Finance Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), which is a humanitarian organization established in 194

• NRC's mission is to help people forced to flee their homes, providing assistance and protection to those affected by displacement. The organization operates in multiple countries around the world, focusing on providing aid in areas such as education, shelter, and livelihoods. NRC employs thousands of staff globally, working in various capacities to support vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The Finance Assistant position is crucial within the NRC framework, focusing on the financial operations and ensuring compliance with NRC policies and guidelines. The role involves supporting the coordinator" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Finance Coordinator in managing financial documentation and processes, ensuring that all financial records are accurately maintained and easily retrievable. The Finance Assistant will be responsible for organizing financial documents, assisting in audits, and providing support in taxation matters. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to maintaining high standards in financial management. The Finance Assistant will also be expected to contribute to the overall effectiveness of the finance team by sharing ideas for improvement and ensuring that all tasks are completed in a timely manner. The role includes a travel requirement of approximately 15%, indicating the need for flexibility and adaptability in various contexts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Finance Assistant will have a range of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Adhering to NRC policies, tools, handbooks, and guidelines.
• Implementing procedures and activities within the finance function as delegated.
• Organizing and delivering tasks in line with priorities and standards.
• Developing and maintaining knowledge of the specialist area of finance to provide effective support.
• Preparing and developing status reports as required by management.
• Ensuring proper filing of financial documents, both in hard and soft formats.
• Scanning and filing all financial documents digitally.
• Managing the soft filing system and ensuring documents are properly placed, filed, and labeled.
• Providing vouchers to auditors and ensuring their proper return to the file folder. 1
• Assisting accountants with the filing of monthly financial vouchers. 1
• Maintaining records for long-term preservation and easy retrieval of documents. 1
• Liaising with the compliance department regarding archiving matters. 1
• Assisting the tax officer with taxation matters, including document extraction and tax report preparation. 1
• Supporting finance staff in the acquisition and retrieval of documents. 1
• Performing any other tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires several qualifications, including:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Finance or a related field.
• At least 3 years of relevant progressive experience in finance or accounting roles.
• Previous experience working in complex and volatile contexts, demonstrating adaptability and resilience.
• Documented results related to the responsibilities of the position, showcasing a track record of effective financial management.
• Strong written and spoken communication skills in Somali and English.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word, with the ability to utilize these tools effectively in financial tasks.
• A positive and collaborative attitude, with a willingness to work in a team and a multi-cultural environment.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Finance or a related field. This educational background is essential for understanding financial principles and practices, which are critical for the role of Finance Assistant. The degree should provide a solid foundation in financial management, accounting, and related subjects, equipping the candidate with the necessary skills to perform effectively in this position.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 3 years of relevant progressive experience in finance or accounting roles. This experience should include working in complex and volatile contexts, which will help the candidate navigate the challenges associated with financial management in humanitarian settings. Previous work experience with UN agencies or international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) is preferred, as it demonstrates familiarity with the operational standards and expectations in the humanitarian sector.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, good written and spoken Somali is required, as it is essential for effective communication within the local context. Proficiency in these languages will enable the Finance Assistant to interact with various stakeholders and ensure accurate reporting and documentation.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for 12 months, indicating a commitment to a specific duration of employment. The role is based in Maitsebri, Ethiopia, and involves a travel requirement of approximately 15%. The Finance Assistant will work within a team environment, contributing to the overall goals of the NRC and supporting the finance department in achieving its objectives. The position is full-time, and candidates should be prepared to work in a multi-cultural environment, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability to changing circumstances.