Substitution Expert

In DRC, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, we are trying to make the world a better place to live. In the Operational Finance division, we believe that we play a crucial role in that, with our focus on detail, our endurance where others stop & our focus on employee wellbeing. To support our operations, we are looking for Substitution Experts (Roles of Finance Managers/Specialists & Head of Support Services).

The role supports DRC’s legal entities by filling financial gaps both in the field and remotely, ensuring smooth operations. You may step in as Head of Support Services, Finance Manager, or Finance Specialist, or help increase capacity during times of need like year-end closures or emergencies. This is a roving position with 75% travel to various locations worldwide.

Who are we?

The Finance substitution team is a part of Operational Finance in The Department of Finance, Supply Chain and Risk (FRISC) and you will be managed by the Substitution Expert Team Leader.

About the job

Substituting of key finance management positions/capacities in country offices (CO), regional offices (RO) & headquarters (HQ) during periods of long term (> 2 weeks) gaps. Positions/capacities might be that of Head of Support Services, Finance Manager, Specialist, Business/Finance Controller etc.

The below are key focus tasks during position/capacity substitution:

• Ensuring business continuity in the CO/RO operations while deployed
• Managing Finance & Support Services staff ensuring mentoring, work & administrative task follow up etc., in case of managerial substitution.
• Ensuring that budgeting, accounting, month & year closure procedures & control, and other financial processes take place according to DRC policies, donor and auditor requirements.
• Leading/supporting clean-up process of DRC Dynamics in coordination with respective stakeholders
• Ensuring supervision of project finance, including proposal and reporting quality and partner/consortium financial monitoring. Supporting any related donor or statutory audit in the CO/RO;
• Conducting finance training for finance and non finance stakeholders and build capacity in
• Ensuring proper handover at the beginning and end of deployment
• In case of HoSS position, supervise the support services and coordinates smoothly with the Regional HoSS (RHoSS) for matters of regional financial inputs.

Special tasks

You will also be involved in special projects, with aim to improve the overall financial capacities in DRC globally as well as participating in various working groups, taskforces etc. across the organisation, given the time & prioritisation.

Reporting

Reports de-facto monthly to the Substitution Expert Team Leader and according to deployment to the respective manager (eg. Country Director, Head of Support Services or Executive Director of Region etc.).

Collaboration

• Business Controllers
• Finance Controllers
• Donor Audit & Contract Advisors Team
• CO/RO Finance and Support teams.

About you

To succeed in this role, you should be a self-driven professional with strong operational and ethical integrity, ready to travel on short notice (usually within 2 weeks). A collaborative team approach is essential for achieving standardized, high-quality results. You must have a solid background in finance and accounting, excellent multicultural communication skills, and at least 2 years of managerial experience. Proficiency in MS DYNAMICS is required, and H.E.A.T. training is a plus.

Our working languages are English (predominantly), French, Arabic & Spanish. Fluency in English and French is mandatory for this position.

Hiring factors of the right person will apart from technical knowledge be based on linguistic skills, easiness of access to the countries that consist of DRCs portfolio and commitment to the cause.

Moreover, we also expect the following:  

• At least a bachelor’s degree in relevant field, namely business administration, finance, accounting etc.
• Accredited Chartered accountant by a renown international institution (CPA, CFA, CMA etc). 
• Controller and accounting experience, preferably from an international organization/NGO.
• Adaptability and eagerness to learn in other support domains (Supply Chain & HR).
• Have attention to details while at the same time keeping an overview.
• Experienced user of Excel. 

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: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.

We offer:

We offer exciting opportunities to travel and work in dynamic countries (excluding Oceania). After training, expect to travel up to 9 months a year, with no more than 3 consecutive months away. You’ll enjoy generous leave and a competitive salary. Ideally, you’ll be based in Copenhagen or another DRC office location, but not in a country without a DRC office. You’ll join a supportive, diverse team in a flexible work environment that values work/life balance. We encourage open discussions and believe in solving challenges with a smile. Your growth and input are important to us.

Contract details

Contract Type: National/Expatriate

Contract length: One year with high chances of extension.

Working hours: as per the national or expatriate term of employment

Workplace: Preferably in Copenhagen – or any other DRC CO/RO, upon agreement with Line Manager

Start date: As early as possible.
 

This can be a national or expatriate position for which local terms and conditions apply, of the hosting legal entity. When workplace is in Copenhagen salary and conditions will be in accordance with the agreement between DRC and AC (agreement for academics).

Application process

All applicants must send a cover letter in French and an updated CV in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: Monday, 21st of October 2024

For questions regarding the vacancy please contact Andrea Casanova, Substitution Expert Team Leader via email [email protected]