Danish Refugee Council – Finance Specialist (Nairobi & Addis Ababa Country Office)
Organization: Danish Refugee Council (DRC)
Locations:
- Nairobi, Kenya (Remote)
- Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (Office – Country Office)
Application Deadline: March 8, 2026
Employment Type: Full‑time
Career Level: Mid‑Level (3–5 years)
Number of Positions: 2
Industry: Humanitarian / Finance / NGO
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC), one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is recruiting two Finance Specialists to strengthen donor budgeting, reporting, financial analysis, and compliance across its operations in East Africa. These roles are central to ensuring financial integrity, donor compliance, and effective resource allocation in complex, multi‑donor humanitarian settings.
Position: Finance Specialist (Nairobi – Remote / Addis Ababa – Office)
Overall Purpose of the Role
The Finance Specialist serves as the technical anchor for donor budgeting and reporting, financial analysis, forecasting, and BFU leadership across the country programme. The role ensures consistent quality control, strengthens ERP/Dynamics data integrity, and provides targeted coaching and capacity‑building to Finance staff and stakeholders.
Operating with independence, the Specialist delivers timely, accurate, and compliant financial outputs across a multi‑donor portfolio, coordinating and advising on all financial aspects of reporting cycles to align with donor requirements and DRC’s Operations Handbook.
Key Responsibilities
Donor Budgeting & Proposal Development
- Lead donor proposal budgets and revisions (ECHO, EU, SIDA, FCDO, BHA/USAID, DANIDA, GFFO, SDC, UNICEF, etc.).
- Draft/validate budget narratives and cost allocation rationales.
- Coordinate with Program, HR, and Supply Chain for complete, realistic budget packages.
Donor Reporting Leadership
- Own end‑to‑end donor financial reporting cycles.
- Produce clear, error‑free reports with variance explanations and corrective actions.
- Ensure compliance with statutory obligations (tax, levies, returns).
Financial Analysis & Forecasting
- Lead monthly BFU meetings with Budget Holders.
- Drive variance analysis and corrective actions.
- Deliver rolling forecasts, burn rates, pipeline analysis, and Master Budget support.
Data Quality & Compliance
- Enforce QC checklists for donor/DRC compliance.
- Improve shared cost allocations and audit readiness.
- Provide monthly briefings to Head of Support Services.
ERP / Dynamics Systems
- Strengthen ERP/Dynamics use and reporting.
- Develop job aids, troubleshoot errors, and support ERP analytics.
Mentoring & Capacity Building
- Provide remote coaching and targeted training to finance staff.
- Facilitate practical clinics on variance analysis and ERP/Excel tools.
Audit & Partner Support
- Prepare audit documentation and support partner reviews.
- Review sub‑grant agreements and partner financial reports.
- Participate in partner due‑diligence, kick‑off, and close‑out meetings.
Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum 3 years of financial management experience in INGO/humanitarian settings.
- Proven expertise in donor budgeting & reporting (ECHO, EU, SIDA, FCDO, USAID, DANIDA, GFFO, SDC, UNHCR, UNICEF).
- ERP experience (Microsoft Dynamics preferred; SAP, NetSuite, SUN acceptable).
- Strong financial analysis, forecasting, and scenario planning skills.
- Advanced Excel proficiency (Pivot Tables, Power Query, Power Pivot, INDEX/XMATCH, SUMIFS, nested logic).
- Experience working with national partners and government authorities.
- Master’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or related field.
- Professional qualification (ACCA/CPA/CMA or equivalent) desirable.
- Excellent written and oral English.
Contract Details
- Contract Length: 12 months
- Contract Type: National Contract
- Band: G2 – Non‑Management
- Duty Stations: Nairobi (Remote) & Addis Ababa (Office)
- Start Date: April 1, 2026
- Salary & Benefits: In line with DRC’s Terms of Employment for National staff
📩 How to Apply
All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (max 4 pages) in English via the DRC recruitment portal. Applications sent by email will not be considered.
Closing Date: March 8, 2026
Company Website: Danish Refugee Council
Important Notes:
- DRC is committed to gender equality; women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- DRC is an equal opportunity employer, promoting diversity and inclusion.
- Only qualified national candidates (Kenya & Ethiopia) will be considered.