Finance Specialist

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 opportunities 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 Syria

DRC has been actively operating in Syria since 2008 mainly supporting refugees. In June 2012, DRC was authorized by the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) to expand its humanitarian efforts and provide assistance to IDPs and the vulnerable resident population countrywide. Since then, DRC activities have been focused on NFI distributions, Shelter, WASH, Protection, Education, Livelihoods, and Mine Risk Education in six Governorates (Damascus, Rural Damascus, Dara'a, Aleppo, Hama, and Homs). While Protection/community service activities are provided to beneficiaries throughout our Community Centers.

About the job

 As the Finance Specialist, you will provide overall advice, coordination, and technical support to the Finance teams and ensure compliance with the finance chapters of DRC’s Operations Handbook.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Management and support

• Assist in the development and implementation of financial management capacity building for staff.
• Provide comprehensive technical support and advice to the country’s finance teams and finance manager.

Accountancy and financial management

• In close collaboration with Managers in geographical areas reinforce existing procedures and systems for financial management and control in compliance with guidelines of DRC’s Operations Handbook, internal guidelines, and donor requirements
• Ensure adherence to relevant country statutory and other financial obligations such as tax, levies, and statutory returns
• Support the finance team with routine tasks to maintain accurate financial records and participate in cash counts, bank reconciliations, and other month-end closure activities
• Monitor accounts as per the assigned areas (e.g. Accounts Payable, interim accounts etc.) and suggest enhancements in accounting practices

Budget control, planning, and reporting, Master Budget

• Ensure effective budgetary control in the country's programs, and liaise with budget holders on regular budget monitoring.
• Develop and maintain budget control tools for regular budget follow-up for the new projects.
• Facilitate the timely delivery of quality financial reports to donors and internal reports to colleagues and HQ
• Assist in the development of new proposals by providing financial information for budgeting, submission for validation, and donor proposals.
• Provide support in phasing existing and upcoming projects in Dynamics, ensuring that they are aligned with the appropriate categories.
• Maintain and update the online Master Budget (ERP system) and the offline MB, ensuring monthly cost allocations are checked and controlled in coordination with the Finance Manager and HoSS.
• Update the gap report monthly.
• Ensure that the CO office's monthly allocations are accurately reflected in the BFUs.
• Verify that AOs maintain the Master Budget within their respective Areas, ensuring monthly cost allocations are current and reflected in the BFUs.
• Ensure that shared costs for projects are maintained and reconciled monthly, reflecting them in the BFUs.

Audits

• Support the financial audits by coordinating inputs from the finance, procurement, and HR departments.
• Engage effectively with auditors and DRC colleagues in HQ, regional, and other country offices, maintaining productive communication and relationships.

Experience and technical competencies:

•  Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience in financial/accounting field
• Solid understanding of accrual accounting
• Competence in providing technical guidance and training.
• Proven experience in working with national partners, local/government authorities.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel
• Basic proficiency in PowerPoint and Word
• Working experience with relevant institutional donors (UN agencies, ECHO, BHA etc.)
• Ability and interest to learn complex accounting tasks.

Preferred experience:

• Experience with robust ERP system(s)
• Experience with audits.

Education:

• University Degree in Finance/Accounting/Business or equivalent professional qualification

Languages:

• Fluency in Arabic
• Advanced English proficiency

 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: 31 December 2025

Level: Non-Management – G2

Location: Damascus - Syria

Expected Start date: Mid-June 2025

Application process:

Interested? Then apply for this position here: Finance Specialist - Application Form

All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note. CV-only applications will not be considered.

Applications close: 29 April 2025

Need further information?

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