Finance Specialist

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 fulfilment 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.

Operating since 2004 in Lebanon, DRC has addressed the needs and rights of vulnerable populations, working initially with Palestinian refugees (since 2004), Iraqi refugees (2007-2010), Lebanese IDPs (during the 2006 conflict), migrant domestic workers (since 2009) and, since 2011, responding to the Syrian refugee crisis. DRC Lebanon is currently delivering programming in protection, housing, infrastructure, basic assistance, economic recovery, and community development interventions. This myriad programming seeks to address the immediate needs of displaced populations and concurrently support vulnerable host populations. DRC has three offices spread throughout Lebanon in, Beirut, the Bekaa and North (Halba).

About the job

The Finance Specialist is dedicated to the MADAD LINKED Consortium, a Consortium funded by the EUTF (MADAD) and implemented by 4 NGOs (DRC, Mercy Corps, OXFAM and Al Majmoua) with the objective to contribute to sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic development in Lebanon. He/she is sought by DRC, the Consortium Lead, to join a Consortium Management Unit (CMU) which ensure that the core functions of the programme are carried out in a timely and effective manner. Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

Financial Management

• Provide Financial Management of the consortia and partnerships to ensure strong budget management among the partners and compile and deliver financial reports on consortia financial situation
• Review and process partner payment requests and financial reports, perform verifications, support with issues based on financial review, sign-off on final versions, and ensure reports are submitted to HQ on time
• Update monthly top-line and quarterly financial tracking tools for the Consortium Management Unit and provide support for the Grant Management meeting, at Consortium and DRC levels
• Support the CMU in the Consortium Technical Working Group meetings composed of focal points from each organization (Economic Recovery, MEAL, Finance, Communication, Advocacy, Heads of Programmes etc. depending on priorities) to provide technical support and guidance to consortium organizations in the timely and quality implementation of the programme.

Compliance

• Provide Compliance oversight for the consortium, ensuring awareness and adherence of EU regulations, staying abreast of changes in regulatory environment related to donor/ grant compliance (with updates to guidance to partners as needed)
• Review partner procurement and program transactions, contracts and other documents for compliance requirements, including anti-fraud and diversion, and ensure these requirements are met
• Prepare and maintain internal and donor compliance-related reports
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of compliance-related partnership information requests to the donor, DRC HQ and/or other key stakeholders

Sub-Grant Management

• Support Grants teams to ensure sub-grant agreements are issued, managed and monitored in accordance with sub-grant regulations
• In partnership with Grants team members, ensure programming complies with DRC procedures on sub-grant management, including ensuring all relevant information is updated in DRC financial system
• Support follow-up on all sub-grant compliance issues, audits and document resolutions

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have a high level of financial planning, compliance, budgeting management, partnership management and strong coordination and communication skills to support the (consortia) partners and ensure effective and efficient financial management for the consortia and partnerships. Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required

• At least 3 years of experience in finance management roles, including accounting, internal/external audit
• Experience working for a leading INGO, with in depth knowledge of donor requirements, especially ECHO, EC, DFID, DANIDA, OFDA, BPRM, UNHCR and UNICEF
• Demonstrable strategic thinking and leadership ability
• Experience with financial and grant management systems
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and influencing skills with a well-developed ability to motivate and persuade at high levels
• Proven ability to lead and work effectively with others to achieve results
• Understanding and experience of institutional fundraising
• Confident & proficient in the use of MS Office, and advanced Excel proficiency.
• 2 year valid Lebanese driver's license

Desirable

• Experience working with Consortium’s and partnerships (preferable)
• A postgraduate degree or advanced professional qualification in Finance (Advanced Certificate in Accounting and Finance, Certificate in Business Accounting, etc.) (preferable)

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: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Contract length: 12 months

Band/Level: G

Duty Station: Beirut

Start date: October/November 1st, 2020

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies. For questions regarding the vacancy please contact karim.mikati@drc.ngo