protection and information security protocols.
• Cultural Sensitivity to diverse cultural and social contexts, especially in a multi-country office setting.
• Fluency in English and French is essential. Additional languages spoken in the Sahel region is an asset (particularly Wolof).
• Legal right to work and live in Senegal and ability to travel throughout the region

ACCOUNTABILITY TO BENEFICIARIES

DKH team members are expected to support all efforts for increased accountability towards the beneficiaries while actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of projects.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Annual leave of 30 days/ year (minimum, varies somewhat depending on duty station)
• Family-friendly working conditions
• Opportunities for professional development
• Opportunity to become part of a highly dynamic and motivated team
• Additional benefits include health, life and business travel insurance, child allowance, contribution to pension scheme