Finance Team Leader

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, livelihoods, and community development interventions. This myriad programming seeks to address the immediate needs of displaced populations and concurrently support vulnerable host populations. DRC has five offices spread throughout Lebanon in, Beirut, the Bekaa, Saida, Tripoli and Qobayat.

About the job

This exciting and demanding role will see you lead the finance team in the north area. You will provide support to the area management and implementation teams by taking responsibility for the financial management of the area, ensuring financial management procedures and systems are met in compliance to DRC procedures and guidelines, as well as ensuring adherence to DRC’s and donor’s accounting practices and standards.

You will manage a small team and report directly to the Area Manager and receive technical advice and support from the country Finance Manager based in Beirut. You will work closes with the Area Manager, Programme Managers and around 7 team leaders to help ensure DRC delivers timely and quality support to displacement-affected people in the north area of Lebanon. You will need strong English and Arabic language communications skills and be great at coordinating the work of other who do not necessarily report to you.

The role contributes to the development of area strategies and is responsible for provide financial management information and support to the area senior management decision making, supporting the implementation teams in the area, supporting the skills development of budget holders, and coordinating with the country office Finance Manager on country-level accounting, budget and compliance issues. The role is accountable for monthly financial cash needs analysis, budgetary forecasts and reports that the Area Manager reviews.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

• Lead and manage the finance team (including people planning, performance, well-being and development)
• Ensure partner sub-grants are compliant with the partner’ own standards and where appropriate ensure compliance with necessary DRC or donor regulations.
• Support Program Managers and Area Manger with regular budget monitoring and provision of a monthly financial report
• Prepare and use budget control tools for regular budget follow up
• Prepare and assist in issuing donor financial reports and support the development of budgets for new grant proposals
• Support budget holders and the Partnership team with budget management tools and skills
• Ensure that processes under supervision are handled properly via DRC Dynamics
• Ensure that payment documents comply with DRC internal financial procedures and donor regulations and are entered into the DRC accounting system in a timely and high quality manner
• Ensure all payments meet requirements of National Law and engage with authorities, tax advisors or other stakeholders to ensure tax requirements are met accordingly

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have a University degree in Accounting, Business, finance or related area. Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required 

• Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience in financial/accounting field
• Proven management skills and a competence in people management
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial IT systems, with basic proficiency in PowerPoint and Word
• Experience working in NGOs
• Experience in capacity building of staff and local partners
• Ability to produce timely project proposals and high quality reports
• Full professional proficiency in English and Arabic

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: 6 months ( pending donor signature)  
• Band/Level: G1, Basic Salary 2700 USD (depending on years of experience)
• Duty Station: North Area (Tripoli and Akkar)
• Start date: January 2020

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

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 26th of November 2019

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.