Finance Trainee (Expat)

Position Title :Finance Trainee (Expat)

Supervised by :Head of Support and Services

Reporting to :Head of Support and Services

Supervise: NA

Duty Station: Yaoundé

Area of Operation : Cameroon

Employment Period :12 months, starting ASAP

Type of Contract (International): Expat

Salary & Benefits: 10 000 DKK + Insurances + Accomodation

Introduction

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) 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.

1. Context

DRC Cameroon began its operations in Cameroon in 2018 responding to the humanitarian needs of refugees from Central African Republic (CAR) and vulnerable Cameroonians in the Adamawa region. Currently, DRC operates a regional office in Meiganga and two sub-offices in Djohong (Adamawa region) and Garoua-Boulai (East region). Interventions focus on finding durable solutions for the most vulnerable, using the holistic graduation approach to improve both protection and economic recovery. subsequently, in late 2018, DRC started its activities in the South-West region of Cameroon in late 201 to respond to the needs of forcibly displaced people in the context of the Anglophone crisis, starting humanitarian activities in January 2019. DRC operates in the divisions of Meme, Fako, Kupe-Manenguba and Ndian with an office in Buea and a sub-base in Kumba. Programming focuses on rural and hard-to-reach areas to meet people’s basic needs for food, shelter, and NFI, while improving the protection environment and providing income-generating opportunities.

In 2023, DRC expanded its activities to the Far North of Cameroon to provide a protection, positive peace, governance, and economic resilience response to the multidimensional and interconnected crises affecting the region.

2. Purpose

Based in Yaounde, the Finance Trainee will be under the supervision and authority of the Head of Support Services. He/she will work closely with the support and program teams in yaounde and in the field offices to ensure compliance with the organization’s internal procedures.

More specifically, he/she will provide expertise and technical support to the various operational bases, particularly in terms of monitoring the P2P module of the Dynamics platform, ensuring compliance and harmonization of financial procedures, and internal control. He/she will support senior management with any specific requests from the DRC Headquarters, Cameroon authorities, or donors. He/she will provide specific support for budget monitoring projects, including the Master Budget and for the project cycle management implementation. This position also requires a full professional proficiency in French and English language.

3. Duties and Responsibilities

The main responsibilities and expectations for this position are:

• Participate in budget monitoring of projects implemented in the Cameroon through document control, financial, and operational monitoring. Participate in the audit process.
• Support the support teams, particularly Finance in Cameroon, in monitoring expenses of the Procure To Pay module of Dynamics.
• Participate in the proper cleanup of balance sheet accounts and support the monthly and annual accounting closing process.
• Minimize financial risks by ensuring that DRC procedures and policies, as predefined in DRC’s operational manuals and other regional/headquarters instructions, are strictly followed through an effective internal control system.
• Ensure that financial regulations, procedures, and documentation requirements are met in DRC Cameroon operations. This is done by continuously checking the completeness and robustness of the procedures in place and proposing corrective actions to improve their efficiency.
• In close cooperation with the managers in the geographical area, strengthen existing financial management and control procedures and systems in accordance with DRC’s Operations Manual guidelines and donor requirements.
• Participate in audits and help timely deliver all required documentation for financial audits in collaboration with country office staff, the regional office, and headquarters.
• Follow new procedures and directives circulated by country management, the support services manager, the regional office, and headquarters.
• Additionally, the Finance Trainee may be asked to assume other tasks and work at the request of the Head of Support Services.

4. Required Qualifications

• Proven and significant knowledge of financial management information and systems.
• Knowledge of accounting and financial management software (SAGE, Dynamics, NAVISION, SAGA, etc.).
• Excellent mastery of Microsoft Office 365 suite.
• Excellent Excel skills.
• Excellent analytical and reporting skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work under pressure and in stressful conditions.
• Excellent communication skills in French and English.

Please note that:

• Previous experience with DRC is an advantage.
• Good working knowledge of projects funded by the European Union, ECHO, USAID, and/or DANIDA is an advantage.
• Previous experience working in an ERP system is an advantage.
• Demonstrated exceptional career track record is an advantage.

5. Required Skills & Qualities

• Core Competencies of DRC:
  • Striving for excellence
  • Collaboration
  • Taking the lead
  • Communication
  • Demonstrating Integrity
• Ability to work in a multinational and multicultural environment.
• Excellent writing, proof-reading, and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills
• Strong ability to adapt, take initiative and work in a multicultural environment.
• Interest for humanitarian sector and donor’s environment.
• Listening, analytical and synthesis skills.
• Excellent communication skills, as well as patience and politeness.
• Exemplary sense of ethics in the workplace.

6. General Regulations

• The employee shall follow DRC instructions on safety, confidentiality, and ethical guidelines, including the Code of Conduct and the Humanitarian Accountability Framework
• Employees 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.