Regional Finance Manager – Middle East Region At Danish Refugee Council

Are you ready to pursue an exciting opportunity with a progressive humanitarian organization in a senior management role? Would you thrive working in one of the world’s most challenging humanitarian regions, the Middle East?

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.

DRC MERO

Danish Refugee Council is a leading humanitarian agency pursuing our mandate to protect and promote durable solutions to displacement-affected populations based on humanitarian principles. DRC applies a regional approach with operational presence in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey & Yemen with a Middle East Regional Office (MERO) based in Amman, Jordan, which has 30 staff. Overall in the region DRC Middle East has more than 1,800 staff and an operating budget of USD 120 million.

About the job:

Under the management of the Regional Head of Support Services (RHoSS), the Regional Finance Manager (RFM) is responsible for sound financial management and planning of DRC’s operations in the MERO and at times, to extend technical guidance to country offices (when required). The post holder will be accountable for financial management and compliance of regional office and responsible for managing the finance functions. This position requires a high level of financial planning, including capacity building of staff.

Furthermore, The Regional Finance Manager should ensure a good and efficient cooperation, communication and collaboration with the Finance Department at the HQ (in Copenhagen, Denmark).

Responsibilities:

Finance (Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting)

• Participate in improving structures, systems and routines that enhances the effectiveness and efficiency of programme implementation in general.
• Contribute to the development of regional office plans and Financial Priorities in accordance with DRC Global Policies and guidelines that will ensure the regional staff adhere to plans and monitor results against expected outcomes and indicators.
• Participate in the preparation of budgets for new project proposals in close collaboration with respective budget holders.
• Produce and/or ensure high-level donor financial report(s) for ME regional office and of the regional projects.
• Prepare Regional office Master Budget in consultation with RHOSS.
• Produce monthly financial dashboard including gap analysis report for Management use.
• Produce and conduct BFU meetings for budget holders and technical coordinators within regional office.
• Liaise with headquarters finance and business controllers regarding Regional financial matters.
• Thoroughly verify the documents submitted for payment and provide budget codes for Regional Office costs (when necessary).
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of data entered into DRC Dynamics and that all expenses are in accordance with the donor budgets.
• Provide support that donor budgets are fully utilized and on time.
• Control the cash holdings and cash flow.
• High quality and timely reporting to donors, headquarters etc.
• Ensure month end closure report to submit to HQ is accurate and timely.
• Ensure maintenance of a transparent and consequent cost-allocation system for shared costs in line with Shared Cost policy.

Audit Management and Compliance

• Accommodate and support donor financial audits of projects as well as internal financial audits at the MERO, in good coordination and communication with the Finance Department at the HQ;
• Check and monitor the full compliance of the financial documents of the MERO expenses, considering the internal requirements of DRC but also the external requirements in terms of compliance (donors and potential legal obligations).
• Follow up with country offices within the ME region regarding the implementation of institutional audit recommendations and support their audit action plans as and when required.
• Ensure maintenance and efficient application of audit findings tracking system in the ME region.
• Ensure compliance with DRC financial procedures as well as with local legislation. The Finance Manager is responsible for maintaining efficient controlling mechanisms within the area of responsibility.

People Management and Leadership

• Lead and manage the Finance team in the ME regional office.
• Participate in the recruitment of key Finance staff in the country offices (when requested for support).
• Work to build the capacity of finance staff as well as programme staff for a good budget management through frequent in-service training sessions and mentoring support.
• To actively support talent management initiatives within the wider DRC finance community.

DRC Dynamics ERP System

• Actively engage and potentially co-lead within the ME region the implementation of finance related new development, rolled out by HQ.
• Ensure ERP Finance and project functionality is properly used by Relevant staff.
• Organize and train on DRC Dynamics Finance and projects functionality in the regional office.
• Act as Super User for most of the Projects & Finance functionality.

Others

• Any other reasonable tasks as assigned by the line manager.

Experience:

• At least 5 years’ experience in a senior financial management position.
• At least 3 years’ experience with people management.
• Proven experience in managing large budgets.
• Proven leadership skills and competence in people management.
• Competence in providing technical guidance and training.
• Proven experience in working with national partners, local/government authorities.
• Experience working for a leading INGO, with in-depth knowledge of donor requirements.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel as well as experience working on ERP system.

Education:

• Master’s degree in Finance/Accounting or Business Administration.
• Professional Qualification such as ACCA, CMA, CPA or equivalent relevant education is desired.

Languages:

• Excellent proficiency in English (Required)
• Arabic (Preferred)

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.

We offer:

Contract length: Two Years (extension based on funds and performance).

Location: Amman – Jordan.

Expected Start date: 01 May 2024

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council – MERO Terms of Employment for National staff. This position will be placed at Management (F) band.