Regional Finance Coordinator

Job Description

Regional Finance Coordinator.

• Technical Supervisor Regional Finance Manager
• Line Manager Regional Finance Manager
• Duty Station WANALA RO –  Dakar, Senegal
• Aera of Operation WANALA Countries – 30% Field travels
• Employment Period 12 months
• Type of contract Expat or National
• Salary Band Non Management F

Introduction

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. Based in Copenhagen (Denmark) and present in forty countries, the Danish Refugee Council is a non-profitmaking, politically independent, non-governmental and non-denominational relief organization.

Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

Background

DRC has been operating in West Africa since 1998 and in Latin America and the Caribbean since 2011. The DRC West-North Africa & Latin America (WANALA) Regional Office is based in Dakar, Senegal, and covers several countries. Led by the Regional Executive Director, the DRC WANALA oversees, supports, and provides strategic directions for DRC’s Country Offices within the abovementioned regions. The region covers legal entities in Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Libya, Mali, Mexico, Niger, Nigeria, Tunisia, and Venezuela. The Regional Program Team has a range of technical capacities.

Purpose

Based in Dakar and working under the managerial authority of the Regional Finance Manager, the Regional Finance Coordinator is an integral part of the Finance Department team at the Regional Office. He/She contributes to the effective monitoring of financial and accounting procedures, identify potential areas for improvement, and provide recommendations. The role ensures alignment between finance (budget preparation and monitoring) and accounting (updating accounting allocations in line with available budgets and projected expenditures under the master budget). Additionally, He/She ensures efficient tracking of accounting and financial reporting processes.

Moreover, the Regional Finance Coordinator is responsible for financial tasks related to regional and multi-country projects and their direct implementation by the Regional Office.

Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities

Accounting / ERP

• Conducts a detailed review of the accounting allocations for ongoing grants and performs necessary reallocations after validation by the Regional Finance Manager for the Regional Office.
• Responsible for the monthly accounting closure ensures compliance with the accounting cycle and the accuracy of allocations (nature and purpose) based on the general chart of accounts and pre-identified donor allocations.
• Ensures the compliance and updating of accounting documentation.
• Updates the ERP system (DRC Dynamics) with financing information based on acquired grants (new funding and amendments).
• Responsible for processing, uploading, and allocating national staff salaries in DYN.
• Manages the allocation of salaries for expatriate staff covered by the Master Budget Allocation Table in DYN.
• Oversees the importation of allocations related to airfare tickets.
• Provides technical support for the annual accounting closure (clearing suspense accounts, reconciliations, etc.) in collaboration with Headquarters.

Budget Control, Planning, and Reporting

• Responsible for configuring RO03 projects in DYN.
• Prepares and submits budget follow-ups (BFU) monthly to budget holders for validation and updates.
• Oversees the tracking and closure of « Regional Contribution » projects in DYN to ensure budget utilization before project end dates and the issuance of final expenditure reports.
• Contributes to the updating of the Master Budget (shared cost table) and the preparation of initial BFUs upon signing new grant agreements.
• Directly participates in preparing financial reports for donors.
• Manages the financial aspects of MMC and P21 projects and Master Budgets.

Transfers and Payments

• Ensures payment documents comply with the organization’s internal financial procedures and donor regulations.
• Monitors fund transfers from Headquarters in Copenhagen to the Regional Office and/or relevant Country Offices.

Audit & Compliance

• Supports the Regional Finance Manager and the Regional Head of Support Services in organizing regional audits (fiscal audits and donor audits).
• Ensures follow-up on audit recommendations.
• Monitors compliance with internal procedures and donor regulations during reviews of regional projects.
• Conducts monthly spot checks of accounting documents for regional projects and submits recommendations.
• Assists in the development and review of internal policies and procedures.

Country Support

• Trains finance teams on DYN.
• Provides gap-filling support for Finance Manager positions if necessary.
• Analyzes budget consumption trends.
• Assists in reconciling balance sheet accounts in DYN.

Supervision

• The Regional Finance Coordinator supervises the Regional Finance Officer, the RO Finance Officer, and the RO Finance Assistant.

Additional Responsibilities

The Regional Finance Coordinator may also be tasked with other duties and assignments as requested by the Regional Finance Manager, in alignment with the role.

Required Qualifications

• Academic level equivalent to a master’s degree in finance/accounting, Project Management, Business Administration, or a program such as Bioforce.
• Between four (4) and five (5) years of professional experience with an international NGO, including at least three (3) years in a similar senior management position.
• Proven and significant experience in financial, information, and systems management.
• Proficiency in accounting and financial management software (SAGE, Microsoft Dynamics, NAVISION, SAGA, etc.).
• Excellent command of Microsoft Office.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to work under pressure and in stressful conditions.
• Bilingual level of French (fluent proficiency in both written and spoken French is essential).
• Good proficiency in English.
• Strong understanding of the local context.

Additional Considerations

• Previous experience with DRC is an advantage.
• Familiarity with projects funded by the European Union, SDC, ECHO, USAID/BHA, and DANIDA is an advantage.
• Prior experience working with an ERP system is an advantage.

Required Skills and Qualities

For this position, you must demonstrate the five core competencies of DRC:

• Striving for Excellence: Focus on achieving results while ensuring an efficient process. Strive to deliver accurate, thorough, and professional work with optimal use of time and resources.
• Collaborating: Cooperate with and involve relevant stakeholders, actively seeking their opinions and sharing key information. Support and trust others while encouraging feedback.
• Taking the Lead: Take responsibility and prioritize your work in alignment with DRC’s overall vision and objectives. Proactively address challenges or opportunities and seek innovative solutions.
• Communicating: Communicate effectively and honestly, adapting your style and tone to the situation. Actively listen to others and engage in dialogue.
• Demonstrating Integrity: Uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in line with DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including the protection against sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.

Additional Attributes

• Ability to work in a multicultural and diverse environment.
• Proactive, cooperative, and collaborative approach.
• Excellent communication skills, including attentiveness and patience.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Exemplary ethical standards.
• Team player with a good sense of humor.

General Regulations

• The employee shall follow DRC instructions on safety, confidentiality and ethical guidelines, including the Code of Conduct and the Humanitarian Accountability Framework
• Employee should not engage in any other paid activity during the DRC contract period without prior authorization
• Employee should not engage in any activity that could harm DRC or the implementation of any project during the DRC contract period
• Employee should not give interviews to the media or publish project-related photos or other material without prior authorization
• Employee shall return all borrowed equipment for the project to DRC after the end of the contract period or upon request

Application Process

All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) on the DRC website. Both must be in English.

National and internal applications are highly encouraged.

DRC provides equal opportunity in employment and prohibits discrimination in employment based on race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability.