Overall purpose of the role:
The Finance Assistant (FA) supports the Dadaab Area Office in relation to all financial aspects of the Dadaab area office operations. The FA with guidance from the Finance Officer will ensure efficient and effective financial operations of project activities. She/he will ensure compliance with DRC Operations Handbook alongside donor policies, procedures, guidelines and rules. She/he in consultation and coordination with the Finance Officer will seek and receive policy guidance/ instructions and support from the Head of Support Services (HoSS) and the Finance Coordinator or Finance Manager.
Responsibilities:
- Implement financial policies and procedures
- Support on establishing the cash requirements and maintain adequate cash levels and related cash controls
- Ensure monthly cash counts are conducted and submitted by the end date of every month to the Finance Officer
- Assist with month end reconciliations by the 5th of every month.
- Assist in preparing financial reports for various donors and internal reports.
- Confirm that full accountabilities (supporting documentations) are obtained for all project expenditures;
- Ensure transactions are properly recorded and entered in the relevant journals in ERP Dynamics on a regular basis for review by the Finance Officer or Finance Coordinator and that they are posted by the 5th of every month
- Process approved payments of supplier / service provider invoices based on complete documentation in line with financial policy and donor guideline
- Assist in preparing schedules for all taxes withheld or paid where relevant and submit for verification before submission to the relevant authorities
- Supporting Finance Officer/Finance Coordinator/Manager and Project Managers to adequately prepare for both internal and external audits
- Ensure copies of project files and related financial documents are safely kept and are regularly backed up in an external storage device and share point
- Scanning of vouchers and supporting documents and sees that proper filing is done in accordance with donor requirements and / or DRC Operational Handbook.
- Inform the Finance Officer and Area Manager of all financial issues which can affect the execution of the project
- Reconcile the accounts payables, receivables and staff advances and process staff expense claims in Dynamics
- Ensure that all the processed payments are stamped “paid” and issue DRC official receipts for all the funds received
Education, experience and technical competencies:
- A Bachelor’s degree (Economics / Accounting / Finance or Business Administration) or compensating relevant work experience.
- A recognised accounting qualification (CPA II or ACCA II)
- 2 years’ experience in financial management/administration within a non-governmental organisation (NGO)
- Experience in donor compliance
- Familiarity with an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system
- Experience of donor reporting ideally within the NGO sector
- Experience of analysing financial information
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- High degree of computer literacy; including high knowledge of excel.
Personal qualities:
- Highly organised, punctual, delivery-focused and process- driven.
- Flexible and can adapt to arising issues while respecting local differences
- Passionate about promoting a Kenya free of armed violence and conflict
- High levels of integrity and trustworthiness
- Analytical and able to present logical arguments
- Curious and seeks out information, strong drive to learn new things and improve own capacity
- Takes initiative – identifies what needs to get done and does it
- Hard working and driven to achieve objectives, Able to work under minimum supervision
- A good team player, high level of attention to detail, culturally sensitive and able to resist external pressure
Language:
- Fluency in one of the local languages is an advantage.
- Fluency in written and spoken English and Swahili
DRC’s Core competencies:
All DRC roles require the post-holder to master the DRC’s core competencies below:
- 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: you Uphold and promote 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.
Conditions:
Contract duration: 11-months contract with possibility of extension, subject to funding and performance. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council terms of employment for National staff.
Employment Category: Band I2
Reporting to: Team Leader - Finance and Admin
Availability: February 2026
Location: Dadaab
Key stakeholders:
Internal: Finance Officer, Finance Coordinator/Manager, HoSS, Admin and Supply Chain Staff, Area Manager and other DRC staffs
External: Local government authorities, Other NGOs and local authority, Community members, Vendors/Suppliers
General
Commitments:
DRC has a Humanitarian Accountability Framework, outlining its global accountability commitments. All staff are required to contribute to the achievement of this framework (http://www.drc.dk/HAF.4265.0.html)
Application Process:
Qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications, which should include a 1-page cover letter clearly stating their motivation, and qualifications and a CV. Applications should include contact details of three professional referees who have supervised the candidate in the last five years. One referee must be the applicant’s most recent manager. Only applications that address the stipulated duties and meet the required qualifications will be considered.
We only accept applications sent via our online application form on www.drc.ngo under Vacancies. Applications should be sent no later than: 21st January 2026.
Gender Equality:
DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels. In light of this, female candidates and those from minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
Working at DRC
Help applying
DRC as an employer
Founded in 1956, DRC Danish Refugee Council is Denmark’s largest, and a leading international NGO. We have continuously been ranked as one of the best NGOs in the world - and are one of the few with a specific expertise in forced displacement. In over 30 countries, we protect, advocate and build sustainable futures for refugees and other displacement-affected people and communities.
By working in DRC, you will be joining a global workforce of over 6,000 employees. We pride ourselves on our:
- Professionalism, impact & expertise
- Humanitarian approach & the work we do
- Purpose, meaningfulness & own contribution
- Culture, values & strong leadership
- Fair compensation & continuous development
DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process.
Danish Refugee Council is an equal opportunity employer and we consider all applicants based on individual merit and qualifications, regardless of personal characteristics or attributes. We are committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce, aiming for a 50% balance of men and women in management roles and ensuring that at least 50% of management roles are filled by national staff. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is crucial for achieving our organizational goals and making a positive impact on the communities we serve.