Finance Manager

Job Posting Organization:
DRC Ethiopia began operations in 2009 to respond to the needs of populations experiencing conflict, forced displacement, and the effects of climate change and natural disasters. DRC Ethiopia currently has country-wide programmes implemented through three main area offices and two sub-offices in the Gambella, Tigray and Somali regions, as well as its country office in Addis Ababa. Due to its long-standing established presence and experience, DRC is able to respond rapidly to the humanitarian needs of displacement-affected communities through a protection lens, restoring livelihoods and supporting the attainment of durable solutions for displaced persons on the basis of humanitarian principles and human rights.

Job Overview:
The Finance Manager role has a country focus and is crucial for ensuring the financial health and stability of the organization within the legal entity. This position fosters strong donor relationships and supports the organizational localization efforts while ensuring compliance with DRC procedures and guidelines within the country. The Finance Manager contributes to the development of country strategies, which are translated into actionable plans and day-to-day tasks. This role also provides support and/or technical guidance to country operations while overseeing all finance activities within the country, ensuring that financial management practices align with DRC’s operational standards and donor requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Manager will lead and manage the finance team, which includes people planning, performance management, staff development, and exit management. They will support the development and implementation of financial management capacity building for the Country Finance team and provide assistance to the Area-based Finance teams. The Finance Manager is responsible for overseeing the finance department for the entire operation, providing training and oversight to country office finance staff, and ensuring adequate support to area office finance staff. They will work closely with Area/Base Managers to reinforce existing procedures and systems for financial management and control, ensuring compliance with DRC’s Operations Handbook, internal guidelines, and donor requirements. The Finance Manager will also support the timely delivery of quality financial reports to donors and internal reports to colleagues and HQ, ensure compliance with relevant country statutory obligations, and prepare for local audits by liaising with government officials and external auditors. Additionally, they will contribute to the development of proposals regarding budgeting in cooperation with Managers, ensure a Master Budget is maintained and up-to-date, and lead monthly gap analysis meetings with the Senior Management Team. The role also includes ensuring DRC Dynamics is utilized effectively, improving internal office controls, and developing processes for monitoring spending across different DRC projects.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have at least six (6) years of experience in financial management of complex humanitarian programs, with a minimum of three (3) years of experience in people management. They should demonstrate sensitivity to cultural differences and have a proven ability to work in diverse cultural contexts. The ideal candidate will possess strong financial management skills and in-depth knowledge of international humanitarian organizations, along with experience working with relevant donor financial rules and regulations. Proficiency in using various accounting software such as QuickBooks, Navision, and Microsoft Dynamics is essential, as is expert proficiency in advanced Excel for financial data analysis and presentation. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are mandatory.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field is required, along with a professional certification in Accounting. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of financial management within the humanitarian sector and ensuring compliance with international standards.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of six years of experience in financial management, particularly within complex humanitarian programs. Candidates should have at least three years of experience in managing teams and should be adept at providing technical guidance and training to finance staff. Experience with donor financial rules and regulations is also crucial, as is a strong understanding of the financial management practices specific to international humanitarian organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as mandatory for this position.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The salary and other conditions are offered in accordance with DRC’s Terms of Employment for Employment band F1- Management. The position is based in Addis Ababa, and the reporting line is to the Country Head of Support Services. DRC is committed to creating an inclusive and positive work environment, and all applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, age, ability, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other factor. DRC conducts thorough background checks as part of the recruitment process.