Finance Advisor Internal Controls

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization dedicated to helping people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. Established in 1946, NRC has grown to employ approximately 15,000 staff members and operates in 40 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on providing life-saving assistance and long-term support to millions of displaced individuals each year. NRC is committed to advocating for the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, and it actively engages in policy development to enhance humanitarian funding and structural changes in protection and assistance.

Job Overview:
The Finance Advisor Internal Controls position at NRC Nigeria is crucial for ensuring compliance with the organization's financial policies and donor requirements. The role involves overseeing the adherence to the Financial Handbook and NRC policies, as well as conducting training for staff on anti-corruption measures. The Finance Advisor will be responsible for providing compliance analysis and reports, implementing anti-corruption policies, and managing donor financial audits. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying and controlling financial risks, ensuring that all financial operations align with both national and NRC standards. The successful candidate will play a key role in promoting the rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees, in line with NRC's advocacy strategy.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Advisor Internal Controls will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Ensuring that the country setup adheres to the Financial Handbook, NRC policies, and donor and auditor requirements.
• Maintaining overall compliance with national and NRC policies and procedures.
• Training staff on anti-corruption policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Providing regular compliance analysis and reports to management.
• Implementing the anti-corruption policy effectively across all departments.
• Conducting and following up on spot checks to ensure compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs), policies, and documentation.
• Managing and coordinating all donor financial audits for the NRC Nigeria office.
• Identifying, assessing, and controlling financial risks effectively.
• Promoting the rights of IDPs and returnees in accordance with NRC's advocacy strategy.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 3 years of experience working as an Auditor or Compliance Manager in a humanitarian or recovery context. A Bachelor's degree in Accountancy, Finance, Business Studies, or Economics is essential. Membership in a professional accounting body, such as ICAN, ACCA, or CIMA, is considered an asset. A Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Studies is desirable. Candidates should have documented results related to the responsibilities of the position and a solid understanding of their own leadership skills and profile. Proficiency in modern accounting systems and computer software is required, along with fluency in English, both written and verbal. Knowledge of the context in Nigeria and local languages, particularly Hausa, is advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in Accountancy, Finance, Business Studies, or Economics as a minimum qualification. A Master's degree in a related field is desirable and will enhance the candidate's profile. Additionally, membership in a recognized professional accounting body is beneficial and may provide a competitive edge in the selection process.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in auditing or compliance management, specifically within humanitarian or recovery contexts. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing financial compliance and risk assessment in complex and volatile environments. Experience with start-up or exit processes in similar contexts is also valuable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is essential for compliance reporting and training. Knowledge of local languages, particularly Hausa, is considered a strong asset, as it facilitates better engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Abuja, Nigeria, and is offered as a fixed national contract for a duration of 12 months. The role involves approximately 50% travel, reflecting the need for on-site compliance checks and audits. The salary is classified as grade 8 on NRC's salary scale, with accompanying terms and conditions. NRC is committed to diversity and inclusion, and it encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds. The organization emphasizes a supportive work culture that empowers employees to share ideas and take responsibility.